ILMINSTER'S three-day summer festival, the Midsummer Experience, returns once again this year and will run from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th of June.

Before the Festival itself begins, the town’s famous Flag Festival, with more than 100 flags fluttering on buildings throughout the town, can be enjoyed from Sunday 22nd May for 5 weeks to 26th June.

The Midsummer Experience starts at the Ilminster Arts Centre with art exhibition, “Sweet Dreams” and on Friday 10th Mike Denham’s “speakeasy” jazz concert with Micheal McQuaid on clarinet.

IMEx Saturday brings four events to enjoy: the many stalls at the Food and Craft Market in Silver Street, a “Suitcase Market” for small-scale craft and food producers in the Market House, the Community Drive stands in the Greenfylde School which showcases local charities and, in the Minster Church Room the Whitelackington Arts Group Affordable Art Exhibition, which promises an exciting selection of works by local artists.

The Strolling Garage Sale, organised by antiques shop Remains to be Seen, takes place during Sunday, providing plenty of bargains to snap up by visiting each garage location, for which a map is available to download.

Scarecrows are also a feature around town from 5th-12th June as part of the Ilminster Town Council Scarecrow competition, for which entries close 23rd May.

This is just all part of a long list of events and activities that are a part of the festival.

One exciting new event to look out for is Sharandys Birds of Prey.

They will be giving a display (birdflu restrictions permitting) of their magnificent owls, hawks and other raptors, at which people will be able to handle the birds for a small fee.

For those who like to take part in physical activities, such as sports and walks, the scenic Three Peaks Walk sets off from the Rec on Sunday morning and for some quiet walking through the town, the History Trail is available.

Also on Sunday the Bowling Club provides the necessary equipment and support to try your hand at bowling, with the Tennis Club Taster Day open for tennis enthusiasts on the Saturday.

Details of all IMEx Events and Activities can be found at www.ilminstermidsummerexpereience and updates at Facebook @IlminsterExp