The corridors of St Paul's Junior School in Shepton Mallet are alive with the dramatic buzz as students prepare for an abridged performance of one of Shakespeare's beloved plays.

This opportunity for local youth to delve into the rich tapestry of the Bard's language is part of a broader initiative by the Wells Festival of Literature.

In collaboration with the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation, the festival's efforts are set to culminate in a performance at the Merlin Theatre in Frome, offering pupils a taste of professional theatre life.

It's an initiative that blends entertainment with education, allowing students to engage with Shakespeare's timeless works in an exciting, interactive environment.

The festival, fueled by ticket sales from its array of public events, is steadfast in its commitment to fostering educational projects throughout the region. In this vein, it has donated 300 books to Kings of Wessex Academy, enriching the Tutor Time reading scheme and ensuring that students can experience the joy of reading from their very own books.

As part of its literacy drive, trained volunteers from Coram Beanstalk, a national charity, will also be visiting eight local schools to read with children, promoting the pleasure and importance of reading.

This celebration of literature and the arts by the Wells Festival of Literature is a testament to the community's investment in the cultural and educational development of its young people. For more details on the festival's events or to snag some tickets, head to www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk.