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.

Shepton Mallet is serving up a heady mix of art and anarchy this week. The Art Bank is going full beatnik with an exhibition launch and jazz night, while just down the road, DJ Nick’s bingo night is turning Street into the loudest library on earth. Whether you're into slow shutter speeds or shouting "bingo!" over a banger, here's what to check out.

On Friday 2 May, the Art Bank in Shepton Mallet is launching On the Road, a joint photography exhibition by Gillian Moore and Stephen Riley. Moore goes full Ansel Adams with sweeping natural vistas, while Riley's all about the chaotic beauty of streetscapes and graffiti. It's the visual equivalent of pairing organic quinoa with a kebab wrapper. The launch event includes live jazz and R&B from Beatnik Groove – think berets, black roll-necks and pretentious cigarette waving (outdoors only, thanks). More details here

Also on Friday 2 May, over in Street, DJ Nick is back at The Victoria Club with his much-loved Music Bingo. Numbers? Nope. It's all tunes, bangers and belting out the chorus at the wrong moment. Tickets are £10 and include your bingo cards, pens, and possibly a bruised ego when you lose to someone's nan. Book here

The Feast of Cattle takes place on Saturday 3 May at The Temple of Avalon in Glastonbury. Don't worry – there are no actual cows involved (that we know of). It's a Thelemic celebration for Taurus season, and everyone's welcome. Just bring your most open-minded vibes and maybe a donation. Find out more

Also on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May, The Bishop's Palace in Wells hosts the Civil War Weekend with the Wardour Garrison. Expect musket fire, dramatic re-enactments, and people dressed like they've just marched out of a GCSE history textbook. It's loud, it's immersive, and it's included in your admission ticket. Not ideal for nervous dogs or jumpy adults. More details here

Sunday 4 May is Glastonbury Dragons May Fayre and Procession day. Expect Morris dancers, drummers, dragons battling for seasonal dominance and the kind of ceremony that makes you think, "Yep, this is absolutely peak Glastonbury." The fayre kicks off at 10am at Tor Leisure Field, with the parade and full seasonal drama unfolding in the afternoon. All the details

Over in Wells on Sunday 4 May, the City of Wells Bowling Club is hosting a free taster session. Ever watched bowls on the telly and thought, "I could do that"? Here's your chance. Rock up between 11am and 1pm and give it a go. Flat shoes and an open mind recommended. Event info

If you fancy a more chilled Bank Holiday Monday, Monday 5 May sees Trio Paradis performing Northern Lights at St Thomas' Church in Wells. It's a Scandinavian-flavoured café concert with works by Grieg, Sibelius and others, plus a pop-up café and homemade cake. Entry is by donation, so pay what you can – or what your conscience will let you get away with. More here

On Tuesday 6 May, Glastonbury's Lavender Vespers cabaret returns to Queen of Cups. Hosted in a warm and welcoming venue, it's an LGBTQ+ celebration of talent, glitter and general fabulousness. Doors at 7pm, performances from 8pm, done by 10.30pm so you can still be in bed at a sensible hour. Click for details

Thursday 8 May is getting busy. First up is the Royal Air Forces Association VE 80 Celebration Spring Lunch at Wells Golf Club. This one's for veterans, serving personnel, their families and supporters of RAFA. Expect a 1940s-themed lunch, Churchill's famous speech, music from 1945 and – possibly – a few misty eyes. Find out more

Also on Thursday 8 May, it's Quiz Night at the Best Western Centurion Hotel. Teams of up to six, £2 a head, and the smug satisfaction of getting an obscure geography question right while everyone else argues about it. Call 01761 417711 to book your table. Event listing

And rounding off the week on Thursday 8 May, Patchwork and Quilting returns to Glastonbury Town Hall at 7.30pm. Wendy Booth-Boyd will be talking all things fabric, stitches and community. It's hosted by the Glastonbury Women's Friendship Group, who also do theatre trips and walks when they're not knee-deep in thread. Newcomers welcome – especially those who can tell a fat quarter from a jelly roll. Full details here

The Mid-Somerset Showground will host a free VE Day celebration on Thursday 8 May from 7pm, with live music, food, family activities and a display of classic cars and vintage military vehicles. The event is open to all and will include a beacon lighting ceremony as part of the national commemoration of Victory in Europe Day. Highlights include a licensed bar, fish and chips, ice cream, face painting and prizes for the best-dressed 1940s outfit and top vehicle. More here.

So there you have it – whether you're into dragons, Dvorak or dodgy general knowledge guesses, there's absolutely no excuse to stay home complaining there's "nothing on". Go forth and make May a bit more interesting.