August 5, 2005
Seaside Fun Day attracts large crowds to Burnham-On-Sea

Buckets and spades were out in force when hundreds of people flocked to Burnham's annual Seaside Fun Day on Friday, August 5th.

Scores of children took part in a variety of competitions and events, including a sand castle building competition, quizzes, a tug of war and treasure hunt.

Seventeen teams fought it out in the highly competitive sand castle contest, which was won by the Duggan family from London. Delighted Tom (12), Kate (8) and Joe (6) are pictured here with mother Andrea.

The prize for the most effort went to Kimberly Jenns, Jo Jenns, Paula Hitchens and Jackie Taylor from Kidderminster for their fantastic D-Day themed sand castle, pictured right, which even featured soldiers and Union Jacks.

And the prize for the most creative entry went to the Hill family - Analise (10), Hayden (5) and Bethany (7) - who formed a car in the sand. They are from Nuneaton in the West Midlands.

A range of music kept the crowds entertained throughout the day with Burnham and Highbridge Brass Band belting out a foot-tapping line-up of stirring tunes for more than two hours during the afternoon.

A strolling minstrel provided further lively music on the beach and seafront. And there was light-hearted music and entertainment from Chucklefoot and Stompie's Musical Medicine Show.

More than 20 stalls lined The Esplanade around the Bay View Cafe selling a range of crafts, local merchandise and charity items. With hot, sunny weather throughout the day, there was something for all spectators.

Among the stallsholders was Burnham Youth Town Council (pictured) and the Burnham's RNLI Supporters Group - both of whom said the day had been very successful.

Other stalls included one from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and others selling jewellery, cards, prints and gifts.

Steve Shore of the Burnham-based wildlife group, The Acorn Project, was on hand to show off several animals and birds. And a special sea safety exhibition was held inside the Tourist Information Centre.

There were also opportunities for visitors to pose alongside traditional seaside cut-outs to take photos. Donkeys, fair rides, face painters and inflatable beach games also completed the line-up.

A spokesperson from Sedgemoor District Council, which organised the event, said it had been one of the best events ever. "With superb weather and large crowds, it was a superb day," she said.

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