WATCHET Live CIC, the community interest charity behind Watchet Live Festival, have formally been notified as recipients of the 2017 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

One of just two organisations in Somerset to be named as recipients in 2017, their citation states they are receiving this this prestigious award as 'Volunteers organising numerous events year on year for the benefit of their community and to help boost tourism.'

Data from last year alone suggests that the eight regular annual activities organised by Watchet CIC (including Watchet Live Festival, the infamous Wheelbarrow Race and Summer Carnival) generate approximately £1m of income into the West Somerset town.

As part of the award, Watchet CIC will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal. Directors Mark and Jackie Bale (as representatives of the seven Watchet CIC directors) also attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen and Prince Phillip, who were both in attendance.

Mark Bale said: “Many people are amazed to learn that Watchet LIVE CIC stage and manage all Watchet Live events on a volunteer basis, and this award is accepted on behalf of each and every one person who has given their unpaid time for the benefit of our community.

"The aim was always to make our hometown in the rural Westcountry a vibrant, exciting place to visit and live, and to bring a true festival experience to West Somerset. To receive this prestigious award is validation of all this hard work to date, and also provides inspiration to keep going in the future!”