KEEPING Dawlish ‘cool’ was the theme of this year’s Turn The Tide festival.

Held at Dawlish Community College while work is being completed in the town centre, the festival was an opportunity to celebrate the coast, community and environment.

The day included stalls, traders, performers and contributors.

The theme of the day Keeping Dawlish Cool, featured practical ideas on how the community can adapt to hotter summers and protect the coastline.

Aptly the event co-incided with one of the hottest May days on record.

Musical entertainment was provided by Dawlish’s Olivia Grace alongside Shakalaka’s 10-piece groove and Afrobeat collective, and the Wrecked Again Shanty Crew.

A spokesman for Turn The Tide said: ‘A huge thank you to everyone who came along, as well as all our fantastic stalls, traders, performers, volunteers and contributors who helped make the day so special.

‘We hope you all had a brilliant day celebrating our coast, community and environment with us.

‘And we’re already looking ahead to next year.

‘Turn the Tide 2027 will tell the story of The Giant of the Brook - an ancient Devon water giant whose strength has faded as rivers, brooks and coastlines face pollution, over-extraction and climate change. ‘Together, the people of Dawlish will help restore the giant’s strength through creativity, community and action.’

The organisers thanked Dawlish Town Council and Dawlish College for supporting and hosting the event.

MP Martin Wrigley said: ‘Fantastic to see such a brilliant turnout.

‘It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying this fantastic, family-friendly event.

‘Best of all, being completely free, it was accessible to everyone who wanted to drop by and get involved.

‘The festival’s message of healthy planet, healthy people is more vital than ever.’