STUNNING sunshine greeted the return of the popular Bridgwater Quayside Festival on Saturday, July 9.

The free annual festival features street theatre, live music and DJs, circus acts, games, stalls, art exhibitions, and other family-friendly activities. 

This year, it also included a Stories of Strength project that highlighted the tales of people living in the Bridgwater area and a children's parade in Blake Gardens. 

It was held between 11am and 5pm in several parts of the town, including East Quay, West Quay, Bridgwater Art Centre, the Blake Museum, and the Brick and Tile Museum.

After the event, a spokesperson said: “Thank you for all of the hard work from the acts and participants in this year's Bridgwater Quayside Festival! 

“Without your effort, the festival wouldn't have been as amazing as it was. We look forward to 2023!”

The festival has also thanked Fuse Performance, Arts Council England, Sedgemoor District Council, the Bridgwater Cultural Partnership, and Bridgwater Town Council.

Gallery: Bridgwater Quayside Festival, July 2022 

Bridgwater Mercury: Veronica and Mollie Coombes enjoy an ice cream at the festival. Pictures: Steve RichardsonVeronica and Mollie Coombes enjoy an ice cream at the festival. Pictures: Steve Richardson

Bridgwater Mercury: Jim Mercy and Shirley Smith from The Company Of Voices Choir.Jim Mercy and Shirley Smith from The Company Of Voices Choir.

Bridgwater Mercury: Members of the Royal British Legion's Bridgwater branch.Members of the Royal British Legion's Bridgwater branch.

Bridgwater Mercury: Elena Cojocari with her children Constantin and Lavinia Cojocari.Elena Cojocari with her children Constantin and Lavinia Cojocari.

Bridgwater Mercury: Chantelle Metcalfe with Mercades and Blake Scott.Chantelle Metcalfe with Mercades and Blake Scott.

Bridgwater Mercury: Zoe and Edith Hudson.Zoe and Edith Hudson.

Bridgwater Mercury: The Rotary Club of Bridgwater.The Rotary Club of Bridgwater.

Bridgwater Mercury: George and John Moran.George and John Moran.

Bridgwater Mercury: Rage Against Rubbish highlight the issue of plastic pollution.Rage Against Rubbish highlight the issue of plastic pollution.

Bridgwater Mercury: Joe May and Nicole Turnbull on the Wetlands For Life stand.Joe May and Nicole Turnbull on the Wetlands For Life stand.

Bridgwater Mercury: Sydenham Juvenile Carnival Club.Sydenham Juvenile Carnival Club.

Bridgwater Mercury: The festival featured plenty of live music and performances.The festival featured plenty of live music and performances.

Bridgwater Mercury: The festival has thanked its participants for making it "as amazing as it was".The festival has thanked its participants for making it "as amazing as it was".

Bridgwater Mercury: The annual event is free to attend.The annual event is free to attend.