SOMERSET came together in spectacular style to celebrate the 2026 Somerset Day weekend.

From bustling markets and live music performances to heritage open days, family festivals, food showcases and community gatherings, the Somerset Day weekend highlighted the very best of the county’s culture, creativity, history and community spirit, say organisers not-for-profit company Passion for Somerset.

Somerset Day, May 11, marks the time in May 878 when King Alfred the Great gathered “all the people of Somerset” to rise against the Viking invasion after taking refuge in the Somerset Levels.

Somerset Dragon flags fly high in Swain Street, Watchet in celebration.
Somerset Dragon flags fly high in Swain Street, Watchet in celebration. PHOTO: LoveWatchet

Somerton staged a fantastic celebration with entertainment for all ages and flags and bunting flying proudly throughout the town, whilst at the other end of the county Minehead celebrated with a party in the park.

A major highlight of this year’s celebrations was the culmination of the BBC Radio Somerset campaign to name the Somerset Dragon. Designed, created and built by students at Taunton College, the hugely popular Journey of the Dragon project captured imaginations.

Starting in March the dragon has been visiting towns and villages across Somerset providing free performances and creative activities and reached Watchet for a live interactive reading of The Tale of the Somerset Dragon followed by a personal appearance by the dragon itself.

The Somerset Dragon on its visit to Watchet as it tours the county telling its story.
The Somerset Dragon on its visit to Watchet as it tours the county telling its story. PHOTO: LoveWatchet

BBC Radio Somerset ran a Name the Somerset Dragon competition as part of the celebrations. Following an enthusiastic public vote and weeks of anticipation, the Dragon was finally named Dunkery during the station’s breakfast show, broadcast live from Taunton College on Somerset Day.

The name, inspired by Dunkery Beacon, one of Somerset’s most iconic landmarks and the highest point in the county beating the other three names shortlisted - Kingston, Skittles and Spitfire.

Alongside the Dragon project, Somerset Day focused on celebrating young people across the county with the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards at the McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater to be held on Thursday May 21, celebrating young people who are making a positive difference.

Somerset MPs came together with the leader of the House of Commons at Westminster to celebrate their county.
Somerset MPs came together with the leader of the House of Commons at Westminster to celebrate their county. PHOTO: House of Commons

Somerset MPs also gathered at Westminster with the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle to celebrate their county’s day. Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington said: “Very proud to have grown up in this great county steeped in tradition and to represent a constituency in Somerset as an MP.”

Organisers said the response to both Somerset Day and the naming campaign had exceeded all expectations and thanked all involved including community groups, volunteers, performers, schools, businesses, local authorities and residents.

Bustling markets and community events highlighted the very best of Somerset, here in Somerton.
Bustling markets and community events highlighted the very best of Somerset, here in Somerton. PHOTO: Passion for Somerset CIC

Nigel Muers-Raby, CEO and founder of Passion for Somerset CIC said: “Somerset Day is about belonging, pride and shared identity. The Journey of the Somerset Dragon is a powerful way to bring communities together, spark imagination and celebrate everything that makes Somerset special - from our folklore and landscapes to our people and creativity.

“The Somerset Day weekend has once again shown the incredible pride people have in our county. The success of the weekend reflects the growing momentum behind the annual celebration, which continues to showcase the county on a regional and national stage.”