TAUNTON is about to be taken over by belly dancers, street performers, yarn bombing and strolling musicians in the town centre.

It can only mean one thing – Taunton Live is back for a second year and the packed programme promises a plethora of Taunton talent over seven fun-filled days.

Kicking off on Monday, July 18, watch out for street performances, music, comedy, print making, fashion, dancing and, of course, the famous yarnbombing.

Launched last summer, Taunton Live was an instant hit with the people of Taunton who flocked to the 350 events aimed at all ages.

This year, the heart of the action is at Castle Green, where there will be stalls, artists at work, creative workshops for all, music and performances throughout the day.

But there are also many events all over town including the incredible yarnbombing trail in Bath Place, the library and the Museum of Somerset, to name but a few.

Hand-painted banners will adorn the streets, art will appear in shops and there will be daily creativity in The Orchard Shopping Centre.

The first ever Taunton’s Got Talent competition will offer a platform for the town’s talented performers while art by local community groups and schools, and music on stage all day on Saturday, will take over Taunton for the whole week.

A different genre of the arts will be celebrated each day of the week with installations, demonstrations, performances and related workshops for both adults and children.

As with last year, the programme will be supported by exhibitions, performances and Adopt an Artist events in a variety of Taunton venues. In addition, there is a Schools’ Open Art Competition, The Amazing Taunton Live Sock Extravaganza, and Schools’ Poetry Competition.

Taunton Live is a round-the-year full-time job for organisers and artists Jenny Keogh and Diane Burnell.

“I’m blown away with the extensive and diverse arts programme this year with many of the acts performing for free for the people of Taunton. It really is a community effort with thousands behind the scenes to make it possible,” said Jenny.

“On Friday, July 22, we are celebrating dance, fashion and movement and as part of this we will have fashion shows on Castle Green featuring both Somerset College first and third year fashion and textiles students’ work.

“There will also be T-shirts designed and decorated by local charities and community groups including Taunton Association for The Homeless, Promise, The Albemarle Centre and Longrun House.”

TauntonLive is run by Go Create, a community interest company promoting creativity in the Taunton area.

GoCreate’s Liz Hutchin has worked with more than 600 children in workshops in 10 primary schools in Taunton Deane.

“The aim was to take them on a creative journey from first ideas, through explorations and research to amazing end product artwork,” explained Liz.

“They have developed and extended skills and engaged fully in the process of creating artworks. The result is exactly what I had hoped for, and a little bit more. The schools and children involved were thrilled to be a part of a grown-up exhibition and Taunton Live.”

The exhibition has been on show at CICCIC and will move to Taunton library during the festival.

This year sees a great day of comedy and street performances on Wednesday, July 20, organised by Genius PR with involvement from other providers. The day will include workshops for both adults and children and link up with the Taunton Fringe event at The Brewhouse.

On Thursday, there will be a poetry, literature and drama day. John Stuart of Fire River Poets will lead a celebration of the written word. Workshops encouraging adults and children to write a short story or indulge in a giant game of scrabble will feature alongside pop-up performances by drama groups.

Saturday will see a special music event supported by Fuelled By Cider, Tim Baigent and Steve Keniston. It will feature a full line-up of local musicians on stage at Castle Green from 10am. There will be an interactive music workshops with Barry Ryerson, instrument-making and demos, DJ-ing and pop-up performances. A programme of busking will also be held across Taunton.

The grand finale on Sunday, July 24 will celebrate all genres of The Arts Festival Favourites with workshops in all the different genres presented during the week together with crafts and sales of work, providing lots of opportunities for entertainment, fun and creativity.

For full details for TauntonLive, go to tauntonlive.co.uk.