MINEHEAD Summer Festival is set to be a blast this August with high octane Thundercat Racing coming to the shoreline.
Today (Saturday, July 21), the Minehead Events Group were joined by Watchet's James Tapp - a world champion Thundercat racer, who gave a preview of just what visitors are in store for.
"Thundercats are a bit like if Nasa made lilos," James explained.
"The racing is fast-paced and exciting, full of thrills and spills - the thundercats have a top speed of 65mph."
The weekend will feature a series of races across the two days - Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5.
"The races take place close to the shoreline so spectators can get a great view and a real feel for the race," James said.
"It is fantastic to be able to bring this event to Minehead and I think it should be a fantastic weekend of action."
As part of the preview day, James kindly agreed to take Gazette reporter Steven Salter for a spin in one of the Thundercats.
"It was an amazing experience, seeing Minehead Beach go by as a blur from the powerboat," Steve said.
"It is incredible how quickly they can accelerate but also how sharply the boats can turn at speed. It should make for some brilliant racing."
The weekend is also set to feature equally exhilirating P1 Aquax Jet Ski racing.
On both the days the racing will take place between 10am and 3pm.
Katrina Midgley, the chairman of the Minehead Coastal Community Team (MCCT) said: "The Summer Festival is a brilliant demonstration of how partnership working can bring exciting events to Minehead.
"MCCT is proud have been able to help draw in the funding to make it possible."
Andrew Hadley, chairman of the Minehead Events Group wanted to thank sponsors Amicus Law, Beaver Ford, CJ Lynch, Autohaus and Jewsons, whose generous donations had helped make the event possible.
"As a fun-packed family weekend we are hoping to attract visitors from far and wide to come and enjoy the racing and many other attractions planned over the two days," Mr Hadley said.
"We hope this will become a key seafront event for Minehead for years to come."
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