Snowdrop Festival is here!

Shepton is awash with snowdrops as it's first Snowdrop Festival begins!  We, at the One Craft Gallery have contributed with a themed window design, which was given a special award.  We produced artwork and wares inspired by snowdrops in all sorts of mediums - see above.  Other shops and businesses have also shown solidarity with displays of their own... 

The images above and below show some of the activities which took place at the Friday Market and at Snowdrop HQ in Town Street.  It was a real education!  I never knew there were so many different varieties, each with their own name and features...

Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society, who have organised the festival, have certainly been busy.  There are colourful planters all over the town, and stencilled images on the pavements leading people to the action!  Refreshments, the results of the photographic and poetry competitions, workshops and snowdrop related stalls are all at the HQ.  In addition, a number of events have been organised.  These include, a ceremonial walk to James Allen's grave - the first person to breed snowdrops from wild varieties - to plant some snowdrops, and on Sunday, a guided snowdrop ramble through Edford Woods, 3 miles north-east of Shepton.

The festival kicked off with an opening ceremony, the town crier and a display by the suitably named rhythmic gymnastic group called The City of Bath Snowdrops!  It was great to see so many people around the Market Cross in Shepton.  Hopefully, this festival is just the start of a successful annual event for the town...

Helen - Contributor

A Traditional Easter Message

 The Market Cross is often central to events and gathering in Shepton Mallet. On Market Day, Easter Friday there were gorgeous parrot tulips from a private nursey in Oakhill (at the market every Friday) photographed with No21 Interiors lucky sheep mascot.  

Shepton Mallet Churches gathered around the Market Cross to sing, 
pray share hot cross buns and explore the real Easter story. 

St Peter & St Paul, St Michael's, Salvation Army, Baptist Church, 

Methodist Church and Just Church send a prayer for a Happy Easter!

www.ctsm.org.uk

The Market Cross - Shepton Mallet

An evening of warm sun and dark shade

The Market Cross. Photograph by Bx

Market Cross Lighting in Shepton Mallet

The new lights surrounding the Market Cross have been switched on.

Subtle, changing colours were tested last night.

Built in 1500 by Walter Buckland, the Market Cross was generally used by farmers from the moors who sold butter, eggs, milk and poultry under its stone gallery. It has been used as a pivotal feature in the community throughout history.