THE WURZELS have paid tribute to one of their “favourite” festivals as the organiser announced it has come to an end.

The band shared a message after Watchet Festival announced the event was cancelled for good after 25 years.

They said, “we have thoroughly enjoyed playing at many festivals each and every year, one of our favourites has always been Somerset’s very own ‘Watchet Live’ family festival”.

The message said: “Back in 1997, as we changed into our Wurzel gear in the house of complete strangers Mark and Jackie Bale, for our appearance on a trailer down on the Harbourside for the very first Watchet Music Festival little did we think that over the next 25 years, we would become very good friends with Mark and Jackie.

“Although we have thoroughly enjoyed playing at many festivals each and every year, one of our favourites has always been Somerset’s very own ‘Watchet Live’ family festival, brilliantly organised by the lovely Jackie Bale, husband Mark, and their very friendly team of local volunteers, including the vivacious Loretta greeting all of us Artistes.

“After the very busy run of Festivals Nationwide and all the travelling involved, it was always so exciting and a great pleasure looking forward to August Bank Holiday Sunday and our annual teatime slot on stage, with thousands of West Country folk, and Festival-goers from all over the country in front of us - and always in brilliant sunshine. What’s not to like?

“This was usually our last Festival of the Summer, but Summer 2022 proved to be the very last one for ‘Watchet Live’.

“So let all of us, performers, road crews, and the many thousands of visitors to the area say thanks for the many wonderful happy memories of ‘Watchet Live’.

“Yours in Cider, Pete, Tommy, and all the Wurzel Boys.”