Client news: Exmoor celebrates The Salt Path screening with a special event in Minehead

On Tuesday (20th May), Exmoor played host to the exclusive preview screening of The Salt Path, a moving film inspired by the true story of Raynor and Moth Winn’s journey along the South West Coast Path. The event, held at The Avenue Cinema, Minehead, was attended by over 100 local business owners, key stakeholders, and media representatives who gathered to celebrate the region’s landscapes and growing reputation as a top tourism destination.

The event was made possible thanks to Butlin’s Minehead Day Visits, with additional support from Screen Somerset, Exmoor National Park, South West Coast Path Association, First Bus, and the Somerset and Exmoor Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP). The screening highlighted the breathtaking beauty of Exmoor, as featured in the film, which captures the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of the stunning South West Coast Path.

Emma Thomasson, CEO of Visit Exmoor, commented on the event’s success:

“Today’s special screening of The Salt Path film adaptation celebrates a moving and beautifully produced film which highlights Exmoor’s landscapes, character and the power of nature. This event has brought together our local communities, businesses, and partners from across the Exmoor area. It’s a fantastic example of how storytelling and film can connect people to place and how we can use moments like this as an opportunity to inspire new visitors to the area all year round.”

Craig Goodwin, Resort Director at Butlin’s Minehead, added:

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring this event. As a key part of the community, visitor economy partnership, and main driver of tourism and employment in the area, it’s fantastic to see the buzz around Minehead. The Salt Path will inspire many to visit Exmoor, and our day passes offer a great way for families to continue the adventure with a fun day out. We’re looking forward to welcoming many new faces to our resort this summer.”

Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office, supports, encourages and celebrates filming in the county, recognising the economic and wider benefits it can bring.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets, said:

“The potential impacts of screen tourism are well-known and there’s no better example than The Salt Path, a film in which our stunning landscape is itself a central character. This kind of exposure is a massive opportunity for businesses in the area and shows the value of making Somerset as film-friendly as possible which is what we are doing through Screen Somerset.”

The event also featured a community-based ticket giveaway, run by Visit Exmoor, which offered local residents the chance to attend the screening through an online competition. This initiative provided an opportunity for the Exmoor community to be a part of the celebration, with local food offered to sample from Miles Tea and Exmoor Distillery, allowing guests to enjoy a taste of Exmoor while networking.

The screening was not only an opportunity to celebrate Exmoor’s landscapes but also to strengthen the region’s position as a key location for film tourism, with attendees discussing future opportunities for the area as a film destination.

The event marked a milestone for Exmoor, a place where stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and a welcoming community come together to create a truly unique visitor experience.

For more information about Exmoor and upcoming events, please visit www.visit-exmoor.co.uk.