CELEBRATE Somerset this year on Somerset Day, Saturday 11th May – and join in the community-based Big Somerset Picnic, with events across the weekend on 11th and Sunday 12th.

As well as the opportunity to enjoy great food and drink, the aim of this year’s Big Picnic is to bring people together and improve opportunities to fundraise for local causes.

Somerset Day, organised by the not-for-profit Passion for Somerset CIC (Community Interest Company) inspires and empowers communities, businesses and all who live and work in Somerset to share a passion for our county. It’s a day to cherish shared traditions, culture and the sense of belonging that makes Somerset truly unique, says founder Nigel Muers-Raby.

“This year we want everyone to join in and celebrate with the Big Somerset Picnic – organise your own picnic in your local village, town hall or community centre, your local school or nursery, care home or your office or shop. At the same time use your picnic to raise finds for a local organisation or cause.”

To find out more and take part go to www.somersetday.com/picnic and the organisers will send you The Big Somerset Picnic 2024 pack with full details and lots of ideas to help you organise your picnic – you’ve also got a chance to win a hamper bursting with Somerset produce as well as details on how to enter the best-decorated picnic spot competition.

Nigel says: “This event brings people together, provides opportunities to fundraise for local causes and celebrates everything Somerset has to offer. Whether it’s a picnic on the village green, entertainment and food stalls outside the town hall, a special Somerset-themed lunch menu or a takeaway delivered to the office, The Big Somerset Picnic is an opportunity for everyone to get together and get involved”.

Pictured: The 2023 Big Somerset Picnic (indoors) at Edington village hall.