A POPULAR event in the heart of Ilminster is set to take place at the end of the month.

Preparations are being made ahead of Ilminster Midsummer Experience (IMEx), which runs from Thursday, June 24, until Sunday, June 27.

At the moment, visitors can enjoy this year’s Flag Festival which symbolises the lead up to IMEx.

One of the main events over the weekend will be dance shows performed by Motionhouse - a company of dancers who use steel tubes to integrate elements of circus and acrobatics alongside dance.

Motionhouse, who are supported by the Arts Council, will perform Captive (a show inspire by Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem The Panther) on Sunday at the skatepark on the Rec.

Michael Fry-Foley, director of IMEx, said: “It has been difficult dealing with the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the Covid-19 regulations but we do hope that everyone will come and support the events taking place - there is certainly something for all the family."

There will also be a range of other events at IMEx too.

These include:

  • Through West Country Eyes (photographic exhibition) - Ilminster Arts Centre at the Meeting House, from June 24 until July 3.
  • Tommaso Storace Quartet - Ilminster Arts Centre at the Meeting House on June 25
  • Food and craft market - Silver Street on June 26
  • Buskers/Morris Dancers - throughout the town on June 26
  • Classic Vehicle Show/Family Fun Dog Show/food court - recreation ground on June 27

Many other businesses are taking part in the fun too.

The crafts shop at the Ilminster Arts Centre will be displaying work from around the South West as well as serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and cakes.

And the Suitcase Market in the Market House features hand-crafted local products.

Heritage of the Ile are arranging a history trail of Ilminster, and details of this will be available from their stand in Silver Street.

There will also be a pop-up exhibition organised by the Whitelackington Art Group at the Minister Rooms.

The Freemasons’ Nyanza Lodge in Berrymans Lane will be open from 10am until 3pm, so visitors can take a trip to the building.

There will also be the annual town council scarecrow competition, with the theme 'break free'.

The Bowling and Tennis club are offering free taster days and the clubhouses will be open for non-members to try out the facilities as well.

On Sunday, as well as the main events at the recreation ground, there will also be face painting, a children’s fair and live music provided by Wiveliscombe Town Band. There will also be the popular Strolling Garage Sale on Sunday.

To find out more visit ilminsterexperience.co.uk/imex/. Or to volunteer visit ilminsterexperience.co.uk/volunteering-opportunities/.