Visitors to the High Street last Saturday saw the launch of some of the activities and events that will be on offer at this year’s Midsomer Arts Festival, which takes place from Friday, 17th June until Sunday, 26th June.

Included in the special preview event was some of the celebrated artwork created for last year’s inaugural festival, which adorned the riverside, creating a vibrant setting for the local crafters’ market. There were also a range of free activities, including mosaic making, paper flower making and petal decorating.

The large wooden petals are currently being produced at Norton Hill School and will be distributed around local schools, artists and community groups over the next few weeks to be decorated in time for June’s festivities. When displayed alongside other community artwork, they will be part of the largest and most inclusive community art display the Somer Valley has ever seen.

The weekend also saw the launch of the festival’s music programme, with two flagship concerts announced for the festival at Midsomer Norton Town Hall. First up on Sunday, 19th June, will be a double bill of acclaimed folk inspired singer-songwriters, with the enchanting voice of the Isle of Wight’s Paul Armfield joining Somerset’s Reg Meuross and his powerful and authentic songs of justice and protest. Whilst on Friday, 24th June, the award-winning Bath Opera will bring their highly anticipated production of Madame Butterfly, directed by Peter Blackwood. Puccini’s deeply-felt and imaginative opera is in English and offers local residents critically acclaimed opera right on their doorsteps.

Those interested in taking part in the Arts Festival or looking to get tickets for some of the events already announced, should ring the Midsomer Norton Community Trust on: 01761 419133 or go to: wwww.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk Many more events and activities are scheduled to be announced in the coming weeks and residents are encouraged to keep up-to-date by following the Midsomer Arts Festival page on Facebook.