The Shepton Snowdrop Festival is set to bloom once more in February 2024, promising a week filled with wonder and beauty.

This annual event, a highlight of Shepton Mallet's calendar, offers something for everyone - from galanthophiles and gardeners to families and art enthusiasts.

A Diverse Programme for All Ages

The 2024 festival boasts a more extensive range of workshops, talks, and walks than ever before. Perfectly timed during February half-term, the festival includes an array of creative activities and drama workshops for children and families, all free of charge.

Highlights for Gardening Enthusiasts

Gardeners and plant lovers will be thrilled with the festival's offerings. Highlights include bulb and plant sales featuring RHS award-winning growers like Avon Bulbs and Elworthy Cottage Plants, and unique finds from Tynings Climbers and Long Acre Plants for Shade. Artisan makers will showcase hand-printed linens, wirework, painted glass, ceramics, and more.

Engaging Workshops and Artistic Endeavours

Creative souls can indulge in workshops such as making a mossy hanging snowdrop display in the Japanese Kokedama tradition or crafting a snowdrop hanging basket. Needle felting workshops offer the chance to create a snowdrop scene or lantern. Florists and flower arrangers are challenged to create natural arrangements for a People's Prize.

Walks, Talks, and Garden Visits

The festival's walks and talks are a major draw, thanks to partner gardens and Shepton Walks. Highlights include a winter ramble amidst snowdrops, a wildlife garden planning talk by Angela Morley, and garden openings at Kilver Court and The Organic Garden at Yeo Valley. James Cross from the Bishop's Palace in Wells will lead a 'Winter Interest' walk and talk.

Poetry and Art in the Community

Building on the success of the 2023 Poetry Competition, the 2024 festival features a 'Found Poetry' workshop led by author and poet Polly Hall. Participants will create a poetry trail around the town centre. Another project involves a gigantic installation in the Georgian Baptist Chapel, the venue for the Poetry Competition Prize Giving.

A Community Event with Broad Appeal

Festival Director, Amanda Hirst, shares her excitement about the programme's range and appeal: "One of the things that has always made the Shepton Snowdrop Festival unique is its broad appeal. We always extend a warm welcome to visitors from across the country and even further afield. Shepton Mallet is a fascinating market town with a rich history and a great base for visiting snowdrop gardens across Somerset after spending time at the Festival. But it's very much a community event as well and many of our family workshops and activities are free."

Activities for Families and Children

Families and children have a lot to look forward to. The Tor Theatre Company will collaborate with young people over two days to create a performance for the church. Alongside the Snowdrop Grotto and the Magical Forest at Create@#8, other drama, art, and craft workshops will take place during half-term week.

The Festival runs from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 February, with core events on Friday and Saturday. For more details and to book workshops, talks, and walks, visit www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.