SOMERFEST attracted its largest crowd yet in Taunton.

Last Saturday, June 16, the town centre was awash with acts and the sound of music and laughter.

The street arts company Avanti Display performed and delighted the audience in Castle Green as water cascaded out of all parts of his body in a spectacular show about masters and servants, garden fountains and big finales!

What followed was a programme of over a hundred artists from across Somerset and the UK performing in the centre of Taunton with established and local artists working side by side in aerial circus displays, street theatre and as musicians, dancers and comedians.

There were areas of arts and crafts, sports, family activities and a variety of local food and drink.

A Somerfest music trail had roving classical musicians, folk musicians and a silent disco.

The audience were entranced by Madame Matronics and the Garden of Delights human statues, engaged by creative woodcrafts and the wild crafts area and enjoyed drifting along the river in a boat.

The audience commented on the great variety of performances and experiences, the delicious food and the relaxed atmosphere.

Somerfest is now in its seventh year and from feedback, audiences are now coming from across Somerset and the South West.

It has gained a regional and national reputation as an outdoor arts festival.

Fuseperformance, its organiser, receives Arts Council funding alongside the Taunton Deane Borough Council commission to support the high quality of the festival’s artistic programme.

Importantly, it remains free and accessible for everyone.

The festival also hosts a wide range of good causes and charities and has built partnerships with local businesses and a diverse range of communities in and around Taunton.