This Saturday, 9th July, will be the largest single day of community events in Midsomer Norton’s history with something for everyone – all kicking off at 12 noon. At Gullock Tyning, there will be Midsomer Norton Fayre Day, which has established itself as a family fun event in recent years. Then, at the same time, in the High Street, will be a brand new live music event called M-Fest with a great line-up of local talent.

Midsomer Norton Fayre will begin at midday and continue until 5 p.m. at Gullock Tyning and the Adventure play Park. It kicks off at 12 noon with a Duck Race in the High Street and the opening of the Midsomer Norton Maypole Festival outside the Somer Centre.

As well as an ongoing programme of dance and music performances, the Medieval Village is returning by popular request. The Town Show will be held in a giant marquee at the rear of the Somer Centre – and it’s not too late to enter one of the seven sections ranging from Cookery to Children’s sections.

There will be lots to do: balloon modelling, an improvised drumming workshop, cycle competition, bouncy castles, an Art and Photographic exhibition and Punch and Judy performances. There will also be a Street Organ, Brass Band as well as piano and flute performances in the Victoriana Tea Rooms in the Somer Centre.

Local residents should be aware from the notices that Gullock Tyning will be closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. St Chad’s surgery will not be open on Saturday and access to the Lloyds pharmacy based there will be on foot from the High Street. The Sports Centre will also be open as usual.

M-Fest, the live music festival, will begin at midday until 9.30 p.m. in Midsomer Norton High Street and will continue in local pubs until late.

M-Fest sees the return of live music to the High Street with two outdoor stages showcasing a range of local artists with people then moving on to the town’s pubs and music venues after the outdoor stages finish.

Bands on the outdoor Main Stage include energetic riff driven rock from headliners, The Greasy Slicks, foot-stomping Americana from White City Shakers and quirky pop delights from rock upstarts, Ulysses. Meanwhile, an Acoustic Stage in the Hollies Garden which will run until the early evening will be headlined by The Sam Evans Band, who launched their new album this week.

“It’s been a huge amount of work to get this event off the ground so, as well as thanks to the Town Council for their backing, the partners are also due praise, including the Community Trust, Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rotary, Somer Valley FM and the Wunderbar. The event is also being supported by the Midsomer Norton Community Alcohol Partnership,” said Alex Davis, of the Midsomer Norton Community Trust, the lead organiser.

The hope is that by bringing together community groups, local pubs and a great band line-up, it will be possible to establish a live music festival, which can grow and develop in future years to encourage local talent.

Local residents should be aware that businesses will be open as usual, with only the lower High Street closed to traffic, which will be diverted around South Road. Silver Street will be open as normal.

More information about both events can be found online at www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk or by phoning 01761 419133, whilst more up-to-date timings and listings for M-Fest can be found at www.facebook.com/MFestMSN