What's On in Shepton Mallet is brought to you by our sponsors, Studio24 in Wells, Crossfit Mendip, the Bath and West Showground, and Autonomy Care.

Shepton Mallet is set for a busy weekend with events for collectors, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The Bath & West Showground will host one of the UK's biggest Toy & Train Collectors Fairs on Sunday, while the Shepton Mallet Library will be holding a 'Found' Poetry Art Workshop on Saturday morning. With the Autumn Foraging Workshop also on the agenda, there's plenty for locals to explore.

The weekend kicks off in Glastonbury on Friday evening with The Lavender & Tobacco Tour at The King Arthur on Benedict Street. The performance promises an evening of folk and acoustic music from 7:30pm to 11:30pm, setting the stage for a weekend filled with entertainment.

In Wells, Police Dog Hogan will be taking over Cedars Hall with their signature mix of country, folk, and rock. Known for their energetic performances, the band will play two consecutive nights, on Friday and Saturday. If you're looking for a fun way to start your weekend, their shows are not to be missed.

Saturday morning in Shepton Mallet is the perfect time to get creative. Head to Shepton Mallet Library at 10:30am for the 'Found' Poetry Art Workshop, where poet Polly Hall will guide you through the process of crafting poetry using 'found' words from books, newspapers, and other printed materials. With a focus on word recycling and experimentation, it's a great opportunity to try something new. The workshop is open to all skill levels, and tickets are £7. Book your spot here.

Fitness fans can get involved in the DEKA MILE hosted by Sweet Track Fitness in Glastonbury. Starting bright and early at 9am, this endurance event will challenge participants to push their limits and is sure to get the adrenaline pumping for the day ahead.

Saturday night in Glastonbury has plenty to offer music lovers. Local singer-songwriter Ashley Gardner is putting on his first-ever gig, It's My Life, at Glastonbury Football Club from 7pm to 11:30pm. He'll be performing a mix of original songs and covers, with a disco to round off the evening. Entry is free, but Ashley is hoping for a few tips if you enjoy the show. Get your free ticket here.

If rock music is more your style, head to The King Arthur for Ironed Maiden, the UK's premier Iron Maiden tribute band. Running from 8pm to 11pm, this promises to be a night packed with classic heavy metal hits.

For film buffs, Strode Theatre in Street is screening the 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice on Friday and Saturday nights, offering a great way to get into the spooky spirit with Tim Burton's signature blend of humour and the supernatural.

On Sunday, Wells will be welcoming engaged couples to the Wedding Fayre by Love Actually Weddings at the Bishop's Palace. From 11am to 2pm, you can meet local suppliers, tour the beautiful grounds, and enjoy a glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival. It's the perfect setting for wedding planning, with inspiration and ideas for every couple. Secure your free spot here.

If you're after something more serene, join Matt Witt for a Tree Walk at Glastonbury Abbey on Sunday morning from 11am to 12:30pm. Matt will guide you through the historic grounds, sharing insights into the abbey's majestic trees and the stories they hold. It's a relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning surrounded by nature.

In Shepton Mallet, collectors and hobbyists are in for a treat as the Toy & Train Collectors Fair takes over the Bath & West Showground. With over 300 stalls offering everything from vintage toys to rare train sets, it's one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. The fair runs from 10:30am to 2:30pm, with early bird entry at 8:30am for serious collectors. Under 16s go free, and dogs are welcome, as long as they're kept on a lead. Find out more here.

Nature lovers can also join the Autumn Foraging & Wildcrafting Workshop in Shepton Mallet's Church of St Mary the Virgin from 1pm to 4:30pm. Learn how to identify and use wild herbs and plants to create seasonal teas and tonics in this hands-on workshop—a great opportunity to connect with the natural world.

Rounding off Sunday's events, the Olde Boston Tea Party will take over The King Arthur in Glastonbury from 8pm to 10pm, offering an evening of live music and good company.

Film enthusiasts can also head back to Strode Theatre in Street for a special 60 Year Celebration Finale Concert with Tim Pitman and Angie Lang at 7:30pm. They'll be taking audiences on a musical journey through the hits of the past six decades, making for a nostalgic end to a busy weekend.

Looking Ahead at Studio24 in Wells

If you're planning ahead, Studio24 in Wells has a great line-up of tribute acts to keep an eye on. Next Friday, 11th October, sees ABBA Arrival – The Hits of ABBA. Celebrate 50 years of ABBA's Eurovision win with all their greatest hits, from Dancing Queen to Waterloo. Get your tickets here.

Later in the season, Studio24 will host the Dub Pistols on 2nd November, bringing their unique blend of ska, punk, and reggae to Wells. December is shaping up to be a fantastic month, too, with an Adele + Amy Winehouse Tribute on 6th December and a David Bowie Tribute Night on 7th December. Rounding off the year, Studio24 will feature a Pink Tribute on 13th December, followed by a Christmas Party Night with PRP & Guests.

With so much going on, there's plenty to look forward to across the region. Make sure to get out and enjoy everything Wells, Glastonbury, and Shepton Mallet have to offer this weekend and beyond!