Sample mussels from The Exe, learn about the estuary and take your first power kite lesson – all at the Exe Estuary Festival this Saturday on the Maer.

Sample mussels from The Exe, learn about the estuary and take your first power kite lesson - all at the Exe Estuary Festival this Saturday on the Maer.

The long-awaited Exe Estuary Festival is almost here as Saturday (August 8) hosts the first ever celebration of this globally important and incredibly special site.

The event, from 11am till 5pm, will offer plenty to see and do for all the family and is completely free to enter. It all kicks off with live music from local group The Paul Strange Quartet, followed by the first public showing of the Exe Estuary Film and then a comical performance by Common Players.

And the entertainment doesn't stop there, with expert presentations about The Exe, bouncy castles, power kite and athletics displays and stalls from many of the different clubs and businesses that make The Exe such a special and vibrant place to be.

Come and join us on the Maer Local Nature Reserve in Exmouth opposite the Seafront and the new RNLI lifeboat building.

There are plenty of options for travelling to the festival, many of which provide an opportunity to enjoy the estuary herself, such as the ferry from Starcross, which is running hourly (Exe to Sea Cruises, on 07974022536) and the ferry from Topsham which leaves at 12.15 (Stuartline: 01395 222144). Or make full use of the fantastic train and bus services available.

However you travel to Exmouth, or whether you are walking from the town, you can find The Maer easily by following our competition trail and also have the chance to win great prizes such as family cycle hire for a day and a wildfowling trip or clay pigeon shoot.

It couldn't be easier, simply cut out the entry form, choose where you will be joining the trail, either the train station, the Strand (Town Centre), or the Docks, make your way there and look for the bird feet on the pavement.

Follow the feet and guess which bird species they belong to. There are six to guess, all of which can be seen on the Exe, with three clues for each to help you along the way. When you get to the festival simply hand in your entry form at the Exe Estuary Management Partnership stand. All correct answer forms will be entered in to a draw to win prizes.

For more information and to print off an entry form please visit the Exe Estuary Website at www.exe-estuary.org