February 26, 2026
We’re delighted to bring you the latest updates from our current programme. With so much of our work centred around the Cultivate programme, we’ve combined our news into one easy-to-read update so you can stay in the loop with everything happening in our creative community.
We may have a little while to go, but planning is already well underway for the fifth Chill on the Hill, taking place at Ham Hill Country Park on Sunday 30 August 2026. This relaxed, family-friendly festival will celebrate nature, local food, arts, culture and community, with plenty to enjoy for all ages. We’re planning children’s activities such as circus skills, crafts and dance, alongside live music, theatre, circus and street performances throughout the day. By bringing arts and food together, the festival supports local producers, boosts the local economy, and builds community pride. This year, activity will also centre around the new Ham Hill Visitor Centre which includes a café, exhibition space and a gallery. More details to follow.
Ged Stephenson has recently been in touch with some exciting news. He writes:
“We’re opening a new theatre venue in the small town of Colyton, East Devon (near Seaton). It will be called, Rough & Ready Theatre and will possibly be Devon’s smallest theatre (30 seats maximum). It will be held in the cellar bar at the Colcombe Hotel. The aim is to present performances without elaborate sets or lighting, just good shows to an audience sat about two feet away! Think of it as a kind of scratch event - though we will pay performers 70% of the box office takings (tickets will be £10 each).
If you are interested in performing here or would like more information please get in touch: g.stephenson@me.com We really want to showcase the best of the Southwest scene.
Thank you!
Ged”
Talking of venues, we’d like to remind everyone of the Routes In resource, hosted by Taunton Brewhouse. Facilitated by Kim Burnell (Artistic Programme Co-Manager), several of us have collaborated to create a database that’s designed to help artist and companies connect with venues and support organisations across the Southwest. It also contains a glossary of financial deal terms commonly used by venues.
During these rather wet and gloomy few months, the Great Mead Pilot project in Chard has shifted from delivery mode into planning for the future. Great Mead was one of ten European projects selected for support through the EU’s Connect New European Bauhaus programme. We’ve now completed and reported on this element of the project, and Mark was fortunate to join colleagues in Barcelona at the end of January for the final wrap-up event.
The NEB gathering was a real reminder of the power of working together. We spent time building connections, sharing stories and reflecting on the fact that even small local projects are part of something much bigger. Across very different communities in Europe, we’re all contributing to a shared vision for a more sustainable, beautiful and inclusive future.
Back in Chard, our partnership with Somerset Wildlife Trust has helped shape its ‘Act to Adapt’ climate adaptation programme. This work continues into spring 2026, with further consultation planned with young people at Holyrood Academy and a programme launch as part of an event at Chard Guildhall on 28th March.
We occasionally share other events and opportunities, so if you have something you’d like included in our next update (covering May and June 2026), please send your information via this link provided by 10 April 2026.
All good wishes,
The Take Art Theatre & Cultivate Team
