Taunton came alive on 26th September as the town celebrated the third annual Taunton Together, a community festival that once again brought people, creativity, music and local culture together across the town centre. The weather was sunny and very warm for the day that saw thousands of people visit the stalls and attractions.
This year’s theme “Wild About Our Town” provided an imaginative thread running through the event, celebrating Taunton’s natural assets, from its rivers, orchards and wildlife to its parks and green spaces. It was a theme that offered plenty of scope for interpretation, and the result was a colourful and varied celebration of what makes Taunton such a distinctive place to live, work and visit.
Spread across four main locations, there was something happening throughout the day for visitors of all ages.
Castle Green provided a lively starting point, combining local music, food, family entertainment and independent traders. The independent market stalls offered plenty to browse, while the Museum of Somerset’s popular PLAY experience proved a great attraction for families.
The Apple FM music stage added plenty of atmosphere, showcasing a wonderfully varied selection of local performers. From street bands and flute to trumpet, acappella and brass, the programme demonstrated just how much musical talent exists within the local community.
Over at Goodland Gardens, the emphasis was on music, fun and wellbeing.
The Main Music Stage, hosted by Apple FM, featured an impressive mixture of local and emerging talent. Community choirs, folk performers, funk, jazz, soul and Latin music all took their turn, creating an eclectic soundtrack that encouraged people to stop, listen and enjoy the surroundings.
There was a particularly strong sense of community here. Rather than simply being a stage for performers, the gardens became a place where people could meet, relax and enjoy the day together.
Orchard Shopping Centre provided a change of pace with its Fashion Fiesta, delivered in collaboration with Taunton College (UCS College Group).
The catwalk presentations brought a sense of colour and creativity to the shopping centre, providing an opportunity to showcase fashion and emerging talent while adding another dimension to the festival programme.
It was a good example of the way Taunton Together creates opportunities for local organisations and young people to contribute to the town’s cultural life.
Outside The Brewhouse, Somerset Square became a stage for a wonderfully diverse programme of live entertainment.
Dance, theatre, circus, live music and other performances celebrated the many cultures and creative talents that make up the Taunton community. The variety of performances kept the area buzzing throughout the day and helped underline one of the festival’s strongest qualities: its ability to bring different parts of the community together.
Importantly, the Taunton Together festival also continues to place emphasis on accessibility, environmental responsibility and strong local representation. Those principles were reflected in a programme that made space for local businesses, community groups, performers, students and organisations alongside established cultural attractions.
After three years, Taunton Together is becoming an important date in the town’s calendar. This year’s “Wild About Our Town” theme was broad enough to allow creativity while keeping the focus firmly on Taunton — its environment, its people, its creativity and its sense of community.
Take a tour of the event with Apple FM’s Louise Mills on the video below
Listen back to Apple FM’s coverage from the day below
