This week's events in South Somerset: September 16-22, 2026

Chard Guildhall is among the South Somerset venues taking part in Heritage Open Days over the next week <i>(Image: Molly Kirk)</i>
Chard Guildhall is among the South Somerset venues taking part in Heritage Open Days over the next week (Image: Molly Kirk)
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A variety of events are set to take place in South Somerset over the next week.

Chard

Chard Guildhall Open Day

Chard's historic Guildhall is opening its doors to the public for free this week.

On Friday, September 18, guided tours around the building will be led by Chard Museum volunteers.

The Guildhall is located on Fore Street.

Tour times are at 10am, 11.30am, and 1.30pm, and no booking is necessary.

The tours are part of the Heritage Open Days initiative, an annual event which allows free access to historical sites and community celebrations across England.

Ilminster

Sophie Rosa and Ian Buckle

Violinist Sophie Rosa and pianist Ian Buckle are set to perform in Ilminster this week.

The duo will present a programme that includes celebrated pieces by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Elgar, and Grieg.

Ms Rosa, who also leads Sinfonia Viva, plays a Joseph Gagliano violin from 1795.

Mr Buckle, artistic director of Pixels Ensemble, is also a teacher at the University of Liverpool.

The performance will take place at Ilminster Arts Centre on Friday, September 18, from 7.30pm.

Tickets are £20, with a reduced price of £5 for students.

They can be purchased at ilminsterartscentre.com/performances/sophie-rosa-ian-buckle.

Eden Lafone Duo

Jazz singer Joanna Eden is also set to perform at the Ilminster Arts Centre.

The artist will bring her Memories of Montevideo tour to Ilminster on Saturday, September 19.

The show kicks off at 7.30pm.

Ms Eden will perform alongside her husband, bassist Andrés Lafone.

The pair's musical collaboration took a fresh creative turn following their visit to Mr Lafone's native Uruguay, inspiring songs for Eden's latest album, The Road to Paysandu.

The album is Eden's seventh release and brings a unique blend of jazz and Latin influences.

Tickets are available for £20, with student discounts at £10 with a valid student ID.

They can be purchased at ilminsterartscentre.com/performances/edenlafone.

South Petherton

Merry Hell

Multi-award-winning folk-rock band Merry Hell is set to perform in South Petherton this weekend.

The eight-member group, native to North West England, will take the stage at The David Hall on Saturday, September 19.

Doors will open at 7.15pm, and the concert will commence at 8pm.

The band's rich history traces back to their origins as The Tansads, known for their folk-punk style.

Tickets are priced at £19.

They can be purchased at thedavidhall.com/events/21/merry-hell.

Yeovil

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling

The Swan Theatre in Yeovil will be showcasing the play Steel Magnolias this week.

The production will run nightly until Saturday, September 19, with tickets priced at £13.50.

Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling, depicts the unbreakable bond between six Southern women in Louisiana, focusing on a mother-daughter duo.

Set in a beauty salon, the narrative explores their experiences of love, loss, and friendship.

First a short story, Harling adapted it into a play to cope with his sister's death, providing an intimate snapshot of his life.

The doors open at 7.15pm, the performance commences at 7.45pm, and concludes at 10pm.

For more information or tickets, visit swan-theatre.co.uk/steel-magnolias-2.

Dear Evan Hansen: Beatnik Theatre Company

A musical production is coming to Yeovil this week.

Beatnik Theatre Company's production of Dear Evan Hansen will be staged at Westlands Entertainment Venue from Wednesday, September 16, to Saturday, September 19.

Dear Evan Hansen is a contemporary musical that explores the need for connection, honesty, and the longing to be seen, following Evan, an anxious high school student.

Performances will take place at 7.30pm with tickets priced at £20 each.

They can be purchased at westlandsyeovil.co.uk/whats-on/musicals/dear-evan-hansen-beatnik-theatre-company/10295#details.

A £1.50 ticket levy is included in all stated ticket prices, and a £2 transaction fee applies to all bookings.

The show is recommended for ages 13 and over due to themes including anxiety, mental health, and discussions around suicide.

Enterprise National League: Yeovil Town vs Solihull Moors

Yeovil Town are set to face Solihull Moors on Friday, September 18.

The teams will clash in the Enterprise National League at Huish Park at 7.45pm.

Advance tickets can be purchased at ytfc.net/fixtures/first-team.

The sides last met in South Somerset on the final day of the 2025/26 season, when Solihull Moors secured a dominant 4-1 victory over the Glovers.

Jacob Wakeling was the standout for Solihull in that match, netting two goals.

Scott High and Joe Sbarra also found the back of the net, contributing to Solihull's win.

Yeovil's sole response came from Terrell Works, with Jack Page assisting.

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