NEARLY 1,000 residents and visitors descended on Porlock Weir last Saturday (9th September) to enjoy maritime-inspired activities, music and entertainment at the harbour’s second Sea Festival.

The free event was organised by Porlock Visitor Centre, in collaboration with Porlock Manor Estate, with funding from Somerset Council and Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund.

Entertainment included kayaking and archery with Exmoor Adventures, live sea shanty music from the Barnacle Buoys, the Original Sailors’ Hobby Horse, and performances from Porlock Pantomime and Drama Society.

There was also an opportunity to make sea monsters with Wild Wellies in a “marooned shipwreck”. Porlock Bay Oysters was open for sales and shucking demonstrations, plus sea themed-wood carvings by Mike Leach and face painting at the Harbour House coffee shop.

Groups taking part included the National Trust, the RNLI, HM Minehead Coastguard, National Coast Watch, Exmoor Search and Rescue, Exmoor Natural History Society, Porlock Weir Gig Club and the Porlock Weir Sailing Club decorated their boats.

Visitors enjoyed refreshments from Harbour Stores, Harbour Gallery and Café, The Bottom Ship and Harbour House Coffee Shop and the event was kicked off by town crier Grant Dennis, who was master of ceremonies for the day.

Porlock visitor centre manager Deborah Stanyon said: “I was delighted by the crowds who came to the festival. The weather was perfect, giving everyone the opportunity to spend a few hours enjoying the wide variety of entertainment, the wonderful scenery and a great festival atmosphere at Porlock Weir.

“It was an amazing team effort by our local businesses and our volunteers who generously gave their time to ensure the event was so successful. It was lovely to see so many happy faces and hearing all the positive comments from local residents and visitors.

“My huge thanks to our partner organisations and volunteers who worked so tirelessly to pull this event together.”

National Coast Watch had a stall at the event and fundraising lead Peter Welch said: “Well done, for organising a very successful and entertaining festival. National Coast Watch UK had the perfect pitch and had a very successful day with volunteer applications and donations.”

Ema Rowe from Wild Wellies, added: “It was really lovely to be able share my creative ways to connect both local and visiting children with our very special natural environment that is Porlock Weir.

“I chatted to the local children about what real sea creatures they might find in Porlock Bay to encourage them to revisit what’s on their doorstep.

“Visiting children, on the other hand, wanted to know more about the wider natural environment from woods to moors and sea - all while making sock sea monsters!

“It’s a fantastic community event that draws together and uplifts everyone who came or took part.”