The much-awaited 2024 Snowdrop Festival in Shepton Mallet is just around the corner, offering a perfect blend of creativity and learning through its diverse range of workshops and talks.

Ideal as a Christmas gift or a treat to brighten up the dreary days of January and February, the festival's programme promises to be as engaging as it is enlightening.

This year, the festival is thrilled to introduce an array of new workshops.

For the first time, attendees can join four unique needle-felting workshops led by Jo Munroe. Hawk and Field will also host a novel dried flower and willow wreath workshop.

Angela Morley, a crowd favourite, returns with her highly popular snowdrop hanging basket and Japanese-inspired Kokedama workshops. She will also share her wildlife garden planning expertise in a talk at the local library on Sunday afternoon.

In a creative and collaborative effort, author and poet Polly Hall will lead a free 'Found Poetry' community workshop. Participants will be able to craft a poem that will feature in a poetry trail around the town centre.

Another free workshop, combining art and words, will be conducted by artist Fiona Campbell and Polly Hall. This session aims to create a large-scale installation in the Georgian Baptist Chapel, which will also be the Poetry Competition Prize Giving venue.

Recognising the importance of engaging the younger audience, the festival has planned a series of activities for children during half term.

The Tor Theatre Company will guide children and young people in a two-day workshop, culminating in a special performance at the church.

The Snowdrop Grotto and the Magical Forest at the pop-up art space, Create@#8, along with other drama, art, and craft workshops, are set to make half term week memorable.

With spaces filling up quickly, it's advised not to delay. Book your spot now and perhaps even surprise someone with a special Christmas present that promises a delightful experience at Shepton Mallet's 2024 Snowdrop Festival.