Local people turned out in their thousands for a packed Festival Day in Midsomer Norton last Saturday, 9th July. The traditional-style Fayre, based around the Somer Centre, was this year joined by the M-Fest Live Music Festival in the High Street, in response to calls for music to return to Midsomer Norton once more during the town’s annual summer event. It seems a compromise has now been reached, with the two offering something for both families and music lovers, catering for a wide range of tastes and interests.

“It was great to have an event, like M-Fest, back in Midsomer Norton, showcasing the wealth of talent from the area – roll on next year!” said Pete Cunningham, of the White City Shakers, one of fifteen local acts who performed on the two stages during the nine-and-a-half-hour programme.

Apart from the great music, it was the friendly, relaxed atmosphere that was most

noticeable, with revellers moving on to local pubs afterwards to enjoy further music. “M-Fest was a real chance to feel proud of Midsomer Norton, its people, its local talent and its businesses working together and enjoying themselves!” added Lucy Milner, from the Wunderbar.

Whilst the bands played in the High Street, the children danced around their maypoles at the Town Fayre and Midsomer Norton Primary School triumphed as winners of this year’s Festival. The Town Show had a huge range of entries, with the overall winner being John Hayhoe, the Children’s winner being Daisy Shearn, and the Schools’ Champion being Midsomer Norton Primary School. Winners of the individual sections were: Vegetables – Rosemary Blatchford, Flowers – Wendy Treasure, Cookery – John Hayhoe, Men Only Cookery – joint winners, Eric Baldwin, Martin Avis and Noel Avis, Handicrafts – Joan Lee, and Art and Photography – Bridget Plumley.

The Shop Window competition was won by The Chip Inn, with a fabulous representation of fish making the shop window appear like a goldfish bowl, albeit including an enormous shark!

“On behalf of the town, I’d like to thank all those who worked so hard over many months to make last weekend’s events possible,” said Cllr Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.

“Special thanks go to the Community Trust, who led the organisation of both events. The Trust was supported by a number of partners for M-Fest, including the Wunderbar, Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rotary and Somer Valley FM. As well as the Police and St John Ambulance and numerous sponsors, Dennings Electrical contractors ensured that the stage had power, thanks to Midsomer Norton Methodist Church. Massey Wilcox provided the stage and Fireshield lent fire extinguishers for the day.

“For Midsomer Norton’s Fayre, thanks go to the organising committee, Midsomer Norton Carnival Association and Somer Valley Rotary, backed by a large team of volunteers, who supported the Trust.

“Overall, it was an amazing community effort.”

Work will now be starting on next year’s events to build on the success of last weekend, with a date already set for Saturday, 8th July 2017.