Thursday, May 17

- Taunton's Farmers' Market

THE Vale is a genuine Farmer and Producers co-operative which has grown from strength to strength since its launch in 1999. We are fully certified by FARMA – the National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association, so you can be confident you are really buying local produce.

It all takes place in Taunton High Street, every Thursday from 9am until 3pm, year round.

- Devon County Show 2018

THE Devon County Show is what Devon's all about.

It brings together the very best of food, farming and rural life - plus lots of fun - all rolled into one.

See the incredible animals – livestock, horses, dogs and poultry Taste the very best of local food and drink

Enjoy a world of entertainment with the Monster Trucks, the new Ocean Discovery Zone, sheep shearing and lots, lots more.

There is live music and plenty of seats are all under one gigantic roof Marvel at Westcountry crafts created by the talented exhibitors

Tickets on sale at Taunton Visitor Centre Adult: £19 (Any one Show Day) Over 60s: £17 (Any one Show Day) Over 60s: Buy one get one half price (Thursday or Friday only) Child: £7.50 (Thursday or Friday only)

Friday, May 18

Exhibition

A NEW family exhibition Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime in Stories will be open at the Museum of Somerset from March 17 to July 7.

Visitors can discover the life and works of one of Britain's best loved storytellers and the author of the inspirational hit of stage and screen War Horse.

The exhibition comes to the museum from Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, which is custodian of the Michael Morpurgo archive.

Michael is one of Britain’s greatest living authors for children. In the 2018 New Year Honours list he was awarded a knighthood for his services to literature and charity.

His work spans 40 years and a career that has seen the publication of over 150 books for children, traversing wide-ranging topics that explore historical events, natural history and the environment, adventure and family life.

Visitor Services Manager Susie Simmons said: “Michael’s writing touches the hearts and minds of readers young and older.

This playful exhibition is perfect for families to explore together to discover more about one of the most influential storytellers of our time.”

On display will be draft manuscripts, photographs, notebooks and correspondence that chronicle Michael’s creative process and writing career.

Items include handwritten versions of War Horse showing how the story evolved from first draft to publication of the book, adaptation for the National Theatre and Steven Spielberg film script.

Props from stage and film include a goose puppet, on loan from the National Theatre, a maquette of the Joey puppet and a First World War painting by war artist F.W. Reed that inspired War Horse.

- Bumblebee Identification Training

DURING Taunton Wildlife Weekend, come and learn how to identify the different types of Bumblebee flying in your garden! Booking essential, contact Helen Lawy at helenlawy@gmail.com.

Free event but donations will be gratefully received.

Buzz along to 34 Wellington Road, Taunton, Somerset for this event which starts at 10am and ends at noon.

- Seated Pilates

THEY specialise in helping people to increase mobility, flexibility and core strength enabling each person to gain more confidence their movement, ultimately leading to an increased independent and active lifestyle. Please call 07854 456793 for a timetable or visit donnanoll.co.uk for more information.

All takes place at The Studio at Bank House, Magdalene Street, Taunton.

Saturday, May 19

Magnificent Mr Handel

- MANY famous composers have declared Handel to be a musical genius and Beethoven even went as far as to describe him as the "master of us all... the greatest composer that ever lived." Beethoven admired the simplicity of Handel's music, saying: "Go to him to learn how to achieve great effects, by such simple means."

With the Magnificent Mr Handel concert, Andrew Maddocks, the conductor and musical director, aims to "declare the composer's magnificence to all who are there."

Concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets £15 full view; £12 restricted view (aisle) Takes place at Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Taunton, Somerset, TA13 5DQ Contact: 01278421887

Sunday, May 20

- Band Concerts in Vivary Park

ENJOY the free concerts performed by local and regional bands from the Vivary Park bandstand.

With music ranging from popular brass band classics to jazz and samba, bring a blanket or deckchair and perhaps a picnic for some delightful entertainment.

Concerts start at 3pm (unless otherwise stated).

All takes place at Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset.

Wildflowers and Bees

AS a part of Taunton Wildlife Weekend, come and explore Longrun Meadow and find out about the wildflowers and bees that grow and live there. Suitable for all ages. Meet at the Oak Barn in Longrun Meadow, behind the Castle School, Taunton.

Booking is not required, for more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org

The event takes place from 2pm-3.30pm at Oak Barn, Longrun Meadow, Taunton, Somerset.

- Sensory Play Session

EXPERIENCE nature through the use of all 5 senses during Taunton Wildlife Weekend.

This fun outdoor wildplay sessions aims to connect children with their surroundings while enjoying outdoor play. Meet at the Oak Barn in Longrun Meadow, behind the Castle School, Taunton. Booking not required. For more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org Free but donations welcome.

Takes place at Oak Barn, Longrun Meadow, Taunton, Somerset from 10.30am -noon.

Monday, May 21

- Brewhouse Community Choir

Summer 2018 Join the Brewhouse Community Choir. Everyone is welcome – all ages and no experience is needed.

This is a warm and friendly group for everyone who loves to sing. The group will be A cappella– so why not join us to experience the wonderful sound of unaccompanied harmony singing. The group will be singing a wide variety of musical genres including classical, traditional folk, musical theatre, jazz, pop and gospel.

No need to read music and no auditions.

The choir will be led by Joanna Hadden who is an experienced musician and teacher.

Takes place at The Brewhouse Theatre from 10.15am-11.45am.