A FOUNDATION created by BBC television presenter Julia Bradbury has partnered with the upcoming Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival.
The festival, which kicks off on September 21, has signed up the foundation’s The Outdoor Guide (TOG) as a partner and will raise funds for its project to supply waterproofs and wellington boots to primary schools so more pupils can enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather.
Ms Bradbury’s sister Gemma Hunt, who is a project ambassador and children’s entertainer, said the foundation wanted to raise more than £6 million to allow every State primary school in the UK to have 10 sets of waterproofs and boots available.
The festival, which will run until September 29, is being organised by the King Charles III England Coast Path team at Somerset Council.
Team spokesperson Isobel Pring said: “We are delighted TOG, a free online resource set up by Julia Bradbury and her sister Gina, has agreed to support the festival.
“TOG believes in the value of enjoying a healthy life outdoors and so do we.
“We are also particularly pleased to have the chance to help with their waterproofs and wellies project that could benefit Somerset schoolchildren.
“We will be contacting schools on the coast to encourage them to get involved and register their interest with TOG.”
More than 70 events have been listed for the festival, making it bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, with the inclusion of a marathon, ultra marathon, and fire and light trails.
Proceeds from some of the festival walks will be for the project to spend on schools close to the coast path.
They include guided story walks around Minehead’s Quay on Wednesday, September 25, and around three of the town’s parks on Sunday, September 29.
The festival has been planned as a celebration of Somerset’s unique and diverse coastline, bringing together walking, music, the arts, food and flavours, performance, and a host of activities which showcase the area.
More information is available on the festival website here including details of how to make a donation and sign up for the fund-raiser walks.