RESIDENTS will have the chance to discover Bridgwater in a whole new light when the popular Quayside Festival takes place this coming weekend.

Although sadly the Covid-19 pandemic means the traditional Quayside Festival, with its huge variety of entertainment on hand at various venues scattered around the town, cannot take place as normal, it will still be going ahead online.

The organisers have been working round the clock to put together a full programme complete with quizzes, virtual performances, music, digital illusions, workshops, and much more.

The virtual Quayside Festival will be free, although organiser Sally Mann says any donations people can provide, which will go to the local NHS and to the support the performers and artists who have contributed.

Lead organiser Sally Mann of Fuse Performance said: “While we were saddened that the Bridgwater Quayside Festival had to be be cancelled, we were determined to do something.

“What started as the idea to do a small virtual event has snowballed and now we have a fantastic full programme for the weekend which we hope can help bring a smile to people’s faces during lockdown.”

The festival will begin on Friday, July 17, at 7pm with a Facebook Live Festival Quiz, complete with prizes for the winners.

There is an online video game called The Fourth Plinth people can participate in and tour a virtual Bridgwater, as well as a virtual pop-up exhibition from the Bridgwater Arts Centre.

Lets Dance Sedgemoor will be running a Zoom Workshop to teach people some moves, and a singing workshop with Yvette Staelens.

Magician and illusionist Marc Lavelle will be performing, as will acrobats and high wire artists.

“It has not been an easy year for many of these performers,” Mrs Mann explained.

“While the recently announced Government support for the Arts is welcomed, it is mainly targeted at venues and theatres - there is a concern street entertainers may fall through the net.

“But they need support as they are also missing out on their peak earning period with the vast majority of summer events cancelled.

“We would like to thank Arts Council England for project funding during the Covid-19 emergency.”

To see the full programme of events and how to enjoy this year’s Virtual Bridgwater Quayside Festival, visit bridgwaterquaysidefestival.co.uk.

Planning is underway to bring the Bridgwater Quayside Festival back in 2021.