MINEHEAD is set to host a new free food and drink festival later this year.

Preparations are now underway for Eat: Minehead, which is set to take place on Saturday, October 12 and will stretch from the junction with Friday Street, down The Parade and The Avenue to The Esplanade.

Minehead Old Hospital and The Beach Hotel will also be providing indoor venues for the festival.

One of the organisers, Beverley Milner-Simonds, gave a presentation at Minehead Town Council on Tuesday night, saying: “There will be some of the very best local producers, fresh street food and family entertainment.

“We are expecting around 80 producers. There will also be demos in association with West Coast 360, cook school and masterclasses - all free of charge.”

The festival is now open for applications and interested food and drink businesses should apply at www.eatfestivals.org/apply

The event is been designed to showcase Minehead businesses and community groups and is being supported by Minehead BID.

BID chairman Graham Sizer said: “Minehead BID is, along with others in the town, looking at a programme of events through the year that will help put Minehead on the map.

“The Eat Festivals have been operating successfully in other Somerset towns for several years, but never come to Minehead.

“They are very popular and have a big following. We are pleased to be working with them to deliver one more event that adds something to the shoulder months between summer and Christmas in our neck of the woods.

“The Town Centre Cycle Event had the support of BID last year and from small beginnings is now on the national calendar.

“As with all annual events footfall increases each year if it they are done properly.”