2016 was a memorable year in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge – with many highs and lows.
Burnham-On-Sea.com has dipped into its archive to look back at some of the most memorable photo stories we’ve covered over the past 12 months.
January / February: A clean-up was underway in the Burnham-On-Sea area after winter storms – including Storm Imogen and Kate – brought 70mph winds, causing damage to several properties. More…
March: The long-running Burnham-On-Sea Stert Island Swim was axed due to the EU’s new sea water regulations. The organisers said this summer’s annual sea swim would not go ahead due to concerns about insurance caused by the EU rules. More…
March: Burnham-On-Sea won the title of the UK’s ‘Coach Friendly Destination of the Year’ at the 2016 National Coach Tourism Awards. Burnham lifted the title after being shortlisted for a fourth consecutive year for the top award. More…
March: Burnham-On-Sea became part of the new England Coast Path with the opening of a new route along Somerset’s coastline between Minehead and Brean. It was welcomed in Burnham, with hopes that it will boost visitor numbers. More…
April: Travellers caused a summer of issues in the local area. The first group of travellers set up camp in Burnham-On-Sea’s Pier Street car park in April and others would be seen at the BASC Ground and Berrow Village Green over the summer months. More…
May: Incredible Burnham-On-Sea pensioner Grenville Cole, 85, proved that age is no barrier to taking part in sport by becoming European swimming champion in his age group. More…
May & October: Thousands of people filled the streets of Burnham-On-Sea for the town’s popular Food & Drink Festivals. More…
May: Hundreds of people headed to Burnham-On-Sea’s Marine Cove gardens to watch a traditional May Day celebration. The sound of the Chalice Morris Men began the event, followed by traditional country dancing. More…
May: Over 300 Harley Davidson motorbikes headed through the centre of Burnham-On-Sea during the annual Cider Parade Run, organised by Bridgwater Harley Owners Group, as it came to Burnham-On-Sea for the first time. More…
June: Dozens of people from local service charities and cadet groups took part in a parade through Burnham-On-Sea to mark Armed Forces Day. The parade along Burnham’s Victoria Street and the High Street was followed by a flag-raising ceremony and short remembrance ceremony besides the town fountain. More..
June: After several local hustings events, voters across the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area voted for the UK to leave the EU in June’s EU referendum. In Sedgemoor, there were 41,869 votes to leave and 26,545 votes to remain. More…
June: Hundreds of cyclists rode into Burnham-On-Sea during an annual coast-to-coastal cycling challenge. Over 400 riders took part in the 205-mile cross-country Chase The Sun event that saw riders leaving the Isle of Sheppey in Kent at sunrise at 4.39am before heading to Burnham before sunset! More…
July: Burnham-On-Sea’s Ritz Cinema celebrated its 80th anniversary in July by offering cut-price tickets for a full month to thank customers. More…
July: A family who was left homeless after a fire destroyed their home in Burnham-On-Sea thanked the community for their support after a devastating fire. More…
August: Tributes were paid to former Burnham-On-Sea Mayor and war veteran Neville Jones OBE, pictured here with his late wife Margot. He passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in August. More…
August: Burnham-On-Sea’s first-ever Spray Jam Festival was hailed a success by organisers after crowds of people headed into the town to see street art displays and entertainment. More…
August: Burnham-On-Sea’s marine rescue teams were busy. Here, the BARB hovercraft and Burnham Coastguards rescued a child stuck in mud at Brean along with six people on Weston beach after multiple call-outs during a single afternoon of hot weather. More…
August: Burnham-On-Sea BMX star Liam Phillips was delighted to be selected for the Rio Olympics but suffered a dramatic crash that ended his dream of a medal in the men’s BMX quarter-finals. More…
August: A beached dolphin was rescued at Berrow by lifeguards, BARB and Coastguards but sadly later died after a desperate bid to try and save it. More…
August: Thousands of people headed to Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront for the town’s successful annual rescue services day. 30 organisations from across the West took part. A Colour Run was a new addition. More…
September: Discount retailer B&M opened its new store in Burnham-On-Sea in September, replacing the former Pier Street Morrisons supermarket that closed in November 2015. More…
September: Hundreds of people headed to Burnham-On-Sea’s beach for the town’s third annual Kite Festival. More…
September: Hinkley Point C finally got the go-ahead. Sedgemoor District Council’s leader said the area is ready for a “huge increase in investment, jobs and attention” following the government’s signing of the £18bn contract. More…
October: Five residents from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge were awarded Civic Awards in recognition of their service to the local community. More…
October: Burnham-On-Sea RNLI crews welcomed their new lifeboat, Burnham Reach, after a year of fundraising. More…
November: Eyewitnesses to a huge blaze at Highbridge Caravans spoke of their “shock” at the scale of the £2m fire which destroyed 160 caravans and caused huge flames and loud explosions. More…
November: Highbridge-based speedway club the Somerset Rebels took the decision to move up into UK speedway’s top tier, the newly named Premiership, after a superbly successful winning season. More…
November: A huge crowd of 30,000 spectators lined Burnham-On-Sea’s streets to see the town’s dazzling winter carnival. Over 80 entries paraded through the town for the 70th annual Highbridge and Burnham Carnival. More…
November: Thousands of people lined Burnham’s seafront to watch a spectacular display of fireworks to start the town’s carnival festivities. More…
November: Hundreds attended Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge’s Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour those local people who died in wars. More…
November: Big crowds of spectators turned out to watch ITV West weatherman Bob Crampton and VIPs switch on Burnham-On-Sea’s Christmas lights. More…
November: It was announced that Burnham-On-Sea’s sea water quality is improving following a high-profile programme of work over the course of 2016, according to a new study. More…
December: As progress to redevelop the Highbridge Hotel continued to be slow during 2016, the future of one landmark – the George Hotel in Highbridge – appeared to have been secured. Proposals for a major new commercial development were unveiled by local couple Matt and Emily Scott. More…
