A CELEBRATION of Somerset Talent takes place in Taunton on Somerset Day.

The event at Temple Methodist Church, on Thursday, May 11, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, will feature an awards ceremony for an artwork and logo competition and entertainment from young musicians.

Guest speakers are national para archery star Joanna Frith, Great British Bake Off contestant Val Stones, Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow and the Duke of Somerset, patron of Somerset Day.

Music will be provided by Ruishton School Choir, Taunton Youth Brass Band, pianist Ranulf Mason, the County Youth Show Choir and HMS Heron Royal Naval Volunteer Band.

Tickets at £12.50 are available via AZVassiliou@somerset.gov.uk There will be more music at Temple Methodist on Saturday, May 13, at 11am, when the semi-finals of the young classical singers and pianists in the Somerset Song Prize are held - details and tickets from www.somersetsongprize.org.uk The same day, Taunton's Castle Green will host the Local Farm and Produce Food and Drink Festival - details from eatfestivals@gmail.com or call 07973-378735.

Nigel Muers-Raby, chairman of Somerset Day organisers Passion for Somerset, said: "Somerset Day takes place on May 11 annually and marks Alfred the Great's call to arms and the gathering of all the people of Somerset to march against the invading Viking army.

"It is an opportunity to celebrate all that is great about Somerset and its residents and communities.

"Organisations, individuals and communities across Somerset are taking up the challenge to celebrate Somerset Day with events planned for both May 11 and the weekend of May 13 and 14."

Bishops Lydeard, which is being yarn-bombed from May 5 to 22, is holding a craft fair and evening ceilidh in the village hall on Saturday, May 13, with a classic/vintage vehicle run and fun dog show at Gore Farm the following day.

Other celebrations across the county include evening entertainment with Mendip Morris Men at The Railway Inn, Sandford, on Thursday, May 11; Somerset Market Day at Tesco Glastonbury, the following day; an open day with Somerset food and drink producers at The Swan Hotel, Wells on the Saturday; and a craft and food fair run by Long Sutton WI in the village hall the same day.