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

Shepton's got something every day this weekend — and it starts early. From a free guided walk on Thursday led by the local history group to big live acts at the Art Bank, Repair Café drop-ins, balloon festivals and Sunday garden trails, this is the kind of weekend where you won't even need to leave town.

Thursday 10 July – community connections and hidden histories

Kick off the weekend early with a free guided walk around Shepton Mallet, exploring the town's hidden history. Assemble at Market Cross from 6:20pm — the walk leaves at 6:30pm and lasts around 90 minutes. Alan Stone, president of the local history group, will be leading the tour. Free, but places are limited to 30 and must be booked via [email protected].

If all that walking puts you in need of a good pint and a great burger, head to The Loft in Street for drinks, food and relaxed vibes.

Also on Thursday, Community Solution Seekers meet at Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. It's an open invite for anyone who wants to help improve local health and wellbeing. Expect refreshments, chat, and collaboration.

Friday 11 July – roundhouses, ABBA, and afrobeat

The first ever Bridie's Farm Roundhouse Build Camp opens near Glastonbury. This residential camp runs through to Sunday and invites participants to help build a real roundhouse — from creating the henge to bark stripping. £60 per person, over-18s only, camping available. Email [email protected] to book.

Back in Shepton, Art Bank Live brings award-winning South African artist Pilani Bubu to the stage, supported by Hannah Moule. Expect folklore, ancestral stories, cello explorations, and sonic adventure. Tickets via Eventbrite.

At the Bath & West Showground, Balloons and Tunes UK launches its weekend with stunt shows, monster trucks, street food and the famous Night Glow balloon ascent. Tickets from £6.99, under 5s go free. Open 4pm–11pm.

Also on Friday: Somerstock kicks off in Somerton with Snappa, Cover All Bases, Karl Phillips and DJs until 11pm. Tickets at somerstock.co.uk.

And in the Mendip Hills, Priddy Folk Festival begins its three-day run with performances from Eabhal, The Drystones, Kate Griffin, and a full village celebration of music, dance and poetry. With a huge range of free and ticketed events, it's one of Somerset's most loved summer festivals.

Saturday 12 July – gardens, parties, silent discos and ska

Shepton's Repair Café runs from 10am at The Art Bank — no fixed fees, just donations for fixing your broken items. Tinkerers always welcome.

Party at the Palace returns to Wells with Seth Lakeman, The Wurzels, Mad Dog Mcrea, 3 Daft Monkeys and more from 3pm to 11pm in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace. Tickets from £20 children / £30 adults.

Prefer your pop with a Swedish twist? 21st Century ABBA bring the sparkle to Wells on Sunday night. Tickets from £16.

Somerstock continues on Saturday with a full day of live music across two stages — Cut Capers, Britpop Boys, Big Brass Ska, Balance of Power and more. Family tickets and camping options available.

Also Saturday: day two of Balloons and Tunes with even more shows, funfair, Bluey & Bingo, and evening balloon glow.

Sunday 13 July – open gardens, roundhouses and retro throwbacks

Over in Leigh on Mendip, Open Gardens and Heritage Trail offers a village-wide exploration of hidden gardens and historic buildings. £7 tickets from the Memorial Hall include entry and trail map. All funds go to Friends of Leigh Church.

It's also the final day of the Bridie's Farm Roundhouse Build Camp, Priddy Folk Festival, and Balloons and Tunes, so if you haven't made it to any yet — now's the time.

See you out there.