This past weekend, Shepton Mallet was transformed into a hub of creativity and fun, as the town hosted the only UK festival programmed by primary-aged children.

The event took place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July, offering a wide range of activities and performances that delighted attendees of all ages.

From a 50m life-sized sperm whale with theatre shows inside to pop-up swing dance workshops, immersive walkabout blockbuster movie scenes, and a thrilling six-piece acrobatic circus, the festival promised something for everyone. The event spanned multiple locations across Shepton Mallet, including Collett Park, the town centre, The Art Bank, Shepton Mallet Library, and St Paul's Junior School.

One of the standout performers was Matt Pang, who returned to the festival with his new show, Those in Glass Houses. This comedic international touring show featured swinging bricks, comedic catapults, and orchestrated glass-shattering chaos in the Market Place. Collective ContaKt showcased some incredible acrobatics in their live show Foley, featuring breathtaking tall human towers, high throws, and majestic movement.

Other highlights included a theatre show created entirely out of soap suds by window-cleaning duo Crow's Nest, an immersive storytelling session by celebrated author Kristina Stephenson, and aKa Dance Theatre's magical moving shed. Sunday's events featured maypole dancing and a performance by Bristol theatre-makers Cardboard Adventures with their show Boxville, where everything is made out of cardboard, and the audience can craft along with the time travel adventure.

The festival also included workshops and performances from schools and community groups across the town, creating a truly inclusive and engaging experience for all.

Organisers praised the community effort, saying, "It was such a team effort. And what a lovely team it was. Thank you to everyone who baked cakes, brought jars, hosted teddies, gave raffle prizes, and made the beautiful flowers! Thank you to all the lovely venues who hosted and supported events: St Paul's, Art Bank, The Cheeky Bean, Somerset Libraries, Shepton Mallet Create #8, The Little Farm Shed, 10 Market Place Bar, and 501.

!And to all the children who performed from The Chapel Dance Studio, St Paul's and St Aldhelm's Primary School, and films from Fosse Way School – you were SO amazing! Such a privilege to have so many talented artists here today celebrating five years of All the World's Our Playground Festival – it was super special – and all programmed by incredible young people in Shepton."