The Ilminster Literary Festival & Ilminster Midsummer Experience

(Felix tucking into a good book)

As an incomer, albeit of some 30 years standing, I find that one of the joys of living in Somerset is the ready access to our vibrant market towns and the variety they offer. During the summer months we really are spoilt for choice with the many activities, often free, that help to put towns like Ilminster firmly on the cultural map.

June in particular, is an exciting time for Ilminster residents, attracting an influx of visitors keen to enjoy what is on offer at the town’s two ‘must see’ events. The month kicks off with The Ilminster Literary Festival (31^st May – 8^thJune), now in its second year, and hot on its heels, Ilminster Midsummer Experience (8^th – 11^th June), which is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.

This year the Ilminster Literary Festival will feature 35 events held in a variety of venues in and around the town. National authors include Rosie Millard, Terry Waite and Paddy Ashdown, whilst local interest comes in the form of Capability Brown landscapes, cookery, historical sagas, children’s story telling, and of special interest to me, wine tasting.  Adult and children’s workshops are taking place for illustrating, poetry and creative writing. There really is something for everyone as the action-packed programme, which is readily available throughout the town, is filled with events that will appeal to both children and adults, and the young at heart; not having any children myself did not stop me queueing up last year for a signed, illustrated, copy of Petr Horacek’s lovely Blue Penguin book.

As a keen quizzer, I am once again looking forward playing the role of quiz master at the Literary Festival Quiz. If last year is anything to go by we shall have to get a bigger venue next year!

Some of the events include light refreshments, a traditional Somerset cream tea or lunch. Tickets are being snapped up, so be sure to book yours soon via the festival website. www.ilminsterliteraryfestival.org  or email: ilminsterlitfest@gmail.com

We will all have had barely enough time to draw breath before the start of the 4 day Ilminster Midsummer Experience, which has now become a major attraction for visitors coming from across the South West and beyond. A couple of weeks beforehand will see the erection of over 100 colourful flags throughout the town, including stunning banners designed by Patrick Reyntiens in the Minster churchyard. With over 25 events during the festival there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to plays, concerts and art exhibitions, there will be a fascinating Food and Craft Market on Saturday 10^th. The following day will see the town host a large Classic Car Show, a Fun Dog Show, Fun Fair, Brass Band concert, and delicious food served in a Food Court, as well as the popular community lunch hosted once again by the Rotary Club of Ilminster. This year there will be a Somerset theme to the lunch, with yummy, scrumptious produce from local suppliers and producers. 

Ilminster is also proud of being a Fairtrade town, with their mantra ‘If you can’t buy local buy Fairtrade’. Put simply, it means a commitment to treating producers fairly, whether it is the local farmers who supply our milk, meat and cereals, to the tea and coffee growers in the developing world. As consumers, we all have the power to change the world each and every day. When we make even simple shopping choices we can help farmers to get a better deal meaning they can make their own decisions, control their futures and lead the dignified life everyone deserves. Local businesses benefit too, and having Fairtrade Town status adds one more string to the bow of our blossoming tourist industry. It gives the growing number of people who are concerned about the ethics of trade a reason to visit Ilminster and the surrounding countryside; increased visitor numbers mean more trade for everyone.

Of course, none of this happens by chance. It is the hard work over many weeks and months by dedicated teams who really do want to make a difference. How many more reasons do we need to visit this lively town…. no wonder so many people choose to settle here.