The Shepton Mallet Summer Series returns this July, August and September, bringing access to events, activities, arts, crafts, and music for free.

The Summer Series grew out of the desire for Shepton Mallet Town Council to stimulate the cultural and heritage economy of the town after the privations of lock-down, caused by the pandemic. The focus is to celebrate the diversity of talents within the community and tp promote and provide events and activities that are free to all.

Shepton Mallet Market

Every Friday, Market Place, 9am-3pm. Visit Shepton's historic market, which dates back to 1318, for a wide range of fresh local produce & crafts. For further info visit the market's Facebook page @sheptonfridaymarket

Drum Together

An African drumming group workshop for complete beginners or enthusiastic percussionists. Drums provided. No experience necessary. Beat the rhythm of summer at Shepton Mallet Bowls & Tennis Club, every Wednesday from July through to August! To reserve a place email: [email protected] or just turn up!

Hula Hoop workshop

All ability, all age Hula Hooping from Heavenly Hooping with Angela, in Collett Park on various Saturdays – July 9, July 23, August 13 and September 3 – 2pm-3.30pm. Improve your health and wellbeing. Learn new skills that will impress, and have fun. Hoops provided. Please wear comfortable lightweight clothing that's not too baggy and light footwear. Bring water and sunscreen! Children under 12 must be accompanied. Please email [email protected] to book a space.

All The World's Our Playground

Family festival, with walkabout theatre, dancing in the streets and a range of amazing theatre acts! Saturday, July 16, 10am-4pm. Taking place in St. Paul's Junior School and venues across Shepton Mallet. All events FREE but some may need booking to reserve places. Visit: www.makethesunshine.co.uk for info.

Cakes & Cultures

Sharing a love of cakes across cultures! Come and draw, taste, chat, and share cultural experiences in Sweet 11 Café, 16 High St, Shepton Mallet BA4 5AN, on Wednesday, July 20, 10am-12noon. Hosted by Christina and Elena, and friends.

Stories with art-making

A workshop about stories, with art-making, led by author Polly Hall, with Fiona and Gill. Thursday, July 21, 3.30pm-5pm, in Shepton Mallet Church.

Lemon Yoga

Lemon Yoga brings zest and fun to every class! Meet in Collett Park – Saturday, August 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10.30am-11.30am. and build strength & flexibility in the body as well as learning how to relax both the mind & body. You don't need to be flexible or strong to do yoga, you just need to show up! Yoga is for anybody, so come and join us in the beautiful Collet Park. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in, bring water and a yoga mat (if you have one). #getyourzestback Please email [email protected] to book a space.

Drawing On Words!

A special workshop to use the power of words – inspired by the beauty of Collett Park – to create stories and artwork. Tuesday, August 16, 10am-12noon – bring your own picnic! Some of the work produced may form part of the final Gleaning installations and exhibition.

The Gleaning

Drawing On! A story/art-making community workshop for all ages and abilities, involving various drawing techniques and featuring work made from gathered, recycled and found materials. Tuesday, August 16, 10am-12noon, Collett Park. Some of the work produced may form part of the final Gleaning installations and exhibition.

Community Art Installation Project

Community project, on Thursday, August 18, 2pm-4pm, to work on the art installations – inside and outside of Shepton Mallet Church – some of which have been created over the Summer Series.

Kray-z-Legz-Summer Heat

This summer rap artist / CEO of Kidmenace Studios, Kray-z Legz will be bringing another open air music event to The Market Cross, on Saturday, August 20, 4pm-10pm. The event will consist of a live performance from Kray-z Legz supported by other local musicians, showcasing the amazing talent from the surrounding areas. There will also be stalls offering face painting, local produce & much more to support local businesses. We will also be running kids games such as musical statues, with prizes for the mini ravers to enjoy. This is a free event open to everyone, so grab your best dancing shoes and prepare for a great day & evening of music and family fun!

The Gleaning

Monoprinting Workshop. Tuesday, August 23, 10am-12noon, Market Cross. Using immersive, textiles installations to explore and celebrate diversity. A community workshop for all ages and abilities, featuring work made from gathered, recycled and found materials. Some of the work produced will form part of the final Gleaning installations and exhibition.

The Bullzini Family Circus Open Air Circus Show

Roll Up! Roll Up! Sunday, September 4 at 3pm, in Collett Park, The Bullzini Family Circus present their fabulous Open Air Circus Show, which features feats of devilishly daring dexterity on a loose rope, juggling, and magic all served up with more than a dash of humour! All welcome!

Heritage Trail

Looking for something different and interesting to do? Try the free, interactive Shepton Mallet Heritage Trails App, which gives you a choice of immersive experiences centred around the town's rich cultural, social and economic heritage. There are nine trails of varying lengths, from the Family Trail (1.13km/0.7 miles) to the Cloth & Train Trail (14km/9 miles) that last anything between one to five hours: https://sheptonmallet-tc.gov.uk/walks-in-history/