What's On in Shepton Mallet is brought to you by our sponsors, Studio24 in Wells, La Bella Italian Restaurant and the Bath and West Showground.

The spotlight’s firmly on Shepton Mallet this week as the Royal Bath & West Show returns from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 May. With 240 acres of entertainment, it’s a full-on rural celebration packed with animals, artisan markets, quad bike stunts, live music, and family-friendly fun. But if you’re looking to branch out once the sheep shearing wraps up, there’s also Shakespeare in Wedmore, Americana in Glastonbury, and some unbeatable food deals just down the road in Street.

This week sees one of Somerset's biggest annual events — the Royal Bath & West Show gets underway. Running from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 May at the Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet. Gates open at 9am each day and the 240-acre site will be packed with something for everyone: from sheep shearing and vintage vehicles to artisan markets, animal encounters, and hands-on crafts. There's live music, great food and drink, and a buzzing, family-friendly atmosphere throughout. In the Main Ring, expect the return of fast-paced Pony Club Games, the Paul Hannam Quad Bike Stunt Show, heavy horse classes, top-tier showjumping, and the much-loved Livestock Grand Parade.

Kick things off in Street on Thursday with Burger Night at The Loft. From 6–8pm, you can tuck into one of their stacked burgers (the kind that require two napkins and a bit of strategy), served with chips and a drink – all for £15. That includes a pint, a 175ml glass of wine, or a soft drink. Details here.

Saturday is a double-header. First up, Daniel Kimbro brings his Appalachian roots music to the Avalon Club in Glastonbury as part of the Avalon Acoustic Sessions. Doors open at 7.15pm with music from 8pm, and support comes from Bristol's Holly Carter, a fingerstyle guitarist and one of the UK's only professional female pedal steel players. Book your ticket here.

Over in Wedmore on the same evening, Somerset Choral Society presents Five Centuries of Shakespeare Song at St Mary's Church, starting at 7pm. From traditional choral arrangements to jazz and a cappella, it's a musical tour through the Bard's greatest hits. Tickets are £15 and available here.

On Monday, Trio Paradis will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream at St Thomas' Church in Wells, starting at 11am. This relaxed, café-style concert includes music by Schubert, Faure, Elgar and others, with a pop-up café from 10.30am. Entry is by donation. Read more here.

Also at 11am on Monday, the Royal Air Forces Association Mid-Somerset Branch is meeting at Wells Golf Club. There'll be a presentation on VE Day and a discussion of upcoming branch plans, followed by lunch and drinks for those who'd like to stay. All supporters and RAF family welcome. Details here.

On Tuesday, Lavender Vespers LGBTQ+ cabaret returns to Queen of Cups in Glastonbury. Doors open at 7pm with performances from 8pm to 10.30pm. Expect a joyful, chaotic mix of local drag, music and performance. Entry is by donation—on the door or online. More info here.

On Wednesday, it's Steak Night at The Loft in Street from 6–8pm. £40 per couple gets you two 8oz sirloins cooked to your liking, chips, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and a bottle of wine to wash it all down. Book your table here.

It's also worth noting – that The Loft runs a regular monthly line-up for those who like a bit of routine with their revelry. The first Saturday of every month is Party Night, with DJs, dancing and a reliably lively crowd. Meanwhile, the last Sunday of each month is Quiz Night, with doors opening at 6pm and the quiz kicking off at 7pm. It's £2.50 per person to enter, with a six-person team limit, cash prizes for the winners, and nibbles to keep you going. To book your team, just drop an email to [email protected].

Looking ahead, there are a few events you'll want to plan for now:

On Sunday 15 June, The Loft is hosting a special Father's Day Roast. Same great roast, same £20 price tag, but this one's going to book out quickly. Get in early here.

On Saturday 12 July, Studio 24 in Wells will welcome Tasha, the UK's number one Madonna tribute act, for a night of '80s pop, lace gloves, and iconic hits. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets start at £16.50. Book here before they disappear.

That's your week (and a bit more). Whether you're into cabaret, choirs, comfort food or cowboy chords, Somerset's got it covered.