Warm weather accompanied a fun-packed Collett Park Day, in Shepton Mallet, recently. An estimated five thousand people attended the day and enjoyed a variety of community stalls and trade stands, live music, arena entertainment, and free activities, including bouncy castles and inflatable footdarts. Children were able to sit behind the steering wheel of an Avon and Somerset Police car and also climb inside a rescue pump provided by Shepton Mallet Fire Station.

Local resident, Laura Miller, said, "Having attended a fair few Collett Park Days over the years, this was the first one as a stall holder, I thought it was brilliantly organised and planned. Also, probably the covid affect, seemed to make it busier than ever. Good job Shepton Mallet Town Council and all involved!"

Due to the effects of the pandemic, Collett Park Day has not been held since 2019 and it was clear from the atmosphere this year that those in attendance were making up for lost time.

Matt Harrison, Chair of Shepton Mallet Town Council said, "It was wonderful to see so many people from far and wide come to this year's Collett Park Day. After a two-year hiatus, which means it is three years since we hosted the last event, it was time for a reset; to reinstill the ethos of the day which is about the community coming together to support and celebrate the amazing town we have. I'd like to say a huge thanks to everyone involved for making the day so busy and fun!"

Collett Park, an 11-acre open community space with pond, play area, and bandstand, was gifted to the town in 1906 by John Kyte Collett, after whom the park is named. Collett Park Day is an annual community celebration of his generosity. This year's event was sponsored by broadband suppliers Truespeed. Next year's celebration will take place on Saturday 10th June – put the date in your diary!