THE BIGGEST water slide in the UK will be coming to Ilminster as the town’s football club officially opens its new clubhouse.

The event, which is being held on Saturday, will also see the club unveil its brand new Archie Gooch pavilion.

Work on the £573,000 project began back in October and was funded by grants from the Premier League and Football Association Facilities fund, Sport England, the Football Stadia Improvement fund and section 106 money from South Somerset District Council.

Ilminster Town FC is hoping the family fun day will become an annual event, with a different star attraction each year.

Paul Webber, ITFC sponsorship co-ordinator, said: “Ilminster football club’s grand opening of the Archie Gooch pavilion is with Britain’s longest water slide. We also have loads of inflatables and soft play sumo wrestling, Bonner’s barbecue and something for all age groups.

“It will also be the first opportunity for the public to see their engraved bricks on the buy-a-brick wall, which raised £20,000.

“All profits will go towards the Archie Gooch pavilion, the new home of Ilminster Town Football Club.”

Mr Webber added: “A massive thank you for everyone’s support. I would also like to thank Laurie and Leah of Spar Ilminster for sponsoring the event.”

The 300ft long slide will be in place in Britten’s Field on Herne Hill. Members of the public will be able to slide down on a lilo with 16,000 litres of water being circulated.

The slide has only previously been to cities, including Bristol and Ipswich.

The buy-a-brick wall comprises of 214 bricks, with 60 business bricks and 154 bricks bought by the local community.

Single bricks were sold for £25, family bricks cost £50 and business bricks started at £150.

Each brick is engraved with personal inscriptions and the business bricks are engraved with the company logo.

Mr Webber added: “ITFC family day will be an annual event with the main attraction changing every year.

“It is a day where ITFC can give something back to the community for their endless and continued support.

“We are hoping throughout the day more than a thousand people will pass through to use the slide, look at their bricks, and have a drink and a Bonner’s burger.”

Slots to go on the slide are available at £6 a turn, and can only be booked online. The slide will be open from 11am until 7pm.

Places can be booked online at www.agpavilion.org.uk.