The much-anticipated Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival, designed to celebrate the stunning coastline of Somerset and support local businesses, has been cancelled this year due to a lack of funding.
The inaugural festival took place in September 2023, featuring over 80 diverse events that highlighted the natural beauty and heritage of Somerset’s coastline, while boosting the local economy reliant on seasonal tourism.
Somerset Council had initially planned to bring back the popular ‘80 miles in eight days’ event from September 28 to October 5, which involves participants walking along the coast from Porlock to Brean Down to raise funds for coastal primary schools.
READ MORE: Golden Retriever Experience: Dream Job Unveils Dark Reality
READ MORE: Owner’s Neglect Leaves Elderly Dog ‘Crying in Pain’ from Giant Tumour
However, on July 24, the council announced that the full festival could not proceed due to the withdrawal of financial support from key partners, including the Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership (HTAP). EDF Energy, a previous sponsor, had provided funding to promote local businesses and tourism as part of their community commitments linked to the Hinkley Point C construction project.
Facing ongoing budget constraints, Somerset Council emphasized that without renewed partnership funding, the festival is not sustainable.
A council spokesperson stated: “While last year’s festival was a success, it depended heavily on funding from the Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership, which ended last year. Unfortunately, we can’t stage the event without that support.”
Despite the festival’s cancellation, the ‘80 miles in eight days’ walking challenge will still go ahead, jointly hosted by the Somerset Trail Partnership for the King Charles III England Coast Path and Exmoor National Park. This year’s walk will begin at County Gate and progress to Brean Down, reversing the previous year’s route.
Participants in the walk will continue to raise funds for the Outdoor Guide Foundation’s Waterproofs & Wellies campaign, supplying essential waterproof clothing and wellington boots to primary school children in coastal communities. Last year’s challenge raised £350, providing ten sets of waterproof gear to children at West Huntspill Primary School. This year’s target is to double the impact by raising £700 to assist two schools.
Isobel Pring from the Somerset Trail Partnership said: “Walking this spectacular new National Trail, participants will experience an incredible journey—from shaded woodlands and remote Exmoor landscapes to rolling hills, salt marshes, and one of Europe’s longest sandy beaches, ending at the breathtaking Brean Down.”
For those interested in joining any of the walking stages, more details are available at www.somersetcoastfestival.co.uk.