Revellers enjoyed a range of entertainment in Midsomer Norton as last Saturday saw the community come together for a varied programme of events. Both Midsomer Norton Fayre and M-Fest enjoyed fine weather and an audience in high spirits on a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in the town centre.

At M-Fest there was a showcase of original local musical talent, epitomised by the show-stealing openers, Psychic Junk – the young grunge band, aged between ten and twelve-years-old, are future superstars and an encouraging sign for those that pine for a resurgence of the town’s music scene.

Elsewhere, the afternoon benefited from the acoustic vibes of Keith Horler and heavy doses of rock during the afternoon from Ghost of the Avalanche, Swanmeat and Cupcake Diaz and The Felt Tip Pens. The soulful Joe Probert’s first-ever Norton gig was one to remember and local rock legends, Ulysses, gave the perfect finish on the main stage. The Hollies Garden provided a chilled-out area between bands as families enjoyed mixes from Stack Up Sound System, as well as free crafts and goes on the inflatable.

There was even more entertainment throughout the afternoon at the Fayre, which this year was based mainly in the evolving Town Park event space. The town’s creativity was once again at the forefront of the event, with hundreds of entries into the Town Show across a range of craft, cooking and horticultural categories.

Meanwhile, Midsomer Arts Festival brought new elements to the event with music, drama, dance, spoken word and graffiti artists. Over 100 local school children took part in the annual Maypole Festival and families were treated to inflatables, rides on goat-drawn carriages, Punch and Judy shows, the Silver Band, street organ, balloon modelling, music workshops and much more.

The Community Trust thanks all the attendees, sponsors, local traders, pubs, security and stage crews and volunteers who made it such a pleasant afternoon for all involved. Those wishing to give feedback or get involved in next year’s event can do so by emailing: [email protected] or by phoning: 01761 419133.

Town Show Winners 2019

Overall Show Winner: Diana Walker

Schools Winner: Midsomer Norton Primary

Shop Window Display: Cats Protection

Children’s: Erin Nash & Phoebe Mullen

Vegetables: Roger White, Brian Lawrence, Dave Rogers

Handicrafts: Bernice Drew

Flowers: Lynn Plumley

Art & Photography: Diana Walker

Cookery: Diana Lawrence

Men’s Cookery: Noel Avis

All photographs by Becky Brooks, unless stated.