A SOMERSET festival - live streamed to audiences around the UK - attracted more than 2000 viewers.

Arts Taunton’s TYCA was shown virtually this weekend (October 23 and 24) - after the charity’s annual festival had to be moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The live stream even managed to attract audiences from as far as Kilmarnock in Scotland.

“We had more than 2000 viewers in two days,” said festival director Deborah Badoo.

“In these unchartered waters we took a leap of faith and it paid off.

“Our young performers have shared what it has meant for them to have had this opportunity, and even better – the festival is still online and attracting new viewers and we intend to leave it up for others to enjoy.

“When we looked at who had been viewing and where they were from, it became obvious that family and friends from afar where watching, many from areas of the country that are on a lockdown again – presumably unable to travel to see the performances.”

The festival was hosted by actor Ian McNeice, known for his Character Bert Large in Doc Martin.

“I was delighted to host the Tyca Festival,” he added.

“I look back fondly to the start of my own artistic career which began at Taunton School and look forward to helping other budding talents take the stage.”

The festival included dance, theatre, outdoor performances, an open mike evening, live DJ performances, family theatre show, art and design by fashion students, media make up demonstration, short play, performance from the musicals and finally, slamthology - a spoken word performance.

If you missed the festival, you can still enjoy the performances as they will be available online throughout half term. To watch visit tycafestival.co.uk