Programme of Events

Slovak Art Exhibition - photos

A selection of art from the exciting artists Ignac & Bila Koeakovci. Further work can be viewed at St. Mary’s Church.

Sensing the Land - Photo Exhibition - photos

Local professional Ian Beech displays a range of photographs from the "Breaking the Surface" project at Bridgwater Docks.

Art & Floral Exhibition - photos

Floral arrangements from St Mary’s Church florists and Bridgwater Floral Club, complimented by original paintings and sculptures. Lunchtime music recital. Delicious refreshments available.

Carnival Exhibition - photos

Bridgwater is famous for its carnival, which has been held for hundreds of years. This exhibition displays just a fragment of its colourful history.

Brick & Tile Museum Clay Workshop - photos

Come and make a brick in collaboration with Somerset Social Services.

Meet John Chubb - photos

A re-enacter will play the 18th Century Bridgwater citizen, merchant and artist. Meet the man who played an important part in the town’s life 200 years ago. See portraits of people and views of Bridgwater that recreate what the town was like in a bygone age.

Official Opening of Somerfest 2002 - photos

Bridgwater’s second arts festival is opened by pupils from Chilton Trinity, East Bridgwater Community School, Bridgwater College students and the Czech Backside Big Band.

East Bridgwater Community School Concert

Pupils display their creative talents following a residency with Blue Moon, Ayo Scott and Dance Movement.

River Poetry - Words on Water

James Crowden joins Genista Wheatley and her creative writing group to read extracts from their latest work. Voice of the People and Wessex Eight Singers add a musical note to an evening of prose, poetry and song.

Jazz Supper with The Backside Big Band

A Glen Miller style 20 piece strong swing band from the Czech Republic. Ticket price includes supper.

St Marys Church Tower Open - photos

Come and view Somerfest from this historic vantage point! A 45 minutes peal will be rung at 10.30am.

The Backside Big 'Swing' Band - photos

This famous band, of graduate musicians from the Czech Republic, will perform musical greats reminiscent of the Swing era. Retiring Collection for church restoration funds.

Baked Beans and Custard - photos

The famous Chris Harris’s fun-packed children’s show. Magic, mime and music – with participation! 11.00am to 12.00 noon (suitable for 4 to 10 year olds.)

Chris Harris in Ally Sloper's Half Holiday - photos

A side-splitting one-man show, based on the very first comic strip hero from 1897: Ally Sloper. Ally is a social climber, hoping for a peerage. While waiting for a visit from Queen Victoria, he takes us on a journey through the social calendar.

Cossington Concerts

The Brook Street Band, directed by Tatty Theo, plays music by Handel, Corelli and other baroque composers.

Town Centre Performances - photos

Street Theatre - Whose Crown is it Anyway?

Voyages of Discovery take an amusing angle on succession to the throne. When the reigning monarch pops his clogs, the citizens of Fableland are left with a dilemma: who should wear the crown?

The Dance Crew - Street Dance - photos

Britney, J-Lo, S Club 7, Allstars, Destiny’s Child - you’ve seen them on TOTP, now see Bridgwater’s very own youth dance group performing live for Somerfest.

Hamp Samba Band

A colourful collective of musicians playing exotic, foot-tapping rhythms, to while away a summer’s day.

Noise Limit present The Intergalactic Royal Visit - photos

A unique opportunity to catch sight of this amazing royal walkabout. The visiting royals from Planet Zonk grace Somerfest, during their intergalactic royal tour.

Small Town Dance Company

Bridgwater’s newly formed dance theatre company perform a site-specific piece choreographed by the company and directed by Niki McCretton.

Blue Moon Theatre Company

Royal Yarns, Mad Monarchs, Quirky Queens, and Precocious Princesses - tales fit for a king. Blue Moon will get us all in the mood for fun and frolics, with games using their amazing rainbow parachute.

Somerfest Market - photos

A variety of stalls selling a range of interesting wares. The Backside Big Band plan to play on the steps of Angel Place at 12.30pm.

Face Casting - photos

Make a life-like cast of your face!

Paint and draw in a day

Set up your easel in Angel Place Shopping Centre and paint and draw what you like!

Tropical Rain Forests and Exotic Animals - photos

Young people’s art workshop. Help turn paper into art. Roll up your sleeves and join in the fun! In conjunction with the Sedgemoor Scrapstore and supported by the Bridgwater Mercury.

Jazz at the Castle

The Panama Jazz Kings play a selection of traditional jazz in the castle grounds. Doors open 6.30pm. Barbecue and Bar available.

Rockfest 2002 - photos

At least 10 different local bands each playing a 40- minute set. Stalls and other entertainments during the day. Bands confirmed at time of publication; Bikeshed (high energy popsters), Stupidicus (heavy thrash grind death punk), Endeavour (indie rock), Harsh (hard rock), The Visitors (post-industrial dark folk), The Magnificent (guitar pop).

Drama Workshop with Chris Harris - photos

Chris has toured the world directing and lecturing on drama, and performing his one-man shows. He is both a recognised authority on pantomime and a respected performer. Make the most of your talent by polishing up your technique through theatre games with Chris Harris. Places are strictly limited – so book early!

Celebrating Art

A special service, celebrating the Arts in worship. A joint service with parishioners from St Johns.

Blake Gardens Watercolour Challenge - photos

Wembdon Art Group, and guests, will be painting aspects of Blake Gardens. Watch the artists at work and stroll in the gardens.

Bridgwater Salvation Army Band - photos

Part of the Blake Gardens Brass Band concert season.

Blue Moon Theatre Group - photos

The resident theatre group from Bridgwater Arts Centre performing stories and games for children of all ages!

Craftsmans Art & Music Measure

A choral evening, with sacred and secular readings and music. This service makes a thanksgiving for the Arts in Bridgwater, and the Festival itself.