AS life starts to feel like normal again, preparations are underway for the annual eat:Burnham-on-Sea food and drink festival on Saturday, May 29.

The organisers said: "We know that weekend shindigs, days out and socialising have all been turned on their heads over the past year with plans disrupted and many regular events cancelled.

"In 2021 we are hoping for the best, but ensuring our plans include a worst-case scenario.

"We managed to deliver six socially distanced and Covid-secure events between lockdowns in 2020 - including the Gold Award winning eat:Portishead.

"These events have been made possible by the support from council officers helping us to plan a fresh series of adapted markets in 2021.

"The town centre of Burnham-on-Sea is a welcoming host and enables us to showcase the micro and small producers from across the region.

"Covid restrictions meant many event organisers weren’t able to adapt their model to enable them to continue trading and this cut off a vital revenue stream for these family businesses.

"We have changed how we work and are thrilled to be back working in our hometown on May 29."

The free one-day event will feature more than 80 regional food and drink producers, well-spaced out throughout the Victoria Quarter, with some socially distanced entertainment.

The whole market is in the open air and it will have measures in place to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

Visitors are being asked to keep local, plan their visit and abide by the latest government advice.

There will be lots of space between stalls and also more capacity to include new producers who can take advantage of the Start Out Strong [SOS] discount for those most affected by the pandemic.

The organisers added: "We will have a dedicated blue badge and mobility scooter parking on Princess Street.

"We will be publishing 'green travel routes' on our social media channels and online which aim to encourage you to walk into the event if you can.

"And new for this year is a 'capture the festival' art competition."