What's On section.qxp_Layout 1 21/07/2022 13:56 Page 92
MENDIP TIMES
Festival’s 30th anniversary
ACTOR and author Sheila Hancock kicks off Wells Festival of Literature's 30th anniversary celebrations this autumn as star guest at the opening event in Cedars Hall on October 14th. Funny and feisty at 89, she writes a vivid portrait of old age, launches a tirade against the injustices she perceives in the modern world, and yet finds that there are always reasons for joy. From 60s television comedy The Rag Trade, right up to her recent adventures with Gyles Brandreth on TV's Great Canal Journeys, Sheila's career spans more than seven decades and has gained her a host of honours and awards. The festival, which runs from October 14th-22nd, will also include many other well-known writers covering literary genres from fiction to current affairs, from science to history, from arts to poetry. Booking for festival events opened on July 25th. Details: www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk 01749 834483, 9.30am-12noon.
Festival spirit at museum
FAMILIES pining for the Glastonbury Festival – and those who could not get there – can enjoy a flavour of its magical atmosphere at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury with a summer of imagination and celebration ahead for visitors. Visitors are being invited to join the party with a celebration of festivals and fetes. Glastonbury returned after a two-year absence and the museum is marking the event with a display of photos. “Music, Mud, Mayhem: Photographing Glastonbury Festival” brings together images from 20 years of the iconic festival. They have been captured by Somerset-based photographer Jason Bryant who has chosen his personal favourites for the exhibition. For families there will be festival vibes with themed activities taking place throughout the holiday. Young artists will find plenty of ways to express themselves with a variety of arts and crafts on offer. These include making festival flags and friendship bracelets, flower power crafts and making a musical instrument. For the movers and groovers there is juggling, hula hooping and a bubble bonanza. There will also be donkey rides. For details visit: www.swheritage.org.uk/events
Glastonbury Festival band to headline Night at the Abbey
THIS August bank holiday is set to be a packed weekend at Glastonbury Abbey. On Friday, August 26th, its award-winning Night at the Abbey returns with a fantastic line-up across three stages, headlined by Bristol-based Cut Capers, which has added the abbey to its summer tour and comes hot on the heels of its performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The event runs from 4.30pm until 10pm. The following day, the Terrible Tudors move in for the next stop of their Horrible Histories’ national tour, a chance to get a warts-and-all history lesson with all the nasty bits left in. There are two performances at 3pm and 6pm. Both events offer discounts for children, members and for advanced tickets bought online. Tickets for some shows will also be available on the door, but at full price. The bank holiday weekend concludes on Sunday and Monday with free re-enactments of the Monmouth Rebellion from the Taunton Garrison, featuring cannon demonstrations, weapon displays and a chance to look around a living history campsite. For details and for advance tickets, visit: www.glastonburyabbey.com
PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
