Planning your next getaway to Somerset? Be sure you don’t miss out on the variety of events taking place throughout 2023.
Create memories on your holiday at one of these events in Somerset. Whether you’re rocking out at a music festival with a beverage in hand or soaking up the bright lights of a carnival, there is something for everyone!
Continue reading to discover the best festivals and events in Somerset…
January
Celebrate the Winter season with this fantastic festival, combining the elements of fire and ice with dinosaurs!
Wander Uptown Somerset with a hot chocolate in hand and meet the array of ice sculptures speckled throughout.
There is also a pop-up museum, live music, fireworks, a variety of food stalls, reptile encounters, and a scavenger hunt!
This three-day event offers something for the whole family to enjoy!
February
Immerse yourself in nature at the annual Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival. Celebrating the horticulturalist James Allen, the first person to grow new varieties of snowdrops.
During the festival, there will be workshops, arts and crafts, poetry and photography competitions, and live music.
The little ones can get involved in storytelling sessions, idyllic walks, and sprinkling fairy dust!
March
One of the longest events in Somerset is the 20-day Bath Comedy Festival. Expect plenty of laughs with a variety of comedy, cabarets, live music, and sketches.
If you’re bringing the whole family, there are also shows for the kids and mystery tours to be enjoyed!
The 2023 line-up includes, Bake Off’s Prue Leith, Laura Lexx and Silky, along with a variety of new acts!
April
Foodies will not want to miss this ever-popular event in Somerset! This festival not only celebrates the best of local produce, but local life as well.
Grab a drink and wander the stalls, where you can get inspired by cooking demonstrations from local chefs. Get to know your favourite flavours by taste testing or recreate your favourite flavours and purchase fresh ingredients.
You can do all this with a soundtrack of family-friendly entertainment from local musicians.
Step back in time at the popular Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre.
Enjoy a day of historic events at this event in Somerset, including archery, jousting, battles, and axe throwing. As well as living history encampments with workshops and activities.
There is a bar, food area and cafe, where you can grab a bite to eat whilst listening to medieval music or watching the fire breathing jester!
If you want to venture into the abbey, the Museum, Lady Chapel, and the 14th-century Abbot’s Kitchen are all open.
May
When looking for an event to go to in Somerset, don’t miss out on the Wedmore Arts Festival.
Free to enter, the festival celebrates all forms of art. From dance and poetry, to plays, live music and theatre, there is something to suit everyone!
So, what are you waiting for? Come on down and support this non-profit organisation who encourage up and coming talent.
Bringing international artists, authors, and speakers to one of the South West’s most beautiful cities is Bath Festival.
Hosting a week-long programme, designed to celebrate the very best of music and literature.
Festivities kick off with Party in the City, a night filled with free music and entertainment. Look forward to listening to everything from soul to rock and jazz in Bath’s most historic venues.
This popular event in Somerset has previously hosted performers including, Billy Ocean, UB40, McFly, and Scouting for Girls.
Grab your top hat, teacup, and don’t be late for this very important date, the much-loved Shindig Festival!
Held on the beautiful 16th-century Dillington Estate, this is a festival designed with everyone in mind.
Look forward to dancing to live music, taking part in workshops, comedy, well-being retreats, and arts and crafts. There is also the Church of Love, a high wire, and on-site nightclub!
Refuel at one of the many food vendors or grab a cocktail from the Tutti Frutti cocktail bar whilst listening to your favourite tunes.
Confirmed attendees for this event in Somerset include Mr David Rodigan and Jonathan Pie. It’s going to be one to remember!
Taking place in the smallest city in England is a firm favourite in the Somerset events calendar, Wells Comedy Festival.
Attracting the best comedy acts around, you can look forward to a weekend of non-stop laughs at over 35 shows across four venues.
Acts announced for the 2023 festival include, Phil Wang, Tim Key and Lou Sanders, with many more to come!
The next addition to our guide is Bristol’s biggest festival, Love Saves the Day.
This award-winning festival celebrates a variety of music and genres, played out across 10 stages.
The festival has continued to attract thousands each year, thanks to its unique stages, famous acts, and welcoming atmosphere.
Whilst this year’s line-up is yet to be announced, previous acts have included Chase and Status, Lily Allen and Fat Boy Slim.
June
This family-favourite event in Somerset promises a memorable day, jam-packed with activities.
You can enjoy a range of live entertainment throughout the day, both in the Main Ring and on the Main Lawn. Or sit back with a cool pint and a selection of street food as you enjoy a range of live music.
The foodies in your group can enjoy live celebrity cooking demonstrations, and stock up on fresh and local produce.
The little ones are well-catered for, with a chance to meet a variety of farm animals or enjoy the delights of the fairground!
A great way to learn about rural life when looking for what’s on in Somerset.
Next on our favourite Somerset festivals and events guide is the brilliant, Home Farm Fest.
The festival is an annual fundraiser for the charity School in a Bag, which helps to provide school supplies around the world.
Pop on your wellies and head down to enjoy a variety of acts across eight stages. Be sure to grab a beverage or a bite to eat from the charity-run bars and food stalls!
There is plenty to see and do, with workshops and talks held over the weekend, as well as a children’s area, silent discos, a children’s cinema, and so much more!
A popular event in Somerset which is in every festival goers’ calendar, the wonderful Pub in the Park!
Held in the Royal Victoria Park, you can dance the night away to acts, including Example, McFly, and Gabrielle!
As if that wasn’t enough, there will be a Live & Cooking Zone, where you can watch chefs cook up a storm. If that has whetted your appetite, visit a selection of award-winning, pop-up restaurants to sample flavours from across the globe.
This is a Somerset music festival you don’t want to miss!
Arguably, one of the most popular festivals in the world, our list on events in Somerset wouldn’t be complete without Glastonbury Festival!
This legendary festival started in 1970’s with tickets prices at £1, quite a contrast to today! Since it’s growth in the 90’s, the festival attracts approx. 200,000 people each year.
There’s over 100 stages surrounded by 900-acres of countryside, as well as 13 bars, and the The Deluxe Diner where you can refuel.
Check out the Theatre and Circus fields with interactive games, circus acts and workshops. Or enjoy the delights of the Great British seaside at Glastonbury on Sea, with traditional fairground rides and attractions.
Elton John is the first headliner to be announced for the 2023 event! For more info, read our guide on everything you want to know about Glastonbury Festival.
July
For a music festival in Somerset with a difference, book your ticket to NASS Festival. This award-winning festival attracts big crowds every year, with a focus on music, skating, BMX, and street art.
Check out your favourite acts, and even learn to DJ like a pro at a DJ and MC Workshop! Get involved or watch the pros battle it out in the skateboarding and BMX competitions, or check out a fantastic showcase of street art.
This year’s festival promises to be no exception, with big names including Chase & Status, Wu-Tang Clan and Little Simz already announced.
If you’re looking for variety, you’ll certainly find it at Frome Festival. This ten-day festival takes place across 40 different venues and celebrates both the arts and the community.
You can get involved with workshops, listen to talks from great authors and poets, and bust some moves to live music. Or check out local artists work along the Open Art Trail and discover new works at exhibitions.
Did we mention there will also be comedy, concerts, poetry, and walks? Be sure to add Frome Festival to your Somerset itinerary!
Join in Bristol’s maritime celebrations at the annual Bristol Harbour Festival. This free to attend festival attracts over 250,000 visitors each year, to come together and enjoy a variety of entertainment.
You can expect an array of food markets, circus acts, a range of music and dance acts, and family activities, all of which take place around the harbour.
August
Valley Fest | 3rd – 6th August 2023
Perched along the stunning Chew Valley Lake with views of the Mendip Hills is our next Somerset festival, Valley Fest.
Get your groove on to a range of music acts, with previous years headliners including Travis, Clean Bandit, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Unleash your creativity at a workshop centred around nature and well-being. Or relax and listen to poetry, stories, and songs, you can even bring your own to perform!
Make sure you don’t miss out on fantastic selection of food on offer, as well as cooking demonstrations where you can be inspired!
After a day of dancing and activities, why not unwind with a massage or yoga class?
Get ready for lift off at the annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta!
Grab the best seat in the house at the Sky Lounge, where you can enjoy a beverage or picnic with your loved ones, as you watch over 100 Hot Air Balloons take flight.
There’s plenty of things to do for the kids, with meet and greets available with characters and stage shows. As well as a Costa Coffee Pod, where you can get your face festival ready with face painting, storytelling, music, and classes.
ArcTanGent | 16th – 19th August 2023
Get ready to rock at the next festival on our list, ArcTanGent!
This award-winning festival hosts over 100 acts across five stages each year. At the festival, you can enjoy a range of food and drinks from independent and local breweries.
Expect a line-up filled with rock and heavy metal, as well as a silent disco every night from 11pm to 3am!
September
Celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year is the much-loved Wedmore Real Ale Festival.
Look forward to sampling a wide variety of ales, ciders, wine, gin, and craft beers, along with great food and entertainment.
Last year the festival served over 6500 pints so come thirsty!
Prepare your taste buds for one of the most gastronomic events in Somerset, the Great Bath Feast.
Tuck-in to tasty dishes from the artisan market, or watch your favourite chefs conjure up unique dishes. Read The Great Bath Menu to make sure you get to sample Bath’s most unmissable dishes!
When you’re feeling full, why not grab a drink from the bar and enjoy the street performers?
October
For those who have a love of reading, make sure you check out the Wells Festival of Literature.
Set over 9-days, the festival attracts a wide range of both local and international writers. Sit back and relax as you learn more about your favourite writers, with the opportunity to ask questions too!
Afterwards, you can enjoy Literary Lunches and cream teas!
Grab your best cloak and get ready to cast spells as you meet ghouls in the famous setting of the Wookey Hole Caves.
Meet the famous Witch of Wookey Hole and her sisters, sit back and enjoy Halloween themed circus shows, venture into the witch’s lab, and so much more!
We recommend booking as this is one of the most spooktacular events in Somerset!
November
Wrap up warm and get yourself down to Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier for the renowned Fireworks at Sea.
Enjoy the mesmerising display with a cup of hot chocolate or a toffee apple, followed by plenty of fun on the fairground rides.
Be sure to get down early to get the best views from the pier!
Join the tens of thousands of people which line the streets to watch the spectacular Wells Carnival.
Enjoy the parade of marching bands, vibrant floats, dancers, and performers, followed by delicious street food. There’s also grand firework displays and fairground rides, promising a fun-filled evening for all!
Get into the festive spirit with an evening at the Bath Christmas Market.
Wander the stalls with a mulled wine and get some last-minute present ideas in the historic city centre of Bath. You’ll find chalet stalls offering handmade jewellery, sweet treats, homeware, and personalised presents.
This award-winning market attracts thousands every year, and it’s no wonder thanks to its stunning backdrop of Bath Abbey.
There’s always something to see and do with plenty of events in Somerset, no matter what time of year!
If you’re planning a seasonal break with the family, check out our guide to the best 8 things to do in the October Half Term in Somerset.
Explore Somerset’s breath-taking landscapes with this list of the 11 best walks in the Mendips.
What are you waiting for? Start your Somerset adventure today with Helpful Holidays.
