Wells is throwing a surprisingly ambitious mix at residents this week, with jazz guitar brilliance, cricket storytelling, silent-film horror and machine learning all landing within a few days of each other. Whether you fancy a refined evening of chamber music or just want to eat ice cream while watching Phantom of the Opera in a church, there is plenty happening across the area.
On Thursday 14 May, Maestro Series - Martin Taylor comes to Cedars Hall, with tickets at £30 and free admission for under-18s. Martin Taylor has been described by JazzTimes as "Europe's Finest Jazz Guitarist", which is the sort of review most of us can only dream of getting from our own families.
On Friday 15 May, Henry Blofeld OBE is at Wedmore Village Hall for Lunchtime With Blowers. Adult entry is £15 plus booking fee, although lunch tickets are sold out, because apparently Somerset knows a good lunch when it sees one.
Also on Friday 15 May, Silent movie night "Phantom of the Opera" takes place at St Mary's Church in Wedmore, with Lon Chaney's 1925 classic accompanied live by local composer and organist Liam Davies. Adult entry is £10 plus booking fee, with a licensed bar and ice creams confirmed, because nothing says gothic horror quite like a tub of vanilla.
Also on Friday 15 May, Glastonbury Pagan Moot: Robin Douglas: The Orphic Hymns takes place at Beckets Inn in Glastonbury, with a 7.30pm arrival for an 8pm start. The talk will look at the origins, use and meaning of the ancient Greek Orphic Hymns, so bring curiosity and perhaps leave the vague "it's all vibes" explanation at home.
On Saturday 16 May, 'Finding a signal among the noise: Machine Learning for Air Quality Applications' is at Wells and Mendip Museum. Speaker Lilli Helps will explain how machine learning can support air quality research, which may be the most productive use of artificial intelligence after asking it where you left your keys.
Also on Saturday 16 May, Glastonbury Repair Cafe runs at the Scout Hut on Benedict Street from 10am to noon. Volunteers will repair items or advise if they cannot, with refreshments available and donations supporting costs and local community projects. It is basically the opposite of throwing something away because one button has started acting up.
Also on Saturday 16 May, Somerset Comic Con and Gaming Festival comes to the Bath & West Showground. TV and film memorabilia, board games, computer games, comics, Lego, Harry Potter and Japanese manga items are listed among the attractions. Cosplay, gaming zones, film and TV guests, comic artists, props and photo opportunities are also part of the event, so yes, this is your permission slip to dress dramatically in public.
Elsewhere in Wells, town crier Len Sweales is preparing to retire after 25 years serving the city. Len, who was appointed in 2001 and has become one of Wells' most recognisable civic figures, is due to make his final cry at midday on Saturday 16 May.
On Sunday 17 May, Wedmore Ensemble ~ L'entente cordiale brings chamber music and songs by Debussy, Massenet, Frank Bridge and Rebecca Clarke to St Mary's Church, Wedmore. Adult tickets are £15 including cheese and a glass of wine, which is dangerously close to being an unbeatable argument.
On Tuesday 19 May, Arts Society Mid Somerset Lecture on the Artists Inspired by Stonehenge takes place at Caryford Hall in Castle Cary. Julian Richards will speak about artists including Turner and Constable, with coffee available from 10.15am. Members go free and visitors pay £8, which is a civilised price for culture and caffeine-adjacent thinking.
To add your own event for free, use the Nub News pages for Wells, Glastonbury and Street, or Shepton Mallet.