What's On in Shepton Mallet is brought to you by the Bath & West Showground — home to the biggest events in Somerset

Shepton Mallet is fully committing to the "bit of everything" approach this week, with giant showground crowds, northern soul dancing and an exhibition train all landing within a few days of each other. It is basically impossible to say there is "nothing on" unless you are determined to ignore both tractors and dancing, which feels unnecessarily stubborn.

On Thursday, May 28, The Royal Bath & West Show 2026 begins at the Bath & West Showground and runs until Saturday, May 30. Gates open at 9am, free parking is available, dogs are allowed on leads in most areas, trade stands close at 6pm and Pilton Tent live music ends at 8pm on Thursday and Friday. Bring comfortable shoes, a lead for the dog and the sort of optimism only a full day out can test.

On Friday, May 29, Ekleido - Splice/Rorschach dance double bill is at Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre, with professional dance company Ekleido performing two works using voguing, bonebreaking and threading. Casual Friday, then.

Also from Friday, May 29, Affordable Art Sale runs at Glastonbury Galleries, with work by five local artists and opening hours listed as 10am to 4pm daily. The listing says it runs until "05 May", which appears inconsistent with the start date and has not been clarified, because calendars do enjoy keeping us humble.

On Saturday, May 30, Hip City Classic Soul is at Art Bank on High Street from 7pm until late, with £5 tickets or payment on the door. Northern soul in Somerset: no passport required, just rhythm and perhaps a forgiving pair of knees.

Also on Saturday, May 30, The Woodland Table - First Spring Woodland Feast takes place near Butleigh, with arrival from 6.30pm and dinner at 7.30pm. The evening includes a seasonal three-course feast by Blue Lias Kitchen, shared tables and BYO drinks. Woodland dining, but with admin.

Also on Saturday, May 30, Peaky Blinders Night is at The Unity Club in Street, with blackjack, roulette and live music. Non-wagering play is confirmed, so your bank account may yet survive the evening.

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On Sunday, May 31, Fun Singing For Wellbeing and Joy! takes place at Wookey Hole Church, with songs taught by ear and a £10 charge, so no, you do not need to pretend you can read music.

Also on Sunday, May 31, Songs of Praise for Pentecost is at Street Methodist Church, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Hymns and biscuits: a sturdy Sunday offer.

Also from Sunday, May 31, Footsteps in the Forest Shamanic Retreat runs at Earth Spirit, Duddon, until Wednesday, June 3. The retreat includes guided shamanic trances, ancestral healing and ceremonies connected to the land. That is quite the Sunday reset.

On Monday, June 1, Trio Paradis Café Concert: Iberia is at St Thomas' Church in Wells at 11am, with a pop-up café from 10.15am and a pay-what-you-feel retiring collection. Classical music and cake before lunch is, frankly, efficient.

Also on Monday, June 1, The Somerset and Dorset Railway Then and Now is at Glastonbury Town Hall, with Mike Beale giving an illustrated talk. Trains, history and a council chamber: sensible shoes recommended, emotionally if not literally.

Also from Monday, June 1, Highly popular & free exhibition train is at Cranmore Railway Station until Wednesday, June 3, bringing the free interactive Inspiration exhibition to East Somerset Railway. Free, interactive and inside a train is a strong pitch, even before anyone mentions railway firsts.

To add your own Wells event for free, nub it here. To add your own Glastonbury or Street event for free, nub it here. To add your own Shepton Mallet event for free, nub it here.