ONE of Minehead's most popular events, the Summer Festival with the Red Arrows has been cancelled for 2016.

The event is organised by Butlins and has been held on the seafront adjacent to the resort for a number of years.

However following the tragic accident at Shoreham Air Show and subsequent additional legislation for similar shows, Butlins has taken the decision to cancel.

“It’s not a decision we have taken lightly, nor is it one that we like having to make,” said Butlins Minehead Resort Director Julian Highfield.

“However, having assessed the new rules and taken everything into account, we felt we had no option. We understand that people will be disappointed but hopefully they will understand safety has to be our first consideration.”

The team at Butlin’s and the Minehead Events Group are currently looking at options to replace the event, and will make an announcement if and when they have any news.

More than 12,000 people attended the 2015 event last August.

It is sad news for Minehead which has already lost out on the Real Ale Festival held at the Railway Station for this summer.

What are your thoughts? Email steven.salter@nqsw.co.uk.