Latest Events in Ilminster(July Updated)

Information Source: Ilminster Arts Centre | eventbrite

Information Source: Ilminster Arts Centre | eventbrite

Join the South West Heritage Trust at Ilminster Library in a fun creative session, exploring heritage objects and taking part in craft activities. This session is designed for early years ages 0-5. Objects featured in the Fascinating & Curious Museum are designed to inspire imagination and encourage creative activity such as: building, imagining, talking, pretending, handling, interacting, sharing, unpacking and listening. To name a few of the many intriguing objects, we have a gramophone, a reel-to-reel tape recorder and a vintage rocking horse! During the session, your children will be taking part in a creative activity. Information Source: South West Heritage Trust | eventbrite

In honour of the Ilminster Literary Society, Ilminster Arts Centre is delighted to host a captivating evening celebrating the life and legacy of folk collector Cecil Sharp through both insightful commentary and stirring music. This special event features a talk by David Sutcliffe and a concert by the acclaimed ensemble Sirinu, weaving together history and melody to bring Sharp’s work vividly to life. The evening begins with a talk by David Sutcliffe, a Somerset-based freelance researcher with a passion for the county’s rich folk traditions. David embarked on the journey of writing a new biography of Cecil Sharp in September 2020, delving into archives, correspondence, and original sources to craft a compelling narrative of Sharp’s life. Sharp’s journey as a struggling musician, his transformative travels in Australia and America, and his encounters with folk performers are recounted in this engaging biography, Cecil Sharp and the Quest for Folk Song and Dance, published by Ballad Partners in September 2023. The book explores Sharp’s contributions to the Edwardian Folk Revival and its limitations, blending social history with the personal story of a fascinating cultural figure. The second part of the evening features a concert by Sirinu. Sirinu perform songs and tunes collected by Cecil Sharp with an emphasis on his discoveries in Somerset from the towns and villages near Ilminster collected before the Great War. Some of the songs we perform in Sharp's own arrangements but for others we perform them as noted by Sharp directly from the source singers that he collected from. Others songs we have prepared in our own contemporary folk arrangements. We use a variety of instruments both traditional and modern - fiddle, concertina, banjo, keyboard, hurdy-gurdy, guitar - and explore Sharp's enduring legacy in the light of David Sutcliffe's recent research on Sharp. Discover Cecil Sharp’s journey, immerse yourself in the music he championed, and celebrate the legacy of folk traditions through this unique evening of word and song! For additional details about Sirinu, visit https://www.sirinu.co.uk/ To purchase a cop of David Sutcliffe’s book, Cecil Sharp and the Quest for Folk Song and Dance, visit https://cecilsharpspeople.org.uk Doors open 6.30pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm Tickets: General admission: £16 Students: £8 with valid student ID Information Source: Ilminster Arts Centre | eventbrite

Bridal Open Day We’re thrilled to announce our Bridal Open day on June the 13th. Hosted at the Headquaters of Temperley London, we warmly invite you to join us and discover a variety of Local Bridal Vendors perfect for your special day as well as our Bridal Collection in our Brand New Bridal Boutique. Whether you're a bride, groom, part of a wedding party, or simply involved in planning a special day, this event is designed with you in mind. It’s the perfect day out to gather inspiration, connect with local bridal vendors, and indulge in a little pampering. For any brides-to-be, you are welcome to email us and book an appointment to try our bridal selection. Any purchases made on the day will recieve an additional discount on their dress. The event will have vendors in the following areas: -Underwear and bra fittings -Event Catrering -Cocktails and Beverages -Mini Hand Massages -Furntirue Hire -Venues -Cake Designers -Gifting Vendors -Bridal Musicians -Natural Skincare and Bath Products Set to be a fun day, filled with creative local buisnesses, one-off bridal dresses and plenty of inspiration for your special day. Information Source: Temperley London | eventbrite

Popular West Country band the Sunset Café Stompers present "Tiny, Jelly & The Duke", a new programme celebrating the lives and work of Duke Ellington, Jelly-Roll Morton and (less well-known but equally fascinating) Tiny Parham.  These three great pianist-composer-band leaders upended the music world in the 1920s with their exciting and contrasting compositions, now brought to life by this excellent 7-piece band. Doors from 6:00pm with bar available. Tickets: General admission: £20 * Tickets purchased online are subject to an additional booking fee. This fee is to cover the cost of providing our Box Office service. Tickets can also be purchased by ringing 01460 54973 or visiting us during opening hours. *Please note that tickets for performances and workshops are not refundable unless we are fully booked and have a waiting list. Refunds are subject to a £5 admin charge. Information Source: Ilminster Arts Centre | eventbrite

Beginners Lino Printing Come join us at The Millhouse Gallery & Cafe with artist Amber Kelly for a fun-filled workshop on Beginners Lino Printing ! This hands-on event is perfect for those looking to unleash their creativity and learn a new skill. The traditional method of Lino printing offers a fantastic way to see drawings and illustrations come to life in an amazing form to regular pen and pencil, with possibilities to print on paper or fabric alike...No previous Lino print experience is needed as Amber will guide you from beginning to end with full instruction and demonstration on how to transfer/ draw an image onto the Lino, how to go use the tools, cutting a basic design and making the print.At the end of the class, you’ll have prints made with your newly cut lino design, ready to show off. You’ll be able to take your Lino tile home to repeat the print as many times as you like to personalise gifts, greetings cards and more.We will be using black ink so please bring an apron or old shirt/ tshirt that you don’t mind getting messy.We will be working from an A6 tile so please bring a pre drawn or pre printed simple A6 design that you can work with. (If you purchase the combined Lino & Screen Print ticket this will be a full day with an hour inbetween the sessions for lunch. Lino: 10:30-12:30 Screen print: 13:30 - 15:30) Due to risks involved this is for 12 years old and plus, 17 and under to be accompanied by a legal guardian Ambers work: https://www.instagram.com/blackratstudios Information Source: Black Rat Printmaking | eventbrite

Voces Amici return to Ilminster after their triumphant visit last autumn for another evening of exciting vocal music. Accompanied by Jonathan Delbridge, the group will take the audience on a musical trip around the world, ending in their beloved Somerset. Voces Amici, as the name suggests, is a group of friends who sing together. This group of young professional vocalists have been making quite a stir in the Southwest with their programmes ranging from light classical Operatic arias to songs of the Wars and musical theatre old and new! Molly Soo, Abby Parmenter, George Horgan and Maisie Lewis are Ably accompanied by Local Choral director, organist and pianist Jonathan Delbridge. George and Molly were both born and lived in Ilminster, studied at school here and had their first singing lesson here. A true home coming for them! After completing her music Performance degree, Molly reached the quarter finals in the prestigious Handel International singing competition. She is much in demand for solo work throughout the UK and forthcoming concerts include works with Bath Recitals, Noctis Chamber Choir, and Jonathan Delbridge in Crewkerne and Wells.  She has recently featured on a CD of music released by Jonathan Delbridge. George Horgan completed a Music Performance degree at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and now sings with Voces Amici. Maisie Lewis has an undergraduate degree in Music Performance and an MA Musicology from Cambridge.  While there she was a choral scholar for Keeble college and sang as a soloist for many concerts including the acclaimed Acis and Galatea. Maisie has been soloist for many concerts in the south West and the UK and recently has performed for Bath recitals as soloist in Wachet Auf by Bach. Abby Parmenter has recently finished a Masters in Music Performance at Bath Spa University under Julie Woollard. She previously achieved a first-class BA(Hons) in Music (Vocal Performance) at the same university. Abby started singing at the age of 5 with Janice Thompson. She was a part of the Janice Thompson Concert Choir for 7 years reaching the final of 'Music for Youth' in 2016. She has also been a part of numerous staged productions such as 'The Barnstormers', 'Brunel: The Little Man in the Tall Hat', 'Swindon the Opera' and 'Dido and Aeneas'. Jonathan Delbridge is well known for his exciting and varied concert programmes on both the piano and organ. He regularly performs at a wide range of small and large venues, from the Royal Albert Hall, and Birmingham Symphony Hall to Plymouth University and his own village church in Somerset. He also has a beautifully restored 1814 Broadwood Square Piano which can be used to provide a unique concert experience in more intimate settings. Jonathan has a special interest in English piano music and was recently awarded a Fellowship from the National College of Music for this thesis entitled ‘A Study of the Piano Music of George Frederick Pinto ‘. In his examiner’s report Dr Andrew Wilson said of Jonathan ‘He has surely become one of the greatest experts on this composer, alive today ‘. For more info visit: jonathandelbridge.com Performance starts at 7:30pm, doors from 6:30pm with bar available. Tickets: General admission: £16 Students: £8 with valid student ID * Tickets purchased online are subject to an additional booking fee. This fee is to cover the cost of providing our Box Office service. Tickets can also be purchased by ringing 01460 54973 or visiting us during opening hours. *Please note that tickets for performances and workshops are not refundable unless we are fully booked and have a waiting list. Refunds are subject to a £5 admin charge. Information Source: Ilminster Arts Centre | eventbrite

Some tribute artists look like their idol, some sound like their idol, our Elton John tribute act Paul does both! Close your eyes and you won’t believe your ears, open your eyes and you won’t believe them either! You simply won’t find a closer tribute to Sir Elton John. A lifelong Elton John fan, Paul first started singing and performing Elton’s songs whilst studying Performing Arts at University in the early 1980’s. With an extraordinarily similar singing voice to Sir Elton’s, Paul is able to draw on an amazing back catalogue of hits to produce a truly wonderful celebration of Sir Elton’s music. Paul’s performances also feature some of Sir Elton’s actual clothes, bought from his ‘Out the Closet’ sales. “Paul as Elton John” is also 2016s National Tribute Award Winner for ‘Best Elton John’. Elton John’s extraordinary repertoire means that he can serenade an audience over lunch or dinner with some of the most beautiful ballads every written, including Your Song, Candle in the Wind, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Sacrifice and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. He can also change the pace and get people on the dance floor with classics like Crocodile Rock, I’m Still Standing, The Bitch is Back and Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting. “Paul as Elton John’s” challenge is often not what to play, but what to leave out! Testimonials   “Just wanted to say what a great night we all had at Stoke Park on Thursday night. I thought you were fantastic and loved singing with you. So many people came up to me and said that they loved it. Having sung with the ‘Real Elton’, I have to say that it doesn’t get any closer than your performance! I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you.” Bobby Davro Performance starts at 7:30pm, doors from 6:30pm with bar available. Tickets: General admission: £22 No concessions * Tickets purchased online are subject to an additional booking fee. This fee is to cover the cost of providing our Box Office service. Tickets can also be purchased by ringing 01460 54973 or visiting us during opening hours. *Please note that tickets for performances and workshops are not refundable unless we are fully booked and have a waiting list. Refunds are subject to a £5 admin charge. Information Source: Ilminster Arts Centre | eventbrite

Byron Wallen was born in July 1969 in London, England while the Apollo 11 crew were on their way to the moon. Raised in a musical family, as a small child Byron studied classical piano. He also played euphonium but then switched to trumpet, studying with Peter Ruderforth in London and with Jimmy Owens, Donald Byrd and Jon Faddis in New York in the mid to late 80s. In 1992, Wallen graduated from Sussex University with a degree in psychology, philosophy and mathematics. Widely recognised as a seminal figure in world jazz, he is constantly travelling the world recording, teaching and performing. He has been playing trumpet in various contexts, live and on record, alongside legendary musicians such as George Benson, Andrew Hill, Chaka Khan, Ingrid Laubrock, Hugh Masekela, Courtney Pine, Mulatu Astatke, Red Snapper, Lonnie Liston Smith, Style Council, Jack Dejohnette, Jean Toussaint, Cleveland Watkiss and King Sunny Ade. He has visited East Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, Indonesia and Belize (his parents' homeland). On tour Wallen often works with local musicians, developing new ideas for his performances and compositions. In 1992, Wallen formed Sound Advice touring the UK and playing in Syria in 1996 and the Czech Republic in 1997. The band also appeared at the North Sea Jazz Festival, gaining critical and audience acclaim. In 1995 Wallen played in South Africa, recording with Airto Moreira and Moses Moseleku. A documentary film, Travelling, traces his 1998 trip to Uganda. In 2001 he appeared at the Harare Jazz festival in Zimbabwe and at South Africa's ARTS Alive Earth Summit festival in 2002. With his current band Byron Wallen's Four Corners, he is a frequent guest at UK and international Jazz venues and festivals. Their tour to Lithuania in 2018 with guest artist ESKA was covered on Lithuanian radio and TV. This year, after the release of the latest album Portrait: Reflections on Belonging, Byron Wallen's Four Corners have been shortlisted for the Jazz Ensemble of the Year for the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2020. Wallen is an acclaimed writer and producer whose original scores have been commissioned by the Science Museum; PRS, the BBC, Jerwood Foundation, Southbank Centre, National Theatre, Arts Council, FIFA and Sage Gateshead. He has also created soundscapes for Universal Pictures, Warner Bros and Game of Thrones. His compositions include Live, with Sheron Wray's dance company, Langston Hughes Suite, The Trumpet Kings, and Tarot Suite, an extended work of 22 movements, written for a 10-piece band. In 2003, Wallen won the BBC's Innovation In Jazz award for his third album Indigo. For his fourth album, Meeting Ground, featuring Gnawa master musician Boujemma Boubul, he received nominations for Best Band and Best Album in the 2007 BBC Jazz Awards and Best Jazz Act in the 2007 MOBO Awards. In the UK and during his overseas tours, Wallen has taught in schools, colleges and universities, and given workshops and specialist jazz courses; he lectures in jazz composition and history of jazz at London's Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where he teaches jazz trumpet and leads a selection of combos. He is also a member of the jazz faculty at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, as well as the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. Wallen's performing, composing and teaching skills combine to make him a leading figure among the creative jazz musicians in the UK. In 2017, Wallen received the coveted Paul Hamlyn Award for Artists. Performing with the Craig Milverton trio which features 2 of the Southwest's finest musicians: Al Swainger on Bass and Coach York on drums . Craig Milverton is one of Britain's finest Jazz Pianists. In 2010 Craig was winner of Best Jazz Pianist in the Best Small Group Category at the British Jazz Awards with Digby Fairweather and his Half Dozen. Few British pianists have Craig’s thorough knowledge and grasp of jazz styles. Performance starts at 7:30pm, doors from 6:30pm with bar available. Tickets: General admission: £20 Students: £10 with valid student ID * Tickets purchased online are subject to an additional booking fee. This fee is to cover the cost of providing our Box Office service. Tickets can also be purchased by ringing 01460 54973 or visiting us during opening hours. *Please note that tickets for performances and workshops are not refundable unless we are fully booked and have a waiting list. Refunds are subject to a £5 admin charge. Information Source: Ilminster Arts Centre | eventbrite