Weston’s seafront will be home to a brand-new two-day festival next summer, after campaigners battling to restore Birnbeck Pier announced plans to celebrate the structure’s 150th anniversary.

The pier was built by architect Eugenius Birch in 1867, and the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust is planning to commemorate the landmark anniversary with a community festival in the area overlooking the pier on June 3-4.

The free festival will feature performances from the Palace Of Curiosities Victorian sideshow, which will give guests a taste of what seaside entertainment was like during the Victorian era, while a World War One reenactment will also take place.

The second day of the festival will feature a harvest home-style picnic, complete with free bread and cheese for guests.

Trust members are now calling on performers, such as steam punk groups, amateur dramatic associations and musicians, from across Weston to get involved in the weekend’s activities.

The charity’s secretary Heidi Griffin told the Mercury: “The pier has a real history and it has endured throughout the years.

“The Trust wants to encourage people in Weston – we want to find out what people want for the weekend. We want to make it a family-orientated weekend with entertainment in the evenings for adults.”

Anyone who is interested in taking part in the festival is invited to attend a meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, which will take place at the Pier View information centre in Birkett Road.

Alternatively, anyone wishing to participate in the festival can email heidi@birnbeckregenerationtrust.org.uk or contact 07973 796862.