ALTHOUGH Somerset Day plans have had to be curtailed due to the coronavirus, Visit Somerset and Visit Exmoor have been working together to host their first ever 'virtual tourism festival'.

Somerset is heavily reliant on tourism and the local economy has already been hit hard by the pandemic - but the virtual festival aims to showcase the region as a must-visit destination for UK travellers once lockdown restrictions are lifted and it is safe to come.

The festival, which will run on Friday (May 15) between 3pm and 6pm, will be broadcast on Zoom and the Visit Somerset Facebook page.

It is set to include features on music, culture, food and drink and activities, with ambassadors including Yeo Valley, Thatchers, Brean Holiday Park and Bridgwater Quayside Festival comprising a line-up of Friday afternoon entertainment and insights.

John Turner, CEO of Visit Somerset said: “We are really excited to be co-hosting the Somerset Day Virtual Festival – the first of its kind.

"The line-up looks fantastic and it is a great way to remind people what we have to offer so that we are right up there at the top of the list for visits when the time is right.

"We can’t welcome people in person yet but we can whet their appetites as we share some of what makes this area so special.”

Streamed live via the Visit Somerset Facebook page, Thatchers open the festival at 3pm with a tour of their orchards and a very special ‘Knowing Your Cider’ experience. This will be followed by food demonstrations and tips from Yeo Valley and Porlock Oysters.

Other live experiences will include an Exmoor from your doorstep walking tour from Wild About Exmoor, dancing from Bridgwater Quayside Festival, a Magic Show by Brean Unity Holiday Park and a musical performance by Kitty Macfarlane.

The full line-up and timings for the virtual festival on Friday can be found via the Visit Somerset Facebook page.