Shepton Mallet is set to come alive this summer with the arrival of the Balloons & Tunes Festival at the Bath & West Showground on 11–12 July. This new event promises a weekend packed with excitement and family-friendly activities, transforming the Showground into a hub of entertainment for locals and visitors alike.

The festival will offer an array of performances and attractions to suit all ages. Fans of live music can enjoy tribute acts performing popular hits throughout the day, while thrill-seekers will be drawn to the giant funfair and stunt shows. For younger attendees, the Children's Party Stage will host beloved characters Bluey and Bingo, bringing animated fun to life.

One of the standout features of the festival is the Sky Safari Night Glow, where hot air balloons light up the evening sky in a mesmerising display. Weather permitting, the balloons will also take to the skies in a mass ascent, a spectacle sure to enchant audiences. The festival will end with a dazzling fireworks display on Saturday night, providing a grand finale to a weekend of festivities.

Gates open on Friday at 4pm, offering a taste of the fun to come with a reduced-price funfair, the Sky Safari Night Glow, and stunt shows running until 11pm. Saturday's schedule begins at noon and will showcase the full programme, including live music, monster truck shows, and live animal displays. A selection of food stalls will cater to every taste, while a licensed bar will serve drinks for adults looking to unwind.

The festival offers a camping option for those who want to make a weekend of it, with limited spaces available for camper vans only. Pitches must be booked in advance and are priced at £100, covering the camping area only and not entry to the festival.

Parking is available at the Showground, but spaces must be pre-booked due to limited capacity. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online, with options available for single-day or all-weekend entry.

As the summer sun shines down on Shepton Mallet, the Balloons & Tunes Festival promises to bring the community together for a memorable weekend of music, excitement, and family fun.