We're excited to share the latest updates from our current programme. With so much of our energy focused on Cultivate activity, we've combined our newsletters so you can easily keep up with everything that's happening.
Great Mead: a Beautiful Green Space in the Heart of Chard
Now with the season in full sunshine swing Great Mead’s summer programme is rolling out.
If you’re not aware, Great Mead is a new pilot project transforming 6.4 acres of underused land in central Chard into a vibrant, inclusive space for nature, creativity, and community.
Launched in March 2025, the project invites everyone to connect with the land and each other through events, wellbeing activities, and nature-based workshops. Nestled just a short walk from schools, homes, and the town centre, Great Mead will be a natural hub shaped by the community, for the community.
Local partners - including Somerset Wildlife Trust, Take Art, Connect Somerset, Chard Town Council, Holyrood Academy, WATCH CIC and ARK at Egwood - are working together to co-create something special. The space features a stream, tall trees, and meadow-like areas that support biodiversity and offer a peaceful retreat.
Events so far have included a performance of aKa Dance Theatre’s seriously silly show, shed-ache, nature connection workshops with Somerset Wildlife Trust and a family feast picnic as part of the Somerset Food Trail Festival.
Over the summer Great Mead looks forward to hosting a vibrant mix of outdoor events and activities, all delivered by local artists and practitioners.
These include a Creative Outdoor Project, a programme of theatre and music workshops led by Philippa Glastonville; Botanical Sun Printing with Sophie Willoughby and Willow Weaving with Warren Bennett.
To find out more about this programme, check out this page or visit www.greatmead.org.
The Great Mead Pilot Project is one of ten European projects chosen for funding through the EU’s Connect New European Bauhaus programme, which supports sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful community projects. It is also generously supported by Somerset Community Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Get ready to CHILL ON THE HILL!
Chill on the Hill, a family-friendly event that celebrates diversity in nature, food, arts and community, is back for 2025.
It returns at 11 am on Sunday 31 August, Ham Hill Millenium Stones, and produced in partnership with Ham Hill Country Park. Now in its fourth year, this fun-filled family event is quickly becoming a highlight in our annual calendar.
Chill on the Hill is a day to celebrate everything local, from delicious food and live performances to hands-on creative workshops and nature-based activity. We’re pleased to support local Somerset producers, artists, and performers. This year’s line-up includes Somerset-based Farm Yard Circus, Tor Theatre, and The Sound of the Streets.
Keep an eye on this page and follow us on social media for updates!
Next Newsletter
As we can occasionally promote other events and opportunities, if you have something that you’d like to be included in the next mail-out (which will cover October and November 25) please fill in this link below with full details by 19 September 2025.
All good wishes,
Mark and Ruth
Take Art Theatre team