Top 5 Summer Events in Somerset 2022
I have picked out my top 5 summer events in Somerset 2022 in order to give my guests at The Manor Holcombe some inspiration for their stay. I always recommend organising a few activities to do while in Somerset. It makes your time together with family and friends more memorable.
Somerset is bursting with unique and exciting things to do and see this year. From music festivals to art exhibitions, open air concerts, agricultural shows and food fests, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are my favourites:
1. Glastonbury Festival 2022
22nd – 26th June 2022
I had to make the world-famous Glastonbury Festival my number one summer event in Somerset because it is incredible. It is just 20 minutes’ drive south of The Manor Holcombe, at Worthy Farm, Pilton, so very easy to get to.
This outdoor music extravaganza has been going since the 1970’s and now attracts around 200,000 guests who all flock to hear the best performers in the music industry.
I see that the Glastonbury 2022 lineup has been announced and headliners include Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar. It is going to be a good one. See more here.
2. The Royal Bath and West Show
2nd– 4th June 2022
Kicking off the summer is the Royal Bath and West Show, located in The Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, just 9 miles south of The Manor Holcombe. It is a wonderful day out for all ages.
With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration happening this year, it will be a Royal celebration of British festivities, including fun entertainment in the main ring, trade stalls, crafts and plenty of delicious local Somerset produce to feast on. The show has been going since 1977 and showcases the best in agriculture, arts, manufacturing and commerce. See more here.
3. The Dunster Show 2022
Friday 19th August 2022
The Dunster Show is one of the best known agricultural shows in the west, so it has made it to my top 5 summer events in Somerset. It has a different vibe to Glastonbury of course and it is a good 50 miles away from The Manor Holcombe, but it is a fun family day out and worth the effort.
The event takes place on the impressive grounds of Dunster Castle and it is bursting with trade stands, crafts, local produce and entertainment, as well as the all-important competitive showing for horses, cattle and sheep in the main ring. See more here.
4. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
11th – 14th August 2022
This visually stunning event is just north of the border of Somerset, but an easy 20 miles away from The Manor Holcombe at Ashton Court, south of Bristol. It is therefore close enough and fabulous enough to be included in my top 5 summer events in Somerset.
Colourful hot air balloons take to the sky and family friendly activities are laid on, from kid’s entertainment, a bandstand for acoustic local music and over 100 trade stands. It is my family’s favourite annual event in Somerset. See more here.
5. Frome Festival 2022
1st – 10th July 2022
The market town of Frome is just 15 minutes’ drive east of The Manor Holcombe, so it is a convenient base for visiting The Frome Festival.
This year I suggest heading to Marston Park for a taste of festival fun. From music performances, jazz, dance, art, creative workshops, dancing and local food, it is sure to be a memorable event. See more here.
And a bonus event:
6. Jane Austen Festival Summer Ball
25th June 2022
I have included the Jane Austen Summer Ball 2022 as a bonus in my top 5 summer events in Somerset because I know that many of my guests would adore it. For fans of Regency costumes and the romance of Bridgerton, Downton Abbey and of course Jane Austen, this is for you.
Held in Bath and part of the Jane Austen Festival the Jane Austen Festival Regency Costumed Summer Ball 2022 is going to be a fabulous event. See more here.
You can read more about Georgian highlights in Bath and Georgian features at The Manor Holcombe in my last blog post.
There are plenty more fun festivals and events happening throughout the year in Somerset. For more updates about these summer events and ideas for things to do in Somerset for families, adults and just for a weekend, I recommend you visit the Visit Somerset website which is packed with inspiring ideas.