The 2010 programme is complete!  Download version here - 2010 Programme.  LOOK at what's happening at the Warehouse Theatre.

Quick view of WHAT's ON

Thursday 10th June 2010

Banners and Pennants (Town Centre)

To mark the first day of the Ilminster Midsummer Experience, we open with a sensational display of over 40 specially commissioned colourful large banners suspended from buildings throughout the Town Centre, many sponsored by shops and businesses in Ilminster.  On view everyday throughout the festival... it's an Ilminster thing!

Flower Festival (The Minster)

Our local Ile Valley Flower Club are staging a spectacular Exhibition, with the theme title 'A Floral Experience in Music'.  There will be some 30 arrangements for you to enjoy and marvel at Members of the 66 strong Club have a justly deserved reputation for excellence.  Founded in 1983, the club is forward looking and keen to adopt new techniques and ideas.  Another reason to visit!  The Club is affiliated to the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, which celebrated it's Golden Jubilee recently with a major flower festival at Westminster Abbey.  The NAFAS raised thousands of pounds for charities each year.  Our club is raising funds for 'Ilminster First Responders', the voluntary organisation who aim to be first on the scene when accidents and such-like occur.  10:00am - 5:00pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Free Admission (donations appreciated)

Heritage of the Ile Exhibition (The Minster)

Founded in 1976, our local Heritage Association collects old photographs and similar images which reflect bye-gone days of Ilminster and its townspeople.  The collection, in excess of 4000 images, is of immense historic and social importance.  It is lodged for safe keeping with the Somerset Records Office.  A selection has been made available for visitors and locals to see and enjoy for the festival.  Anyone requiring further information on the Collection should contact the Hon Secretary, David Irish on 01460 52996.  10:00am - 5:00pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Free Admission

Photographic Exhibition - 'The System of Seasons' (The Meeting House)

Debut exhibition from photographer Phil Murphy.  Outstanding work which has great appeal. 9:30am - 4:30pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - Free Admission

Craft Exhibition (The Meeting House)

Colourful display of work by the finest craft makers in the Southwest.  Available to buy and beautiful unique gifts. 9:30am - 4:30pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - Free Admission

Scarecrow Competition (Around the Town)

A chance for much fun and laughter, either compete or just enjoy.  Location maps will be available nearer the time.  Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

History of the Minster Church of St Mary - a talk by Dr Robert Dunning BA.PhD.FSA.FRHistS (The Minster)

Is there anything new to say about the Minster?  Well, Dr Dunning thinks there may be.  Certainly something more about the restoring architect of 1825. Something more about the builders of around 1500 and something new about the origins of the 'Peculiar'.  This will be an interesting talk which will enthuse all of you who are keen on the history of church architecture, and the history of our Minster church in particular.  7:00pm - Admission £5.00

Friday 11th June 2010

Sightseeing and Shopping (Town Centre & Area)

Visitors may wish to take advantage of the many sights and shopping opportunities in our 39 independent shops.  A visit to the Meeting House will enable visitors to see the art gallery and craft shop and why not stock up on all the local leaflets and brochures you are likely to need for this area, and to receive advice on walks and such.

Linger at the Meeting House for coffee or a light lunch; or walk down town to Bilbys to have lunch next to the Minster!  Looking for vegetarian fare?  Walk up East street to FEAST where you will find Claire and her lovely vegetarian menu.

Community Choirs Festival (Swanmead School, Ditton Street)

Actually, 6 choirs (Serenade, Abbotts Village Choir, Voice of the People, Meeting Voices, Stanchester Quire) will be performing but 2 will be singing together.  This festival is a first in every respect and promises to be a thrilling musical event.  Much more a celebration of vocal music than just another concert!  You will hear a wide range of songs.  Folk to pop; from world songs to musical; harmonies to gospel; peace songs' 60s to African.

These are friendly and welcoming choirs.  So if you are interested and enjoy singing, come along to this festival and talk to Serenade; Abbots Village Choir; Voice of the PeopLe; Langport Community Choir; Meeting Voices and Stanchester Quire! 7:45pm - A BIG event with a very small Admission Fee of £2.50 for Adults, £1.00 for Students with under 16's admitted free! Tickets available in advance from Lanes Garden Shop

Concert - Le Petit Rien (The Meeting House)

A Baroque Music programme with works by Tellemann; JS Bach; Couperin & Van Eyck's Amarilli mia bella.  Francesca Thompson - Recorder; Francesco Corti - Harpsichord.

Saturday 12th June 2010

Big Food & Craft Fair (Silver Street)

This year we have brought the Food & Craft Fair forward from Sunday to meet popular deman, and located it on Silver Street - The Town's main shopping street.  The numbers visiting the town are expected to triple!

An interesting range of crafts will be demonstrated and available to buy.  Wood turning; high class dolls' house furnishings of special interest to collectors; knitted fashions; textiles.  An 'eat your way through' the foods stalls include; gormet burgers and a fudge pantry just to name a couple. 

The street will be closed to traffic.    9:00am - 2:00pm, Free Admission

Minster Church Fete (The Minster Grounds)

Working alongside the Food & Craft Fair you will find the Minster Church Fete where further delights await you; and where there is a host of games and diversions for children. 

This very popular annual event, usually in July, is supporting the Ilminster Midsummer Experience this year.  Visitors and locals have the opportunity to enjoy a truly 'traditional church fete'.  Call at the home-bake cake and produce stall (always a sell out).

The plant stall offers tremendous value, as plants being locally grown tend to flourish better than imported varieties.  There are tombolas; the book stall; white elephant & bric a brac; guess the weights; refreshments; raffle; fair trade; children's corner; treasure island and everyone's favourite... THE STOCKS!  Here hapless volunteers can enjoy the fun of having wet sponges chucked at them.

Everything is donated to and the help is all voluntary.  The profits then to to help conserve the fabric of the Minster.  So please come; enjoy the fun and help look after the fine building at the same time.  9:30am - 1:00pm, .50p admission

Open Day - Warehouse Theatre

Guided theatre tours, costume display in the foyer and a sale of costumes no longer in use!  The schedule for the day is exciting with 'Exploding Sophie', a local band starting at 11:00am followed by a performance by Seniors from the Warehouse Youth Theatre at 11:30am and at 12:00 a read through of forthcoming IES production of 'The Rivals'.  10:00am - 2:00pm, Free admission & Refreshments are available

Party for Ilminster  (Town Square)

Come Dance in the Square!  Our very own Gemini Carnival Club are hosting this special evening.  Its bound to be good.  Local live band 'Remastered' will be entertaining you with numbers from the 60's right up to 2010; and the intervals will be filled by Gary Lawrence with SSR Enterrtainment Disco.  Non-stop music, but take a breat at the Food Court where great food and drink is available a the most competitive prices in Somerset! 

Gemini Carnival Club was formed in 1997.  Now a leader of Somerset's world famous carnival tradition, sweeping up prizes by the score each year during the Auturmn Carnival Season.  They have a huge suprise in store for Ilminster's Carnival on  Saturday 2nd October 2010.  So don't miss it!  6:30pm - 11:00 (Bar closes at 10:30pm), Free Admission

Food Court (Town Square)

Sponsored by Bonners the Butchers, Mikes Fish, Flowers & Green Grocers and Cornhill Wines, you have the opportunity to enjoy a mouth-watering range of foods; wines & beers; hot and cold soft drinks.  Something for everyone.  EVERYTHING is priced at £2.50 per helping or beverage.

What an opportunity to try lots of delicious things.  So no need to eat before you leave home.  Our Sponsors are all ndependent Ilminster shops, family owned and managed, noted for the excellence of their merchandise and service.  Visitors are recommended to call during opening hours to see for themselves. 6:30pm - 11:00pm (Bar closes at 10:30pm)

Barry Paull as ELVIS (Shrubbery Hotel)

Light up the Town!  The Rotary Club of Ilminster are sponsoring an Elvis Presley Tribute Evening presented by local singer Barry Paull.  Barry's mastery of Elvis's great sons is known and applauded throughout South Somerset, and his very large following are proof of his success.  Those with a taste for real ale will be delighted to find Cotleigh Harrier at £1.00 per pint!  Yes, it's not a misprint.  8:30pm - 12:30am -Tickets available from Shrubbery Hotel and Bonners the Butchers in Silver Street.  Tickets in advance £5.00 and at the door £7.50

Sunday 13th June 2010

Classic and Historic Vehicle show (Recreation Ground)

So successful was our 1st Classic Show last year that we've broadened the event and invited owners of other types of classic & historice vehicles to join us.  So the show will be doubly interesting for you.  Look out for a wide range of vehicles and do take the opportunity to meet and chat to owners; they are always flattered to be asked about their 'Treasures'...

There will be 'Auto Jumble' so enthusiasts may rummage, buy and swap items of interest.  If you have old 'auto jumble' you wish to be rid of, bring it along.  You will need a small table if there is very much.

Refreshments will be available including cream teas in the afternoon.  Or you may prefer to bring a picnic.

The craft exhibitions on site will interest those who may have had their fill of vintage vehicles for one day; and there are other points of interest in the Town Centre.  Children are well catered for with swings; slides; climbing frames and such like adjacent to the show.  More importantly.... Public conveniences are located close by!

Admission is free, but a donation towards the Show costs would be appreciated when the collecting buckets come round.  The event is run entirely by volunteers.  It's an Ilminster thing!

Refreshments will be available.  10:00am - 4:00pm - Free Admission

Strolling Garage Sale

Ilminster has united to have a giant garage sale selling curios and unwanted items on the same day!  Organised by the Guides and Brownies, a map of participants will be available in shops nearer the time of the event. Get your map, have a stroll around Ilminster and see what kind of treasures you find!  10:00am - 2:00pm

Civic Songs of Praise (The Minster)

An occasion to sing out the favourite tried and tested hymns and songs.  Followed by refreshments in The Minster Rooms.  A fitting end to the festivities.  Starts 6:00pm - Free Admission

The Rivertones - A Barber Shop Harmony Club (The Meeting House)

and finally, a return to the Meeting House for this disciplined and humorous Barbershop Harmony Club.  Excellent entertainment and so much fun!  Starts 8:00pm - Tickets £7.00