ON SATURDAY, October 8, residents in Taunton may hear more bells than normal coming from the Taunton Minster.

In the morning on Saturday, the Taunton Minster will be hosting four top bell-ringing teams from Bristol, Exeter and Dorset competing for the South West of England (Higby) Trophy.

This will be the first time the competition has been held for three years due to COVID and the first time it has ever been held in Taunton. 

Each team’s performance will be judged by independent experts.

The Minster Tower captain, Rosemary Tuhey said: "Although the competition is taken seriously, it’s also a great opportunity for bell ringers to meet and socialise.

"We are really looking forward to the event."

The Minster bells will ringing from about 11.30am. 

St Mary Magdalene Church was been officially confirmed as Taunton Minster on March 13.

The historic event was marked by a special service held this morning at 10am at the 700-year-old church.

The designation of St Mary Magdalene as a Minster, which was first proposed by local councillors, has been six years in the planning.