Somerton Music and Arts Festival

09/06/2026

08/06/2026

Paws for Support & Somerset Treasures - An Evening of Inspiration and Discovery

Join us for two fascinating talks supporting Service Dogs UK.

Service Dogs UK: Changing Lives Through Assistance Dogs
Bryan Maddams from Service Dogs UK will explain how specially trained assistance dogs help military veterans living with PTSD. Learn more about PTSD, the challenges it presents, and how the charity trains and matches dogs to provide confidence, independence, and daily support.

Bryan will be accompanied by his own assistance dog, Ferris, and will give a live demonstration showing the remarkable bond between veterans and their dogs.

Somerset Treasures
After a short break, Eve Bickerton from the South West Heritage Trust will explore some of the most fascinating items held in Somerset's archives and local studies collections.

From an Anglo-Saxon Charter to letters signed by Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling, discover the stories behind these remarkable documents and what they reveal about Somerset's rich history and heritage.

🗓️ Monday 6th July 7.00pm
📍Parish Rooms, Market Place, Somerton, TA11 7N
🎟️£6.00 - All proceeds will be donated to Service Dogs UK.
☕Your ticket includes tea, coffee, and biscuits during the interval

Book here: https://somertonartsfestival.co.uk/events/paws-for-support/

07/06/2026

A Journey Through Chocolate: From Bean to Bar 🍫

Indulge your senses and discover the fascinating world of chocolate in this immersive two-hour tasting experience with Somerton’s master chocolatiers at

From the ancient civilizations that first treasured cacao to the exquisite artisan creations enjoyed today, you'll uncover the rich history, traditions, and craftsmanship behind one of the world's most beloved treats.

Led by Nettie, an award-winning chocolatier, this engaging and delicious experience takes you behind the scenes of the bean-to-bar process, revealing how carefully sourced cacao beans are transformed into exceptional handcrafted chocolate. Along the way, you'll learn what sets artisan chocolate apart and develop a deeper appreciation for the skill involved in every bar.

A highlight of the evening is the opportunity to taste and compare both industrial and craft chocolates side by side, discovering the remarkable differences in flavour, texture, aroma, and quality for yourself.

What to Expect:

A guided tasting journey through the history of chocolate
An insider's look at the artisan bean-to-bar chocolate-making process
Expert insights from award-winning chocolatier Nettie
Tastings of a range of chocolates, including a comparison of industrial and craft varieties
Plenty of opportunities to ask questions and deepen your chocolate knowledge

Whether you're a dedicated chocolate connoisseur or simply someone who loves a good excuse to indulge, this unique event promises to be informative, interactive, and irresistibly delicious.

Spaces are limited, so book early and treat yourself to an unforgettable chocolate experience.

🗓️ Thursday 2nd July 6.30pm
📍Craft House Chocolate, Somerton, New Street, Somerton, TA11 7NT
🎟️£15.00 book here: https://www.crafthousechocolate.com/product-page/introduction-to-craft-chocolate
🍫Tastings included

07/06/2026

Discover Historic Somerton: Guided Town Walk

Back by popular demand after last year's sell-out success, this fascinating guided walk offers the perfect opportunity to uncover the rich history and hidden stories of one of Somerset's most charming market towns.

Join Martyn Smith, Treasurer of the Somerton Music & Arts Festival and a passionate local historian, for an engaging tour through the historic streets of Somerton. Having made Somerton his home since 1990, Martyn delights in sharing the heritage, characters, and landmarks that make this ancient hilltop town so special.

As Martyn says:

"Somerton is such a great place to live and I'm always proud to show people around our town with its interesting buildings and beautiful church."

During this leisurely one-hour walk, you'll explore the heart of historic Somerton, discover intriguing local stories, and visit some of the town's most notable landmarks, including the magnificent St Michael's Church.

Highlights include:

A guided walk through Somerton's historic town centre
Stories and insights from knowledgeable local guide Martyn Smith.
A visit to the beautiful St Michael's Church.
Fascinating tales of Somerton's past and its architectural treasures.
A relaxed pace suitable for most visitors.

The walk begins from the cobbled area outside Somerton Parish Rooms and lasts approximately one hour.

Important Information
Group size is limited to just 20 participants
Comfortable footwear is recommended
Please take care when crossing roads
Advance booking is essential

🗓️ Sunday 5th July 2.00pm
📍Meet at The Parish Rooms, Market Square, Somerton, TA11 7N
🎟️£7.00 per person - advance only. Book here: https://somertonartsfestival.co.uk/events/historywalk/



This event sold out quickly last year, so book early to secure your place and discover the history, charm, and character of Somerton through the eyes of one of its most enthusiastic residents.

05/06/2026

📕An Afternoon with Dorothy Stewart: Launch of the Latest Somerset Mystery

Join local author Dorothy Stewart for an engaging and entertaining literary event celebrating the launch of the fourth book in her much-loved Somerset Mystery series.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Somerset countryside, the series follows amateur sleuth Jill Leiston as she unravels a series of cosy crime and murder mysteries. The latest instalment is particularly special, as it is set right here in Somerton, bringing many familiar streets, landmarks, and locations vividly to life through a story filled with intrigue, suspense, and local flavour.

Fans of the series will already be familiar with Dorothy's previous novels, Loose Ends, Stitch Up, and Push Over, all of which have earned praise for their engaging plots, memorable characters, and strong sense of place.

First published as a teenager, Dorothy has gone on to write eighteen books and build a loyal readership. During this special event, she will share stories from her writing career, discuss the inspiration behind her latest novel, and reveal how her years living in Somerton helped shape the Somerset Mystery series.

Whether you're already a fan of Jill Leiston's adventures, enjoy crime fiction, or simply love hearing authors talk about their craft, this promises to be a fascinating evening of storytelling and local inspiration.

Come along to meet the author, discover the stories behind the books, and celebrate the launch of a mystery set in the very town you know and love.

🗓️ Monday 6th July 2.30pm
📍Somerton Library, Cox's Yard, West Street, Somerton, TA11 7PR
🎟️FREE EVENT

05/06/2026

It's nearly time for a Festival favourite! 🤔🏆

Quizmaster Terry Francis returns for the annual Festival Quiz, bringing his trademark blend of challenging teasers and fascinating trivia. Gather your team, put your knowledge to the test, compete against fellow quizzers, and see if you can dethrone the reigning champions!

Team Size: Up to 6 people per team
Maximum Teams: 15

🗓️ Tuesday 7th July 7.30pm
📍Parish Rooms, Somerton, TA11 7N
🍷Drinks available from the bar
🎟️£3.00 per person

Whether you're a seasoned quiz enthusiast or simply looking for a fun evening out, come along for a friendly competition and the chance to win prizes. Will your team be crowned this year's champions?

This event is kindly sponsored by Avalon Sciences



Tickets here: https://somertonartsfestival.co.uk/events/quiz/

31/05/2026

🎶 Live Music Weekender 🎶 3 Nights of Live Music

Stevie Nicole Brown | The Etsome Arms |Sun 5 July | 4 pm

An afternoon of live music with singer-songwriter Stevie Nicole Brown, known for her haunting vocals. As well as original songs she performs a range of covers such as Fleetwood Mac, Ed Sheeran, and Alanis Morissette.

🎟️ Free Entry
🎵 Support Live Music in Local Pubs

This event is part of the Somerton Music & Arts Festival ~https://somertonartsfestival.co.uk/events/

The Etsome Arms


{Please note: timing differs from the printed programme – this performance starts at 4pm}