Festival goers head to Devon

On the summer solstice weekend of 20 - 22 June, the tenth GoldCoast Oceanfest surf and music lifestyle festival with an eco conscience will take place in North Devon’s Croyde Bay.

The festival’s unique format will encompass over 500 athletes taking part in a variety of sports events amongst the fiercest competition ranging from surfing, beach volleyball and skateboarding to an aquathon run-swim-run event.

There will also be an oceanside arena with a live music stage and big screen showcasing the musical talent of more than 25 live acts, and a trade village incorporating an eclectic mix of licensed bars and international cuisine plus an adrenalin zone, demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, sampling booths, simulators and hospitality suites. Eco-projects with local schools and a celebration of the local environment also help to make it a festival with a conscience.

Headlining this year's GoldCoast Oceanfest on the longest day, 21 June, will be one-time professional free surfer turned songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter. Although Donavon is still revered as one of the most charismatic and soulful surfers in the world today, his focus has shifted significantly to his music and songwriting.

His mellow, groovy and upbeat songs serve up a genuine soulfulness that make listeners want to feel the sand beneath their feet and the salt on their skin. After a great day, Donavan’s chilled beach inspired sounds will be the sundowner session of the summer solstice.

Last year’s Oceanfest saw the introduction of a new strand about how to live more sustainably. The EcoExpo 2008 will offer visitors the chance to consider products and services that will help to reduce their impact on the planet. GoldCoast has also introduced sustainable practices in carrying out the festival including power, catering, grey water management, bottle and can recycling, organic waste composting, organic food stalls, compostable food packaging and more.

Children thrive on a hands-on approach to learning, thus, GoldCoast Oceanfest Educational Day on 20 June offers kids every opportunity to experience new and exciting challenges, while making them aware of the fragility of our countryside and shorelines, with an emphasis on making responsible personal and environmental choices.

One of the major aims of the GoldCoast Oceanfest is to nurture the oceansports industry, create awareness for ocean related causes and encourage corporate participation in these endeavours. The charities involved include the National Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, UNESCO Biosphere reserve, Y-Smart, Seize the Moment, the RNLI and the Whales & Dolphins Conservation Society, all of whom are all deeply entangled in the Oceanfest ethos.

GoldCoast Oceanfest 2008 will take place between 10am and 11pm on 20 and 21 June and 10am until 8pm on 22 June. Weekend tickets are £27 for adults, £20 for youngsters up to 18 years and £70 for a family of two adults and two children

For further information or to book tickets visit Goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk.

A variety of local accommodation is available including hotels, B&Bs, caravan and self-catering holiday homes and camp sites. Suggestions for places to stay can be found on the GoldCoast Oceanfest website or in the North Devon and Exmoor guide. For a free copy visit Northdevon.com.