Midsomer Norton’s Town Fayre saw a great turnout from residents and visitors who were entertained by music, bouncy castles, Punch and Judy, balloon-making and over forty market and community stalls.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris made a guest appearance to open this year’s Fayre, now in its eighth year, and including the Midsomer Arts Festival and the Midsomer Norton Show.

The maypole dancing, hosted by Richard Burgess from Somer Valley FM, saw entries from local primary schools. Judging the competition was Dan Norris, who ruled Welton Primary School as winners of the coveted first prize.

As the forecast thunderstorms thankfully failed to materialise, the crowd shrugged off the little drizzle to enjoy the excellent sound provided by Serenity Audio, managed competently by Simon at the mixing desk. Bands The Pix, Loophole and Local Heroes all played, the latter featuring Cllr Martyn Plant who delighted everyone with a rendition of “Why Does it Always Rain on Me?” and teasing the ominous clouds with a snippet of “Here Comes the Sun”.

As the Metro Mayor took time to visit the various stalls and chat to volunteers, the sun duly reappeared as the SWALLOW Charity Choir took to the stage.

Youth Connect South West kept the young people entertained with a variety of exciting and engaging games and activities, whilst Paulton Art Group and Old Bakery Artists exhibited the varied and high quality work of their members, demonstrating the wealth of creative talent in the area.

The Town Show

Continued on back page.

Competition featured prizes for best vegetables, flowers, cooking and handicrafts in addition to art and photography. The Mayor of Midsomer Norton, in full civic regalia and trademark tricorne hat, handed out prizes to the delighted winners. A full list of winners from all the competitions is available on the Community Trust website, mnct.co.uk.

Amongst the crafty activities and impressive art and photography displays, several local vendors provided food with beer and cider served by Community Trustees at the Somer Valley FM stall.

The event was organised by the Community Trust with financial support from the Town Council, with dozens of local businesses offering sponsorship.

The Town Park, featuring an impressive amphitheatre which hosted the recent Midsomer Norton Music and Arts Festival, was completed by the Town Council in 2021. The land was acquired as part of a groundbreaking asset-transfer, completed in 2019, which also included the Somer Centre, Town Hall and Orchard Hall being given to the Town Council for £1.

Mayor, Cllr Gordon Mackay, rounded off the day with thanks to all involved.

“Midsomer Norton is all about community and we’re so lucky to have a Community Trust which organises such wonderful events in our town. A huge thanks to them, Dan Norris for opening this year’s Fayre and the many volunteers who put in a fantastic effort to make it all possible.”