WATCHET rolled out the red carpet and stayed open late for a capacity load of visitors who arrived in town by special train for the first time last Friday night (August 3).

The West Somerset Railway had put on a special train for 470 stallholders and exhibitors at last week’s steam and vintage rally at Bishops Lydeard to go on a traditional Friday night excursion.

“Usually they pick Minehead,” a spokesman said. “But this time they asked to go to Watchet.”

The town’s chamber of trade (WACET) and Coastal Communities Team (CCT) were alerted and started making plans: “We wanted them to get a very special welcome and see what a great place Watchet is,” said CCT member Molly Quint.

Greeted by railway staff and Town Crier David Milton, the visitors were escorted to a free concert by West Somerset Brass band and a hog roast

“Shops and cafés in the town stayed open for the occasion and everyone was very impressed by Watchet as a happy and welcoming little town,” said WACET chairman John Richards. "Everyone said they wanted to come back to Watchet next year!”