The Midsomer Norton Art Trail officially opened on Friday, 19th May. Most of the shops and businesses on and around the High Street are now displaying recycled paper carrier bags decorated by members of the local community.

All age ranges are represented, from primary-aged children through to our local Age Concern group. Many local schools and colleges have taken part, both Primary, Secondary and Post16, and bags have been decorated by members of Ladies Tangent Club, people attending workshops at Unit 14, and by many other local residents.

The event is delivered by Midsomer Norton Community Trust and the Cultural Consortium. One of the organisers, Martyn Plant, said: “We are delighted that so many local shops and businesses agreed to display people’s artwork. I know the artists are going to be thrilled to see their work on display, and we hope that residents and visitors will enjoy spending time wandering around the High Street and surrounding areas, looking at the amazing variety of art works, and enjoying the services the High Street has to offer.”

The theme chosen for the Art Trail is My High Street, with the aim of focussing attention on High Street businesses. We are very fortunate in having such a wide range of wonderful shops and services along our High Street, and the Trust and Consortium wanted to recognise and promote this.

A guide to shops displaying work will be available in some of the venues as well as at Unit 14 on South Road, BA3 2EZ. The event runs until Friday, 9th June.

Some of the bags, as well as other larger work, will be displayed at the Midsomer Norton Music Festival on the Town Park, BA3 2UH, on Saturday, 3rd June. There will be an art marquee running creative workshops, hosting art activities, and displaying artworks, alongside great music, food and drink.

Further information can be found by visiting the following websites: mnct.co.uk, yourmidsomernorton.co.uk/my-high-street-explore-our-arts-trail.

Facebook pages for the Community Trust and Midsomer Norton Music and Arts Festival, or by phone or email at 01761 419133 or [email protected]