What's On in Shepton Mallet is brought to you by our sponsors La Bella Italian Restaurant and the Bath and West Showground.

Shepton Mallet is leaning into summer this weekend with a mix of festivals, food and family fun.

Kicking off on Friday 1 August, Glastonbury's Sounds Joyful returns to St John's Church Hub from 10.30am to 12.00pm. This weekly music session is dementia-inclusive, open to all and offers uplifting songs, sound baths and cake for £5. No booking needed—just turn up and bring a love of music.

The Summer Fun on the Farm programme at Somerset Rural Life Museum also continues daily (except Mondays). Entry is free with a Museum Unlimited Annual Pass and includes drop-in crafts, Bugfest minibeasts and a poetry trail. It also features the Tractored by Beetles Art Exhibition, with work from six artists inspired by Simon Armitage's poem 'Fugitives'.

Over in Taunton, Wow! Amazing Science Summer Holiday Fun at the Museum of Somerset is running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through the summer holidays. Each visit brings hands-on activities, themed science shows, crafts and the chance to meet Radar the robot dog. Entry is free (donations suggested), with activities priced at £2 and the museum trail at £1.

On Saturday 2 August, Wells hosts HMS Pinafore – Performed by Illyria at The Bishop's Palace. This outdoor performance begins at 7.30pm, with gates open from 6.45pm, and promises a comic take on British naval pride. Tickets are £18 for adults and £10 for children, with discounts for Friends of the Palace.

Meanwhile in Street, Saturday Night is Party!!! Night @ The Loft gets going from 9.30pm with their resident DJ playing until late. Whether you're coming for dinner and staying on, or just showing up to dance, it's all about letting loose.

Also continuing on Saturday is New Wine 2025 at the Bath & West Showground. This Christian festival includes worship, kids' activities and seminars through to 4 August, with offsite tickets starting from £209 for young adults.

On Sunday 3 August, Street slows the pace with Jazz in the Afternoon from 2.00pm to 4.30pm at The Loft. Featuring live music by the Grey Dogs Jazz Band and cream tea during the interval, it costs £10 per person with proceeds supporting Globe Carnival Club. Tickets are available from the venue.

In Wells, The Summer Holidays Family Trail continues at The Bishop's Palace, inviting young visitors to explore 14 acres of gardens, collect stamps in their Palace Passport and get stuck into sensory-friendly outdoor activities. It's all included with admission.

Just up the road, Wells Cathedral keeps its free family programme running throughout the school holidays, with outdoor games in the Camery Garden and hands-on sessions in the Education Room. Activities run Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Explorer backpacks are available at the Welcome Desk, and admission is free for under-18s.

Looking ahead to Wednesday 6 August, Avalon Thelema – Feast of the Lion-Serpent takes place at The Temple of Avalon in Glastonbury. The gathering is open to all and celebrates the Thelemic Lammas with reflection and ritual. Donations are welcome.

Whether you're here for jazz and cake, trail maps and garden games or just looking to dance, Somerset's got you covered this weekend.

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