The inaugural Summer Fest at the Beach in Weston-super-Mare faced significant challenges last weekend (June 6-7) due to severe weather and communication issues, but organisers have vowed to return next year with improvements.
Heavy rain and strong winds disrupted performances on Saturday, forcing the closure of one festival area over safety concerns. While attendees understood that the organisers couldn’t control the weather, many expressed frustration over unclear communication. Some ticket holders experienced difficulties entering the event, and others reported feeling “trapped” in the VIP section.
In response, the Summer Fest team posted a detailed statement on Facebook addressing the situation. They explained that every decision made during the festival prioritized public safety in reaction to the changing conditions. Acknowledging the challenges, the organisers expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the event—from visitors and performers to volunteers and staff—and emphasised their commitment to learning from the feedback received.
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The statement read: “Over the past 16 months, our goal has been to put Weston-super-Mare back on the map with an event the town could be proud of. Seeing thousands come together to sing, dance, and make memories was unforgettable, despite the weekend’s difficulties.”
Organisers admitted that the festival was not perfect and recognised areas needing improvement. They welcomed constructive criticism and reassured attendees that these insights would help shape future editions.
Looking ahead, the team is eager to build on this first-year experience and promises to make Summer Fest at the Beach “bigger and better” in the coming years. They concluded by thanking everyone for their support and enthusiasm, affirming that this was only the beginning for the festival.