
20 minute read
ROUNDABOUT
Y our family what’s on when g u i d eRound About
Wind in the Willows Sculpture Trail until June 8.
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We take great care to ensure all this information is correct at the time of going to press. However things can change at short notice so it is important you check details before going anywhere.
Continuing
Until June 5
Somerset Portraits and Voices
Somerset artist Kate Lynch documents the people practising old crafts and trades in Somerset at Somerset Rural Life Museum , Glastonbury. There are 30 traditional craftspeople featured in the exhibition of work including basketmakers, weavers, blacksmiths, farriers, potters and hedgelayers. Kate’s charcoal drawings and paintings pay tribute to their knowledge and time-honoured skills.
Until June 8
Wind in the Willows Sculpture Trail
In conjunction with the Brewhouse Theatre, Coates English Willow have created 12 willowy Wind in the Willow Sculptures to find. At Stoke Road, Stoke St Gregory. From 10am to 3pm, £4.50, tickets can be bought at the door.
Until June 25
In Xanadu: Coleridge and the West Country
An exhibition at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton in partnership with the British Library to showcase the earliest manuscript of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s extraordinary poem Kubla Khan. The exhibition celebrates the manuscript’s return to the county where it was written. It tells the story of Coleridge’s time spent living in and near the Quantock Hills, his relationship with William and Dorothy Wordsworth and the legacy of his writing.
Until July 3
Dress for Redress: Exploring Native American Material Culture
An exhibition of the work of contemporary Anishinabe artist Celeste Pedri-Spade in The American Museum and Gardens in Bath. Featuring a series of spectacular wearable-art pieces, personal artefacts and photography, alongside historical items from the Museum’s collection, the exhibition will demonstrate the continuing legacy and profound importance of visual and material culture.
Until July 26
Trail of Tales
Outside School Holidays. Take a trip around Dunster and hear stories from the past 1000 years. The trail will take you around the gardens and up to the castle. Along the way you will hear tales of different characters who have visited, worked or lived in the castle over the last 1000 years and complete activities and answer questions.
Until October 1
Beyond Beastly: Creatures Natural and Imagined
Meet some familiar fantastical creatures (and quite a few natural ones) extracted from the pages of the historic books and boxes of specimens in Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution Collections now appearing there in a new exhibition. Discover the myths and realities of these intruiging creatures.
Until October 31
‘Wed in the Westcountry’
Wedding Dress exhibition in the
Fun for all at the Royal Bath and West Show

Thursday 2 - Saturday 4 June
A celebration of Great British Entertainment, Countryside, food and drink at the Bath and West Showground with additional features to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of its patron, HM The Queen.
These include a display to link in with the Queen’s Green Canopy; themed classes for floral artists; a ‘Jubilee Award’ in the Cattle section and a Platinum Jubilee Grand Prix for horses, as well as Jubilee Mugs for all competitors in the Pony Club Games. ‘Jubilee’ classes are planned in both the ‘Orchards and Cider’ and ‘Bees and Honey’ sections and around the Showground there will be images of the Queen visiting the show, which she has done three times.
Other activities, demonstrations and entertainment include fast pace excitement in the Main Ring with the Paul Hannam Stunt Show and Pawsability Dog Agility and a much-enhanced food hall experience. Visit the Lakeside Farm; Woodland and Countryside Arena, Sports Village, Safety Zone, Poultry and Vintage Fairground. Don’t miss the Bath and West train and the roaming performers, including the Magical Musical Bike and Ziggy the Monkey. Details and booking online.

house at Forde Abbey from 1940’s through to the present day. The exhibition explores how gown styles and materials have changed over the decades, including those borrowed and adapted in wartime. Each dress has a story to tell about the bride, time and place. From 12 to 3.30pm, closed Mondays and Saturdays,
May
Friday 20 - Sunday 22
Foodies Festival
A star studded line up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars at The Downs, Stoke Road, Bristol. Visitors can enjoy the Chefs’ Cake & Bake and Drinks Theatres, Shopping Village with award winning artisan producers, Street Food Avenue, Feasting Tent, Cook Book Shop, Kids’ Cookery School, fairground, live music stage and family-friendly areas with activities for children. From 12 to 9pm, adult day ticket £25 (£19 in advance); weekend ticket £47 (£38 in advance); accompanied children free.
Saturday 21
Entertain for Ukraine!
An evening of dance, music song and entertainment for the people of Ukraine in the Town Hall, Wells. £10, details on 07450 367805.
Beer and Cheese Festival
Festival at Westcombe Dairy, Lower Westcombe Farm, Shepton Mallet. Family friendly with tours, technical talks, tastings for the adults, face painting, a sand pit and a bouncy castle. Two music stages will also host DJs and bands throughout the day and into the evening.
Wednesday 25
In Xanadu: Coleridge and the West Country Exhibition Tours
Find out more about the artworks and objects on display in this short gallery tour at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton. At 2.30pm, suggested donation £3.
Thursday 26 - Sunday 29
music line up there will be a Kids Kingdom catering for children and teens with a range of workshops and activities. Plus art installations and a wellbeing area. There is a discount for locals living in Ilminster and Chard and under 12s are free. Details and bookings on the website.

Friday 27 - Sunday 29
Wells Comedy Festival
Comedians from all over the country appearing in Wells. Go to twww.wellscomfest.com/ for details.
Friday 27 - June 12
Bath Fringe Festival
A festival of all the arts at venues around Bath. Go to www.bathfringe.co.uk/whatson/ for details.
Saturday 28
Yeovil Summer Fete
Fete in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice Care packed with fun activities for the whole family to enjoy including a barbecue and a variety of stalls along with a tombola, raffle, and entertainment throughout the day. There will also be a children’s play area and tearoom. From 11am to 3pm in the grounds of St Margaret’s Hospice Care, Little Tarrat Lane, Yeovil, Adults £2.50, children free.
Summer Open Day
Enjoy a range of have a go activities at Glastonbury Abbey including axe throwing. There will also be a market, food stalls and a stage featuring live music. From 12 to 9.30pm.
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29
Living History Weekend
Go back in time at Field 725, Redwood Rare Breeds, Station Road Wanstrow and meet the Wardour Garrison demonstrating how both military and domestic life used to be in the 17th century. Adults and children will be able to join in a range of activities including sword school, writing with a quill, herb walks, wildcraft activities, walks and expeditions and a history tent.
Sunday 29
Porlock Duck Race
Go to Sparkhayes Camp Site, Sparkhayes Lane and have a quacking good time. Lots of fun for everyone with 10 races, 600 ducks including the Grand Finale. If your duck comes in the top three win a prize. From 2 to 5pm, free entry.
May Mayhem
“Not just a Market” in Shepton Mallet Market Place with free live music, DJ’s, street performances, themed attractions, fun competitions and over 35 stalls. Plus fancy dress, a May King and Queen and Prince and Princess. From 10am to 3pm. Wedding Dress exhibition at Forde Abbey until 31 October.
Tuesday 31
Falconry
Marvel at majestic birds of prey as they swoop across the south lawn of Barrington Court. In-between the flying displays, the falconers are on hand for questions and close-ups of the birds. Displays at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
June
Friday 3
Whispering Willows
Wassail Theatre Company with a Take Art presentation for children and parents. It’s 1929. Morris has been planting, harvesting, basket making and drinking tea on his Somerset Willow farm since before he can remember. One day he pulls up a particularly large piece of Willow with a girl clinging to the end of it! At 4pm in Porlock Village Hall, tickets £3, £6 go to www. wassailtheatre.co.uk/about-us to book.
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5
Matchstick Fleet
Exhibition in Fleet Air Arm Museum of Matchstick Scale Model Ships, the culmination of a lifetime’s work by Phillip Warren. This exhibition will include many of the iconic aircraft carriers used by the royal Navy from all eras. From 10am to 3pm.
Sunday 5
Magpie Market
A market for vintage and contemporary gifts, jewellery and homemade crafts and produce.
Continued on page 6

Round About

Free from 10am to 3pm in the Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome.
Thursday 2
Activity Afternoon
Get up close to the ponies at the Exmoor Pony Centre. With pony rides, pony grooming, crafts, games and refreshments. From 12 to 3pm.
Tuesday 7
National Garden Scheme Open Day
Visit Hestercombe Gardens to help support the National Garden Scheme. A proportion of all admissions will be donated to the NGS as they in turn provide funding to a number of extremely important charities.
Friday 10 - Sunday 12
Antique & Collectors Fair
Unique finds, retro collectables and a vast variety of vintage items at the Bath and West Showground. From 12 to 5pm Friday (£10); 9am to 5pm Saturday; 10am to 4pm Sunday (£5).
Friday 10 - Sunday 12
Home Farm Music Festival
Family festival includes 8 stages of different music, talks and workshops, plus a large Children’s Area, Market Area, world food, a Wild Play and Wellness Area, silent discos, children’s discos, children’s cinema and a new HFF Run. On Friday you are encouraged to go dressed in ‘Posh Wears & Wellies’ to dance the night away. At Home Farm, Chilthorne Domer, Yeovil in aid of the School in a Bag charity. Go to homefarmfest.co.uk to book.
Open Air Theatre Productions
Take a picnic, blanket or seat and enjoy an al fresco production.
May
Sunday 29
Peter Pan
Wendy flies away to Neverland with Peter Pan, but is it as perfect as it seems? Performed by Illyria on ECOS at the Merlin Theatre, Frome. For 5 year olds and above at 2pm, tickets £15, children £8.
Twelfth Night
The Three Inch Fools are dusting down their musical instruments and hitting the road with Shakespeare’s riotous comedy. Prepare for an evening of mischief and hilarity, as five actors present an inventive take on comedy, fit for all the family. From 7 ro 10pm at Dunster Castle. Adults £18, children £10.
June
Wednesday 8
As You Like It
Shakespeare’s comedy performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men all male cast at Glastonbury Abbey. Rustic romp packed with music, laughs, cross-dressing confusion and a dash of wrestling. From 7 to 10pm.
Sunday 19
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Five couples – three human, one fairy, and one mythical – find their relationships sorely tested, intimately probed and indecently exposed when a troupe of amateur theatricals bumble into the forest to rehearse a play. Performed by Illyria on ECOS at the Merlin Theatre, Frome. For 10 year olds and above at 7pm, tickets £15, children £8.
Thursday 23
Twelfth Night
Join the Handlebards for a riotous interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedy performed on bicycles. Lot of misunderstandings with drunkenness, frivolity and cross-dressing a plenty. For 5 year olds and above at 6pm in Castle Gardens, Taunton. Tickets £10 - £18.
Saturday 25
Twelfth Night
As June 23 but on the Croquet Lawn at Tyntesfield. From 7 to 9pm, tickets £18, under 10s free.
War of the Worlds
The Pantaloons use musical instruments, puppetry and enthusiasm to recreate deadly heat-rays, giant fighting-machines, squidgy tentacled Martians and interplanetary warfare on an epic scale. Suitable for 5 year olds and above. At Montacute, gates open at 6pm, performance at 7pm. Adults £14, children £8.50.
Wednesday 29
As You Like It
As June 8 but at Yeovil Country Park, behind the Octagon Theatre. At 7pm, adults £18 (£16 in advance), children £11 (£10 in advance).
Saturday 11& Sunday 12
Blossoming and Blooming
New event organised by Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) at the Walled Gardens of Cannington. Spend the day exploring the gardens or treat yourself to a cream tea in the Tea rooms. All entry fees will be donated to DSAA to support the wonderful work they do.
July
Friday 1
Much Ado about Nothing
The boys are back from war and it’s time for celebration, but devious Don John plans to spoil everyone’s fun with his perilous plots. Classic Shakespeare presented by the Pantaloons at Montacute. Gates open at 6pm, performance at 7pm. Adults £14, children £8.50.
Sunday 3
Dracula
Professor Abraham Van Helsing, an expert in the supernatural, presents his most terrifying case as he is called in to help a young woman who becomes mysteriously ill during a trip to Whitby. Presented by British Touring Shakespeare at Fyne Court from 7.30pm. This play contains adult themes which some younger children may find scary so parental discretion is advised.
Thursday 7
War of the Worlds
As June 25 but at the Bishop’s Place Wells. Doors open at 5.45pm, show starts 6.30pm, adults £16, children £10, family £45. Elephant Parade at Noah’s Ark Zoo 1 July -31 August.
Sunday 12
Open Cockpit Day
Visitors to the Helicopter Museum have a rare opportunity to access the cockpits of selected helicopters and have the controls explained by an experienced guide. Fun for all the family. Plus:
Helicopter Air Experience Flight
Learn how a helicopter works as the pilot explains the controls whilst you look down on Weston-super-Mare from a thousand feet in the air. From 2pm at the Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Road.
Tuesday 14
Kids Week Tickets
Tickets go on sale today for this years Kids Week, the scheme that gives children free tickets for London shows throughout August. Go to officiallondontheatre.comkidsweek/ for details.
Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18
Seeing Through Touch
An Exhibition of beautiful and inspiring sculptures which invite and welcome touch, together with paintings, photography and other art works. Some work is by artists who, despite lack of sight, produce work that is interesting and intriguing. Other work is by artists who welcome people to enjoy what they make either by sight or touch. Fund raising event in Wells and Mendip Museum for Somerset Sight.
Wednesday 15 - July 25
Pick Your Own
Pick your own strawberries, gooseberries and raspberries at Forde Abbey Fruit Gardens, Thorncombe, Chard, TA20 4NA.
Friday 17
Giant Flea Market
Over 250 inside and outside stalls at the Bath and West Showground selling a plethora of items. From 9.30am, adults £5 accompanied children free.
Friday 17 - Sunday 19
Garden Festival
Celebrating the Great British Garden, the 14 acre grounds of the Bishop’s Palace will feature guided tours, live music, expert speakers, delicious food, ‘have a go’ skills and crafts and a number of stalls, including nurseries selling unusual and popular plants. Adults £13.50,
Petherton Folk Festival
The day starts at 10am with a procession into the Market Square where the proceedings will open with the Ceremony of the Glove Events will take place in The Market Square, The Brewers Arms, St Peters and St Paul’s Church, The David Hall and The Blake Hall throughout the day. The free entertainment includes Children’s activities and workshops.
Sunday 19
Happy Father’s Day!
Fathernoon Tea
A delicious afternoon tea to say thank you to all those people who are Daddys, Grandads and take the role of Daddy. At Haselbury Mill, Haselbury Plucknett, Crewkerne. Adults £17, children £8.50. There will also be a carvery in the Tithe Barn. Must be booked on 01460 77095.
Friday 24 - Sunday 26
Marstonbury
Glastonbury inspired good times at Marston Park, Tuckmarsh Lane, Frome. The ultimate festival tunes plus art, family and wellness activities. Go to www.marstonpark. co.uk for details.
Saturday 25
Country Fair & Open Day
Lots to enjoy at Brymore Academy, Cannington with main ring entertainment; children’s entertainment; stock showing, duck racing; tractor ride; classic cars; 0pen farm; face painting; blacksmith demonstration; stationary engines and much more. From 10.30am to 5pm, free entry.
Saturday 25 & Sunday 26
Weston Air Festival and Armed Forces Day
See a huge number of flights over Weston’s vast bay. There will be plenty of time between the flights for you to enjoy everything from trampolines on the beach to building your own sandcastles. The Armed Forces Day on Saturday includes a procession along the Promenade, culminating in assembly on the beach lawns, where there are stalls and displays from a variety of divisions of the armed forces.
Sunday 26
Historic Military Vehicle Gathering
Seventy to eighty historic military vehicles are expected at Haselbury Mill, Haselbury Plucknett, Crewkerne from around the West Country, many of which have been featured in films and TV production. With an opportunity to talk to the owners and outside catering stands. From 10.30am to 4pm, free admission, book on 01460 77095.
Whispering Willows
As June 3 but in the Courtyards, East Quay, Watchet. At 11am and 3pm, free, suggested donation £5.
Shepton Party
“Not just a Market” in Shepton Mallet Market Place with free live music, DJ’s, street performances, themed attractions, fun competitions and over 35 stalls. From 10am to 3pm.
Monday 27 - September 3
Our World, Your Choices
Our environment is changing. Crewkerne Museum reflects on how people lived in the past and whether this could inform choices today. The younger generation will be invited to contribute their ideas.
July
Friday 1 - Sunday 10
Frome Festival
Showcasing up-and-coming local and national talent in music, art, well-being, food and drink. At Marston Park, Tuckmarsh Lane, Frome,
Friday 1 - August 31
Elephant Parade
Noah’s Ark Zoo will be hosting a
Continued on page 8




Round About

Circus, dance, theatre and more at Bridgwater Quayside Festival
Saturday 9 July
herd of 26 hand painted unique Elephant Sculptures. It will form a trail over the 100 acres of North Somerset countryside combining art, conservation, education and lots of fun. Free with normal admission from 10.30 to 5pm.

Friday 1 - Sunday 3
American Fest
A summer festival of music, comedy, food and family fun throughout the grounds of the American Museum in Bath. Featuring a top line-up of all-American comedy, headlined by Reginald D. Hunter, and some of the biggest names in the Americana music scene. There will be four stages – main stage, amphitheatre stage, stone circle, and homegrown stage which will showcase local, emerging musicians. Family activities, include a scavenger hunt through the grounds, games, workshops, vintage cars, and American food trucks and bars.
Friday 1 - Sunday 10
Somerton Music & Arts Festival
Entertainment for all the family with lots of events taking place throughout the town, music nights at local hostelries, crafts, art and photography exhibitions, talks and walks. From 9am to 11pm, go to somertonartsfestival.co.uk for details and bookings.
Saturday 2
St Dubricius Church Fete
Summer Fete for all the family in the Rectory Garden, off Parsons Street, Porlock. From 2 to 4.30pm, 50p entry, refreshments available.
Somerset Armed Forces Day
A free community event in Vivary Park, Taunton to show your support for, and celebrate, the men and women who make up the Armed Forces and Emergency Services communities: from those still serving, their families, veterans and cadets. Fun for all the family with lots of displays and stands. Free from 10am to 5pm.
Sunday 3
Magpie Market
As June 5.
Open Gardens
Open Gardens at Doverhay Lodge, 12 Hawkcombe View, Porlock in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice. From 12 to 6pm, Entry £3.
Enjoy the free festival with street theatre including walkabout acts; mobile musicians and street bands; live music; outdoor performances; stalls; circus; dance; family activities and craft fair.
Visit Bridgwater Arts Centre, Blake Museum, Library, Engine Room, Brick and Tile Museum. From 11am to 5pm, book your free tickets at Bridgwater Arts Centre. Go to www.bridgwaterquaysidefestival.uk for details.
Thursday 7 - Sunday 10
NASS Festival 2022
The UK’s only professional action sport and music festival at the Bath and West Showground. Featuring world class action sports competitions in Skate, BMX, Inline and FMX, and music performances. Areas include Southbank, the Warehouse, the Hangar, Backwoods and Sika Studios. Tickets from £160, go to www.nassfestival for details.
Friday 8 - Sunday 10
The Sound of the Streets Festival
Five street bands take to Castle Green and Taunton’s streets in an outpouring of musical joy. It is based around ideas of participation and communal celebration and this year has a focus on educational and young people. On Saturday the festival will open with a parade. As well as performing groups there will be short films and podcasts about street music; the Creation of a Somerset Youth Street Band for 12 – 18-year-olds based in Taunton working with Castle school; the creation of a new drum group working with young drummers and a new music competition for under 18-year-olds to write a piece of music to be performed at the festival.
Somerstock Music Festival
Family friendly festival with rock and pop legends The Hoosiers headlining a full day of live music, with silent disco, stalls, food, bars and family fun. In Somerton Town Centre, Market Place from 10.30am to 11.59pm. Go to somerstock.co.uk for details and bookings.
Circus with Pirates of the Carabina
Vale Farm, Burrow Hill, Kingsbury Episcopi.
Bath Carnival
A free party celebrating Carnival arts in the centre of Bath. Includes a free arts festival in Sydney Gardens and a carnival procession through the city centre. With live Bands, DJs, Food and Drink, Licensed Bars, Walkabout Acts, Super Pirates Play Area & Community Village. From 10am to 10pm with a ticketed after party at the Komedia from 10pm to 3am.
Saturday 9 & Sunday 10
Woodspring 22 Model Air Show
Show features all-day model flying displays by some of the country’s top pilots, trade stands and food. From 10am to 5pm in Claverham Drove, Yatton.
Sunday 10
North Somerset Model Show
See the amazing detail in a wide selection of models and dioramas on display at the Helicopter Museum, Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare. With over 120 exhibitors; charity stalls; Model workshops; competitions and Open Cockpits. Take to the skies with helicopter flights over Weston-super-Mare from 2pm, advanced booking recommended.
Summer Art Car Boot Fair
Black Swan Arts will be hosting a showcase for local artists, your chance to buy direct from makers and support the creative talent in Frome. From 10am to 4pm in Cattle Market Car Park, Bridge Street, Frome. Frome’s art centre will be open all day as well.
Friday 15 & Saturday 16
Godney Gathering
Celebrate 10 years of Godney. With 4 stages and a Silent Disco. Fun for all the family at Garside Farm, Godney with the Playground, a designated children’s area, where children of all ages can have fun throughout the day. Activities include Circus Skills and Craft Workshops, a games tent and disco. From 6pm to 12am Friday; 12pm to 12am Saturday. Children go free. Go to www. thegodneygthering.com for details and booking.
Friday 15 - Sunday 17
Somerset Steam and Country Show
Fair at Netherham Farm, Low Ham, Langport. Features classic cars, commercial and military vehicles; miniature steam; motorbikes; organs, stationary engines, tractors, fairground and steam and tractor rallies.
Bristol Harbour Festival
Free dance, music and arts extravaganza in Bristol Harbourside, a weekend of family activities, music, circus, food markets and visiting vessels. Entertainment across seven stages from spoken word to the latest Bristol musical talent, local dance performers, world class circus and on-water activity.
Saturday 16
Repair Cafe
Take your items to St Benedict’s Church, Glastonbury to be fixed and learn how to. From 10am to 12pm.
Porlock Horticultural and Crafts Society Summer Show
Annual Summer Flower and Craft Show at Porlock Village Hall with plant and book stalls, raffle and refreshments. From 2 to 4.30pm, £1 admission.
Summer Spectacular
From 10am to 4pm in Wells Town Hall, Market Place includes unique gifts for you and your home, beauty and spa products and foodie goods.
Sunday 17
Giant Flea Market
Over 250 inside and outside stalls at the Bath and West Showground selling a plethora of items. From 9.30am, adults £5 accompanied children free.