Shepton Mallet roads to close for Mid-Somerset Show

By Laura Linham 7th Aug 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 7th Aug 2026

Drivers in Shepton Mallet are being warned of road closures and temporary one-way systems as the town prepares for this year's Mid-Somerset Show. The first restriction begins this Sunday, 9 August, a full week before the show takes place on Sunday, 16 August.

Dark Lane will be closed to vehicles along its entire length from 6 am on Sunday, 9 August until 4 pm on Sunday, 16 August. The week-long closure is part of temporary traffic arrangements put in place around the show.

More restrictions will follow on show day itself, when thousands of visitors are expected to head towards Shepton Mallet for one of the biggest dates in the town's calendar. Hobbs Road will close between its junction with the A37 Whitstone Road and Sherring Road from 8 am until 4 pm on Sunday, 16 August.

Little Brooks Lane will also close between the A371 Cannards Grave Road and Julian Close from 8 am until 4 pm. Emergency service vehicles and vehicles involved in managing the event are exempt from the restrictions.

Two roads will also temporarily become one-way on show day between 6 am and 6 pm. Ridge Lane will operate westbound only from Cannards Grave Road towards Compton Road, while Compton Road will run southbound only between Middleton Lane and Ridge Lane.

Somerset Council says the restrictions will be signed and staffed and will remain in force only for as long as necessary. Drivers using the area are being advised to follow temporary signage and allow extra time for journeys.

The Mid-Somerset Show takes place in Shepton Mallet on Sunday, 16 August, bringing livestock, rural displays, food, trade stands and entertainment to the town. The annual agricultural show has been running for more than 170 years and remains one of Shepton's biggest annual events.

For locals, the message is fairly simple: if Dark Lane, Hobbs Road, Little Brooks Lane, Ridge Lane or Compton Road forms part of the usual Sunday route, it may be worth having Plan B ready before show weekend arrives.