Minehead is getting set for its biggest Harbour Festival yet with the iconic RNLI raft race set to take place on Sunday, August 9.

The forecast is good for this year's event which is being spread over two days, with live music, kayak races, a barbecue, stalls and street entertainment as well as a spectacular seafront fireworks display.

There will once again be two raft races, with a more challenging race taking place around a set course for more serious rowers and a the traditional fun race featuring customised rafts.

Between 20 and 30 participants are set to take part in the race which will set-off from Minehead Bay rather than the usual Blue Anchor due to safety concerns, and there is a barrel of beer up for grabs for the first local team home in the serious race.

Festival sponsors FatYak of Williton, are offering a body board and £500 cash prize for the fastest paddler in Saturday's kayak races which start at 12.30pm.

Last year's festival raised £4,000 for the RNLI and lifeboat spokesman Chris Rundle believes they can do even better this year.

"There is plenty to see and do over the two days and we are confident this will be the best Minehead Harbour Festival yet," Mr Rundle said.

Music taking place at the Old Ship Aground pub will include Pearl and the Diamond Geezers on the Saturday night and blues band The Salt Flat Rats performing on the Sunday.

The raft race itself will start at 2pm on the Sunday and the fireworks display, which has kindly been paid for by local businesses take place between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.