Midsomer Norton’s community events are entering a new phase following a series of significant funding decisions taken by Midsomer Norton Town Council that have fundamentally altered how events will be delivered in the town.
For over a decade, the independent Midsomer Norton Community Trust received an annual grant from the Town Council to organise and deliver events such as the Town Fayre and Show, Music Festival and Christmas Fayre. Earlier this year, the Council took the decision not to continue directly funding the Community Trust for event delivery and instead decided to take direct control of the events and the budget.
In taking its decision, the Council stated that bringing events in-house would improve visibility and accountability, and provide more direct oversight of how events are organised and funded. Under the new arrangements, the Council now holds the purse strings and assumes responsibility for delivery.
As a result of the financial and structural changes, the previously unified Community Trust volunteer team has become divided. Over half of the core group have chosen not to continue in 2026 under the Council-led structure. Fewer than a handful of volunteers have remained involved in an effort to ensure this year’s Town Show can proceed, while the Council has taken responsibility for delivering the Town Fayre.
Volunteers stepping back from this year’s event have cited concerns about the loss of the Community Trust manager, the pace of change, the lack of meaningful consultation prior to the Council’s decisions, the absence of follow-up discussion, and feeling taken for granted.
One volunteer said: “It’s a real shame that the Council’s decisions have divided what was a strong and experienced team, led by the Community Trust Manager, We had a real depth of knowledge and skills, and together we delivered high-quality events that the town could be proud of. That team has now been split.”
As a result of the reduced volunteer base, the Council is now seeking additional volunteers to try and keep the events running.
The Council has stated that a new Community and Events Committee will oversee future event delivery. However, its terms of reference have yet to be formally agreed and full membership has not been confirmed.
At the time of making its funding decision, the Council identified the importance of clear governance and the need to redefine roles and responsibilities. Despite this, planning for this year’s Town Fayre by the Council-led working party is already underway.
The Council has yet to announce a full calendar of events for 2026, including plans for other outdoor events and events in the newly refurbished Town Hall, which is due to reopen in May.
An absolute shambles. Best of luck to those volunteers and the staff moving on. There have been great events and the council’s decision is simply daft and divisive.
I thought things might change with Shaun Hughes but his ego has only made things worse. Especially with such a weak leader like Plant.