Local Events

• Local Events

There are various events throughout the year so there is always something to do

Somerset Events & Festivals from Visit Somerset on Vimeo.

MARCH

21st – 22nd, 25th – 28th SPRING STEAM GALA

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: Prefect for families and steam enthusiasts.

APRIL

30th April - 4th May MINEHEAD’S MAY DAY

Location: Minehead and Dunster

Description: Re-live pagan tradition when you experience this event through Dunster and Minehead.

JUNE

11th - 13th MIXED TRAFFIC WEEKEND

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: An impressive line up of steam and diesel engines.

JULY

3rd - 4th DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: The popular blue engine and friends return to WSR. Fun for all the family.

12th - 16th RETURN OF THE TORNADO

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: The first mainline express steam engine - AI Class “Pacific” locomotive.  

24th WATCHET CARNIVAL PARADE

Location: Watchet

Description: Colourful carnival floats parade the streets of Watchet.

28th DUNSTER COUNTRY FAIR

Location: Dunster Castle Lawns

Description: Country pursuits and sports are demonstrated at this lively event at Dunster.

AUGUST

1st TOY AND TRAIN COLLECTORS FAIR

Location: Minehead station platform

Description: The perfect fair for any model railway enthusiast.

7th – 8th STEAM FAYRE AND VINTAGE VEHICLE RALLY

Location: Norton Fitzwarren, West Somerset Railway

Description: Step back in time and watch transport and machinery from yesteryear in action.

6th – 7th TAUNTON FLOWER SHOW

Location: Vivary Park, Taunton

Description: Much more than a flower show includes children’s play zones and fancy dress competitions.

20th DUNSTER SHOW

Location: Dunster

Description: The events at Dunster vary from the Devil’s Horsemen Wild West show to cookery demonstrations.

27th – 29th WATCHET MUSIC FESTIVAL

Location: Parsonage Farm, Watchet.

Description: The 2009 line up includes the likes of Dynamo Rhythm Aces, The Wurzels and the Reoffenders to name a few.

SEPTEMBER

4th PORLOCK CARNIVAL

Location: Porlock

Description: The carnival atmosphere permeates through the village, with the procession winding it’s way through Porlock’ streets.

11th – 12th CAMRA REAL ALE FESTIVAL

Location: West Somerset Railway – Minehead

Description: A showcase for some of the finest tradition cask-conditioned ales brewed in Britain. Live entertainment can also be enjoyed.

13th - 17th RETURN OF THE TORNADO

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: The first mainline express steam engine - AI Class “Pacific” locomotive.  

26th - 27th CIDER, CHEESE AND CHUTNEY FESTIVAL

Location: Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton

Description: Your tastebuds will enjoy this popular food festival.

OCTOBER

30th September – 3rd October AUTUMN STEAM GALA

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: A long weekend designed for steam enthusiasts and families.

24th – 25th SOMERSET IN AUTUMN

Location: West Somerset

Description: The prefect event for families and steam enthusiasts.

DECEMBER

3rd – 4th DUNSTER BY CANDLE LIGHT - 19:00 to 21:30pm

Location: Dunster, West Somerset Railway

Description: Experience this stunning medieval town illuminated by candle light.

Various dates SANTA STEAM SPECIALS

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: Extensive programme of Santa-themed trains.

13th – 15th CAROL TRAINS

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: Traditional carols are performed on the platforms during station stops. The perfect event for the magical Christmas period.

28th – 29th WINTER STEAM FESTIVAL

Location: West Somerset Railway

Description: Enjoy a winter steam train ride on the Minehead Branch.

For more information please visit

Exmoor Events

West Somerset Railway

Dunster By Candlelight