ARTS festivals, themed weekends and water ski racing - these are just a few of the events planned in Burnham and Highbridge in the New Year.

Ian Jefferies, business and tourism manager for Burnham Information and Rescue Support (BIARS), has been working with community groups and the Town Team to put together a calendar of events for 2013.

The New Year entertainment begins at the Princess Theatre on Friday 4 and Saturday 5, January, at 6pm. The modern dance production 'Hooray for Hollywood' will be performed by the Lucy Gunter Dance and Theatre Arts Centre.

Ian told the Weekly News: “Lots of people come to this town and we want to keep them here, rather than handing flyers about events in Cheddar and Weston.

“I've been liaising with the Town Team and event organisers and there're already a lot of events in the calendar.”

Ian has also been working on a new website which will allow the public to access up to date information.

He said: “I want it to be a one stop shop for event details.

“Before, people were planning events but not communicating with each other which meant we had several events the same day. This way we can space them out to ensure more people go.

“It's been done on zero budget. There's a lot of clubs and groups in Burnham and Highbridge and it's been made possible with their good will.”

Future events include youth group weekends, Party in the Park, Food Festivals, a photography and historical weekend and pirate and Victorian themed weekends.

Other events in January are: Wassailing at Rich's Cider Farm on January 12, a table top sale at the BAY centre on January 20 and a quiz night at Berrow Village Hall on January 26.

The calendar should be accessible to the public in the coming weeks. To let Ian know about events email ianfromburnham@gmail.com.