Families are being invited to enjoy a day of art, storytelling, workshops and live performances at Shoemakers Museum in Street as the Somerset Art Weeks Family Friendly Programme launches on Saturday 19 September.
Award-winning children’s author Jasbinder Bilan will officially launch the programme at 11.30am, with visitors of all ages encouraged to discover the joy of making, storytelling and exploring art together.
The launch forms part of Somerset Art Weeks Festival 2026, with this year’s theme, ‘Cultural Connections’, inspiring a programme of creative experiences taking place across the county.
Known for her award-winning children’s novels inspired by heritage, nature and imagination, Jasbinder’s work reflects the festival’s focus on connection, curiosity and creativity. Families attending the launch will have the chance to meet her and find out more about activities taking place across all three festival weekends.
The Somerset Art Weeks Family Friendly Programme includes six Somerset Art Works-led workshops alongside family activities, demonstrations, talks and other creative experiences hosted by venues across Somerset.
Designed for families of all shapes and sizes, the programme aims to bring different generations together to make, explore and experience Somerset’s creative and cultural heritage.
A day of family creativity at Shoemakers Museum
The launch takes place at Shoemakers Museum, Somerset’s newest family visitor attraction, where visitors can discover 200 years of shoemaking alongside stories ranging from the suffrage movement to sea monsters.
Families visiting on 19 September can make a full day of it, with workshops, exhibitions, live performances and a street food festival running in the museum grounds.
The first family workshop in the Somerset Art Weeks series is inspired by ‘Hybrid Selves’, a new Micro Commission by artists Kirsten Madeira-Revell and Polly Hall. Families will be encouraged to create their own mythologies and animal masks, with the workshop running from 10am-3pm.
Also opening on the day is ‘Step by Step’, a site-specific installation by Melanie Thompson and Helen Ottaway. Live performances will take place at 12noon and 2pm, with both ‘Hybrid Selves’ and ‘Step by Step’ continuing at the museum throughout the festival until 3 October.
A Street Food Festival will add to the atmosphere from 12noon-7pm, with international and artisan food available in the museum grounds.
What’s happening on Saturday 19 September?
- Shoemakers Museum: 10am-4pm
- Hybrid Selves family workshop: 10am-3pm
- Jasbinder Bilan launches the SAW Family Friendly Programme: 11.30am
- Step by Step live performances: 12noon and 2pm
- Street Food Festival: 12noon-7pm
The Somerset Art Weeks Family Friendly Programme continues across the county throughout the festival, offering families opportunities to meet artists, try new creative activities and explore exhibitions together.
