A NEW festival dedicated to celebrating the region's coastal routes is set to take place this autumn.

The Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival will start for the very first time on Saturday, September 23 until Sunday, October 1.

Attendees can expect to see stunning scenery as they walk along the county's coastal routes, with the chance to stop at eateries, B&B's, galleries and more.

You will have the chance to walk the entire coast of Somerset, from Brean to Porlock Weir.

If you are part of a business which is located in these areas, you are encouraged to come forward and provide your support to help make the festival a permanent fixture on the calendar.

The festival is just one of the initiatives commissioned by Somerset Council and funded by the Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership (HTAP). This focuses on coastal tourism with a series of four projects operating over the next two years. 

Councillor Ros Wyke, lead member for Prosperity, Assets & Development, said: "The Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival is an exciting opportunity to put our beautiful coastline centre stage and showcase the very best of what our area has to offer. 

“We hope that by working with local tourism and hospitality businesses, we can create a fantastic range of events and activities that will encourage visitors to come and explore all that Somerset has to offer. 

“This is just the beginning of our plans to support coastal tourism in the region, and we look forward to seeing how the festival and the wider programme will help to drive economic growth and development for years to come."

It is hoped that the festival will also create the chance for local businesses to stage and promote their own events.

There will be a festival directory which will inform visitors of the events taking place, as well as highlighting establishments and attractions along the coast.

The festival coincides with other events taking place in the same period, such as Somerset Arts Weeks' open studios, to maximise Somerset's potential to attract visitors and extend the season into the autumn months.

For more information, visit www.somersetcoastfestival.co.uk or follow the festival on Facebook @somersetcoastfestival.

If you want to get involved in the festival, contact the England Coast Path team at Somerset Council on 01823 359795 or email info@somersetcoastfestival.co.uk.