Millions of TV viewers watched live speedway racing from Highbridge’s Oak Tree Arena on Tuesday evening (June 11th).
A Premier League match between the Somerset Rebels and Edinburgh Monarchs was broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 – only the fifth event to be televised from the track.
A big crowd of around 1,500 people turned out to watch the contest, and while the spectators were treated to plenty of exciting action, it all ended in disappointment for the home crowd with Edinburgh narrowly winning 46-44.
Sky’s reporter Charlie Webster, right, interviewed the riders at trackside, while the presenters commentated on the action from a gantry overlooking the track.
Aerial shots of the action were also beamed live from a helicopter camera hovering above the track. Six miles of cables and a field full of satellite trucks were also sited outside the track’s entrance.
Burnham and Highbridge’s Mayor, Martin Cox, who attended the event, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was a super atmosphere and a great evening of racing. Bill and Debbie Hancock have worked so hard to build up the Oaktree as a speedway stadium and it’s great to see the track getting live TV coverage – it’s also great publicity for the Burnham area.”
Sky’s aerial coverage was provided by a remote-controlled helicopter camera
Spectators on the grassy banks with the helicopter camera overhead
Mayor and Mayoress Martin and Arlene Cox with Oaktree owner Bill Hancock and the Somerset Rebels rooster mascot
On the track, the Rebels narrowly lost by two points
Sky TV presenter Charlie Webster brought some glamour to the pits
Among the crowd were Les Barber, Peter Burridge-Clayton and Andrew Bryant
The Mayor and Mayoress judging the fancy dress costume winners
Sky’s speedway presenters with the Oaktree and Brent Knoll in the background
A crowd of spectators watched the event from the stands
The Somerset Rebels were in seventh place in the Premier League after the event
