What’s On

Royal Ballet to appear at Yeo Valley

guESTartists of The Royal Ballet, one of the world’s greatest ballet companies, will travel to Blagdon in July for two special open-air performances

Yeo Valley organic will be hosting the event with Muse à Muse in the Yeo Valley organic garden overlooking Blagdon lake on Saturday, July 17th and Sunday, July 18th at 3pm.

The performances will feature an impressive line-up of world-class dancers and outstanding musicians and will include the work of some of the most celebrated choreographers – Kenneth MacMillan, Marius Petipa, Christopher wheeldon and wayne Mcgregor – in an afternoon of classical and contemporary dance.

Yeo Valley’s creative director, Sarah Mead, said: “we are really excited to bring guest artists of The Royal Ballet to the South west for two exclusive performances in our beautiful organic garden, as well as workshops and classes for the surrounding arts community.”

Johanna Adams Farley, president of Muse à Muse and senior stage manager of the Royal Ballet said: “Muse à Muse had to postpone our planned return to France, with this special group of dancers and musicians, however, what was initially a disappointing moment is now one which is extremely exciting.

“we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring dance to this very stunning part of England in what is quite simply the truly perfect setting. A huge thank you to Tim and Sarah Mead and all at Yeo Valley organic.”

Royal Ballet supporter and joint organiser, Judith Batchelar, said: “i’m pleased to be involved with Dance in Somerset. This weekend will create a memorable cultural experience in the west Country that promotes the power of the performing arts and will inspire the next generation of performers.”

The venue will open at 12pm for food and drink from local producers, allowing guests time to explore the garden ahead of the performance which starts at 3pm. Tickets are now on sale at £85 per person and £50 for under 16s (plus booking fee). All proceeds will go towards supporting the Royal opera House, Covent garden Foundation –Registered Charity no. 211775.

Details: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/come-and-visitus/dance-in-somerset/

Valley Fest is go

Followingthe government announcement on June 14th, Valley Fest is forging ahead with plans to hold the festival between July 29th –August 1st. The team feels confident that the four-week delay and expanded vaccination programme will see restrictions fully lifted on July 19th.

Valley Fest, the “best-tasting music festival in the South west”, is held alongside Chew Valley lake. As well as huge headliners such as Texas, Deacon Blue and Sophie EllisBextor, the weekend also showcases the region’s finest produce, from charcuterie to cheddars and ciders to sausages.

Wake Up Wells is back

A CoMMuniTY day in wells is to go ahead in July after twice being postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

“wake up wells” will take place on Saturday, July 24th –centred on wells Cathedral – with funding from the national lottery Fund.

The day – featuring a community picnic – has been organised by Project Factory CiC. Kirstie Harris, director of Project Factory said: “This event has been postponed twice, so we are really excited to be able to put on one of the first community events after such a long and challenging period for most people.

“we’ve seen our community in action during the pandemic working together to support each other. This is a great opportunity to celebrate that community spirit. we hope people will bring a picnic, meet up with each other again and sample some of the delights that wells has to offer.” inside the cathedral, around 50 local organisations and clubs will be exhibiting and hoping to recruit new members. There will be performances by wookey Hole Circus, Drum Together, the Beetlecrushers Clog Dancers and the wells Amateur Bellringing Society.

There will also be family workshops to try Djembe drumming, Christmas Craft in the Cloisters and the chance to make a mosaic leaf with Ruth Ames-white who will be showing the progress she has made on wells in Mosaic. outside, the Rotary Club of wells is organising a country fete with have-a-go activity stalls such as a coconut shy, skittles, circus skills, pig racing with wells lions, tombolas, face painting (Covid permitting), turban dressing with Khalsa Aid and a country dancing demonstration. wellspring Music Recovery group are organising live music from wells City Band, glastonbury Male Voice Choir, Birmingham ZZ Blues Band, The Portraits and wells Jazz Collective. Mendip Community Police will also be bike marking. And look out for gert and Daisy from wells Museum wafting around the city telling stories of their life “below stairs” at the Swan Hotel and a short outdoor play “The Monmouth Pageant” with wells Civic Society.

Project Factory and wells Community network are funding the Sustainable wells Fresh & good Collective Ploughman’s lunch picnic, which is bookable in advance for a donation. wells Cathedral School’s Quilter Hall will be open for percussion workshops and wells and Mendip Museum is open for free for one day only.

At the Bishop’s Palace there will be four outdoor performances for children, The Magic garden (for younger children) and Robin Hood (for older children) each performing twice. These will be on the South lawn and are free for members and ticket holders. For non-ticket holders the croquet lawn will be open from lunchtime so people can bring along their own picnic. wendy Ray, president of the Rotary Club of wells, said: "wells Rotary are absolutely delighted to be joining hands with Project Factory on wells Community Day. As we all come out of lockdown, this big event will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate, have fun, enjoy a big picnic, lots of activities to take part in, with plenty of musical entertainment in the background. we look forward to this joyous occasion!"

Drama camp

VAllEYArts has announced its very first youth theatre summer camp to be held at winford School from Monday, August 2nd to Friday, August 6th.

The need for summer time activities for young people was something that came up in their recent Voice of the Valley survey. under the guidance of professionals, participants will learn about the creative processes involved in making a drama production including storytelling, scripts, acting and devising, in a fun workshop setting.

The students will produce a play in a week, with their families being invited to watch their final performance.

The week-long camp for eight to 12 year olds will be led by professional director and playwright Toby Hulse of Roustabout Theatre, alongside Valley Arts’ own laura Davies. The cost is £125 for the week.

Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk

Palace steps back in history

THEBishop’s Palace in wells has announced that its popular Medieval weekend will return in August 2021.

Taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend, last year’s event was cancelled due to Covid, but this year it will return to delight

locals and tourists alike.

Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in 800 years of history and get into the medieval spirit as they discover the historical re-enactment and medieval weapons experts, Bowlore encamped amongst the stunning ruins of the great Hall.

There will be displays throughout each day with demonstrations and choreographed combat with longbows, pallaxes, Dane hammer, Falchion and langmesser, to name just a few!

“The Black Dog”, Bowlore’s weapons and armour tent can be visited to get a glimpse of medieval life, and members of the Bowlore troupe will be on hand throughout each day to share their expertise and to answer questions.

Entrance to the Medieval weekend is included with any valid entrance ticket/membership to The Bishop’s Palace.

THE MEnDiP TiMES wHAT’S on guiDEFoR JulY 2021

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of less than 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.

Saturday June 26th

Food and Craft Field Fayre, north Somerset Showground, wraxall. Check website for other dates. Details: www.nsas.org.uk The Reduced Ring Cycle at Croscombe, with Somerset based Bluebirds Theatre in a beautiful family-friendly mash-up outdoor performance. Advance tickets only: www.takeart.org/whatson

Sunday June 27th

Yard and rummage sale organised by Saturday Stitch and Fosseway gardening Club. 10.30-12.30, Harvester Yard, nr Ditcheat church. Details: 07772 008594. Charity Car Boot sales for ilchester Sportsfield Fund are restarting. Details: mobile 07967 280754 (weekends only) or on Facebook.

Chew Valley Rugby Club Classic Car and

Bike meeting, 10am-3pm. Kitchen and bar open for breakfast and drinks. Free entry for classic car and bike owners and anyone interested in classics. Further events planned for Sundays: 11th and 25th July and 1st August. For up-to-date info please check Chew Valley Classic Car and Bike Meet Facebook page or Tel: 07831 336444.

Friday July 2nd to Sunday 4th July

Mixed Traction gala at the S&D Heritage Railway Midsomer norton, with a visiting Steam locomotive, a Kitson Austin 1. Compartment booking £27-50 for up to 4 people, open carriage up to two people £16-50. Further details & bookings on our website: sdjr.co.uk.

Saturday July 3rd to Monday July 12th

Frome Festival, community arts festival. Details: www.fromefestival.co.uk

Saturday July 3rd

Jazz in the Paddock with the Big R Big Band, 6.30 for 7pm. Bring a picnic and chairs. Church Paddock, winscombe Hill, BS25 1DE. Adults £10, u16s £5, family ticket £25 (2 adults and up to 4 children) from Hampden osteopathic Clinic 01934 843617 and on the gate.

Sunday July 4th somerton Fun Day Friday July 9th – Sunday July 11th

literally shepton literary festival with comedy, music, authors and children's theatre, events centred around Shepton Mallet’s newly refurbished library, The Art Bank and Shepton Community Bookshop. All events free of charge but tickets need to be booked. Details: www.literallyshepton.co.uk

Saturday, July 10th Compton Dando monthly coffee morning

resumes, village hall 10.30am-12noon.

Saturday July 10th and Sunday July 11th

Flower Festival, St Mary’s Church, wedmore from 10am to 6pm. lunches and cream teas. All welcome, adults £5, children free. Proceeds towards church upkeep. For details: please see www.facebook.com/St-Marys-wedmore

Sunday July 11th

Picnic in the meadow, Rodden Meadow, Frome. 11am–2pm. A host of activities, from river dipping to tree climbing. Picnic and have fun! Details: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk

Saturday July 17th

Christ Church nailsea summer Fair in the Rectory garden, 9.30am-12.30pm. Bouncy Castle, balloon modeller, bubble-ologist, candyfloss, crafts and various stalls and refreshments. Admission free. Winscombe Tennis Club Open Day: 10am4pm, all ages and abilities. The lynch BS25 1AP. Cardio Sessions and Junior Coaching from 1pm. Half price membership for new members who join on the day. Details: contactwinscombelawntennisclub@live.co.uk Winter Wilson at Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ. 6.45pm–10pm. Tickets £10 from https://wegottickets.com/event/516718. original songs, stunning harmonies and musicianship. Family Fun Day, Collett Park, Shepton Mallet, 10.30am-4pm. Details: www.makethesunshine.co.uk

Saturday, July 17th and Sunday July 18th

WOWFest Wells Orchestral Weekend, Bishop’s Palace and St Cuthbert’s Church. Details: www.wellsyouthmusicfest.co.uk

Sunday, July 18th

Charity concert, The Hollies, Pensford Hill, 3pm, £8, £10 on the day. Details: guilly and Tony Jones 01761 490456.

Saturday July 24th & Sunday July 25th July Draycott & Rodney stoke Wi Open

gardens, 11am-5pm. over 10 gardens open, teas & lunches. Parking: St Peter’s Church, Draycott and Brangay Farm, Rodney Stoke BS27 3ul. Adults £5 u16s free with adult.

Saturday July 31st

Coffee Morning at St Bridget’s, Chelvey and Brockley, 10am–12.30pm. Parking at Chelvey Court, or for disabled drivers by the church gate.

Sunday August 1st

a triple-bill of theatrical shows with a street circus twist at Croscombe Playing Field. Advance tickets only, details: www.takeart.org/whats-on

Free family fun in shepton Mallet

ST PAul’S Junior School in Shepton Mallet is to host a free day of familyfriendly entertainment in July with support from Shepton Mallet Town Council and the wells Festival of literature.

The event, on Saturday, July 17th, is being organised by the community interest company Make the Sunshine, which runs theatre projects, creative workshops and performances.

Called All the world’s our Playground, the day promises exceptional entertainment, circus, dance and lots of fun! The line-up includes two performances by Squashbox Theatre who bring Curious Creatures to the stage.

There will be two performances also by Tallulah Swirls of a funny and original twist on The Princess and The Pea. Higher Beings Circus will also be there as will around 100 performers from the town’s Chapel Dance Studio, celebrating every style of dance over the last 100 years. There will also be stalls run by local community groups and maypole dancing by pupils from Bowlish infant School. l The event will comply with any Covid requirements in place at the time. For the full programme, bookings and line-up visit: www.makethesunshine.co.uk

shakespeare on the road . . . and on the grass

EMBER Theatre Company, based in glastonbury, are to stage performances of Shakespeare’s As You like it at four outdoor venues in July, including the South lawn of the Bishop’s Palace in wells.

The 14-strong cast began rehearsals over Zoom during lockdown but were able to get together when restrictions began lifting in April. Since then, they have rehearsed outside – weather permitting – but also made use of space in the Zig Zag Building in glastonbury.

The performances begin at Middlezoy Village Hall on Friday, July 2nd, followed by Badgworth School Rooms on Saturday, July 3rd, the Bullzini circus yard in Evercreech on Sunday, July 4th before the closing show in wells on Monday, July 5th. Although largely amateur, some of the cast have wide experience in film and television roles. The shows will be in support of The nelson Trust, a charity based in Stroud that brings belief, hope and long-term recovery to people whose lives have been torn apart by addiction. The charity runs a residential recovery scheme for men and women and also three women’s centres aimed at helping women and girls with multiple and complex needs who might be in – or at risk of becoming involved in – the criminal justice system in Somerset, wiltshire and gloucestershire.

Some of Ember’s team are to take part in wells Theatre Festival’s A Midsummer night’s Dream in wells Cathedral in october, as part of the Festival of the Moon to coincide with the art installation Museum of the Moon by luke Jerram.

The cast of as You like it – they’re using costumes from all periods Rehearsing inside the Zig Zag Building: Phil saunders and Will Vero

For details, visit www.embertheatrecompany.weebly.com

Music returns to Wells

THEsecond edition of wowFest: wells orchestral weekend will welcome hundreds of talented young and amateur musicians from across the uK for a joyful weekend of concerts, workshops and even a ceilidh on the weekend of July 17-18th!

The inaugural wowFest took place in July 2018 and saw an exciting range of free events in wells’ most iconic venues. Highlights included a march by the Royal Artillery Band from the Cathedral green to the Bishop’s Palace and an experimental workshop by the festival’s patron, local conductor Charles Hazlewood.

This year, the concerts will be held in the Covid-safe environment of The Bishop’s Palace. Although the concerts are free, usual entrance fee to The Bishop’s Palace applies. if Covid restrictions allow, the highlight of the festival will see a special performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with its iconic “ode to Joy” chorus.

Accompanied by guest symphony orchestra The Bristol Classical Players and professional soloists, a community choir of 100 voices will be formed and rehearsed from the end of June. The concert will take place in St Cuthbert’s Church at 7.30pm on July 17th and will be free to attend with donations.

The wowFest BBQ & Ceilidh with eight-piece band Squeeze Fiddle Pluck, will take place in wells Town Hall on Sunday, July 18th at 6pm if restrictions are lifted (£12pp).

Details: www.wellsyouthmusicfest.co.uk

gyles Brandreth confirmed for Wells Festival of literature

THE multi-talented gyles Brandreth has been announced as the closing guest speaker at this year’s wells Festival of literature in october.

The journalist, comedian, former MP, radio presenter, university chancellor, actor and entertainer – and more – will be discussing his long-awaited autobiography odd Man out.

The full programme for this year’s festival, running from Friday, october 15th to Saturday, october 23rd, will be announced in August. All festival events will follow the government guidelines in place at the time.

At present the plan is for all speakers to appear live in wells, with streaming available for an additional online audience. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, September 6th.

new president is farm show expert

THE organisers of the annual Mid-Somerset Show have welcomed industry expert Paul Hooper as their new president at a crucial time for the one-day countryside celebration.

Paul has more than 40 years’ experience in the agricultural show sector, having run his first show, aged 17, whilst still in education. He is the former secretary at the Mid-Somerset Show’s neighbours the Royal Bath and west Society. He is currently secretary of the Association of Show and Agricultural organisations, the “voice” of the British agricultural show industry.

Paul joins the Mid-Somerset as it prepares to stage a Covidcompliant show at its new permanent showground at Cannard’s grave, on the edge of Shepton Mallet, on Sunday, August 15th. work is nearing completion on a purpose-built office and storage building on the showground, where Paul joined show society chairman ian Harvey on a tour for stewards to explain the new layout of the showground.

Paul said: “it was an unexpected pleasure to be invited to become president of the Mid-Somerset Show and i am proud to bring in excess of 40 years’ experience to the role.

“Despite the impact of the pandemic, the show society has shown it remains forward-thinking and innovative.” ian said: “we are really pleased to welcome someone of such extensive show experience to the society as we prepare to welcome visitors to our new home.”

Paul Hooper (left) and ian Harvey at the new showground

stewards on a tour of the site led by Will Harvey

entries are now open for the show. For details visit: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk

Kids go free at glastonbury abbey

THiS summer, glastonbury Abbey is offering free admission to children under 16 years of age.

Each adult who purchases a day ticket may bring along two children for the visit completely free of charge to explore the abbey's spectacular ruins

and 36 acres of stunning grounds.

The abbey has fully reopened to the public with all indoor spaces now open, an outdoor garden cafe offering great coffee, cake and ice-cream and an award-winning events calendar underway. on wednesday, July 14th visitors can enjoy the popular show “HMS Pinafore” live in the abbey grounds. glastonbury Abbey is open seven days per week from 10am to 6pm with last entry at 5.15pm. Admission can be bought online in advance or at the ticket office upon arrival. l This promotional offer is valid only with the purchase of an adult or over-60s day admission ticket. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additional children are charged at £6.60 per ticket.

From folksy punk to trad jazz –live music at country festival

no festival would be complete without live music, and visitors to the Bath & west Country Festival in August will be pleased to know that there will be plenty of this to entertain them.

The festival – Thatchers Cider is the title sponsor – will showcase some of the best regional musicians, who will be performing at locations across the showground site. A new feature for this year is The greenwood Stage, which will be located at the top of the showground and will have live music from 2-11pm. The leylines, a Bath & west favourite act who have previously performed at glastonbury Festival, will be performing on Friday night. Their music, which they describe as “something that isn’t quite folk, sort of punk but The Jelly Roll Jazz Band 100% heart-pounding

Big breakfast

Jim Farmer serving (l to r) Jackie, Morris, anne and John stephens, John and Rosemary langdon and John Morris

CHElwooDBridge Rotary Club will be holding their 12th annual Big Breakfast on Sunday, July 25th in Stanton Drew village hall, 8am-12noon.

Traditionally the fundraiser is held on the Sunday after Stanton Drew flower show, using the flower marquee, but because of restrictions the flower show is moving to September.

The local Classic and Historic Car Club will be starting their rally once again that day, after enjoying a breakfast later in the morning. All proceeds will once again be going to support local Rotary charities. Booking is recommended.

The leylines will headline on the Friday evening of the festival

revelry” is sure to have the audience on their feet.

The Main lawn will also be a place to head for musical entertainment, and one of the main acts here will be The Jelly Roll Jazz Band. This traditional, completely acoustic jazz trio play a mixture of 1920s standards as well as putting their own trad jazz spin on more modern songs. Visitors will also find them roaming around the festival, doing performances wherever they fancy, over all three days of the event.

There’ll be entertainment at the Thatchers bar too with music across the three-day festival. with a wide variety of other acts, roaming performers, and opportunities to camp onsite, a festival vibe is guaranteed.

Alan lyons, Head of Shows at the Bath & west, said: “we are thrilled that Thatchers Cider have become our title sponsor for this year’s Bath & west Country Festival. There is a big emphasis on Food & Drink at the Festival, so we are really grateful to have the support of one of the country’s leading cider producers who are based here in Somerset!”

Martin Thatcher, fourth-generation cider maker at Thatchers, added: “The Bath & west has been a huge part of our calendar for many years now and we’re delighted to be able to support the show in its new form for 2021. like many, we can’t wait to get back to the events and shows that we love and are looking forward to celebrating the best Food & Drink the county has on offer. it promises to be a fantastic event!”

The Bath & West Country Festival takes place between 27th and 29th august, and tickets are available now at https://www.bathandwest.com/tickets

Diary dates

THEprojects committee of St Bridget’s, Chelvey and Brockley, are hoping to hold a welcoming coffee and cake morning on Saturday, July 31st, 10am–12.30pm. if wet it will be held in the church, or on the lawn if fine and dry. Parking will be by kind permission of Chelvey Court or for the disabled drivers, by the church gate. later in the year, Conny Ridge and Jen Thayer have once again arranged to use St Bridget's as a display centre for the north Somerset Arts week, September 10th-19th.