ORGANISERS put on a weekend of celebrations to mark this year’s Somerset Day.

The annual event is held on May 11, the date on which Alfred the Great is thought to have issued his ‘call to arms’ against the Vikings.

Events took place across the county, with a number of groups and organisations taking part, including the Big Somerset Picnic.

The Eat Taunton festival drew the biggest crowd of picnickers when thousands turned out in the county town to peruse the wares of more than 100 stallholders.

The weekend also saw the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards take place, which were described by organisers to be an “outstanding success” and saw the largest number of nominations to the contest in its history.

An event at the McMillan theatre in Bridgwater drew a crowd of more than 200 where ‘inspirational young people’ were celebrated.

Commenting on the festivities, a spokesperson for the Association of British Counties - which promotes England’s historic counties - said: “The county day phenomena continues to gather pace in 2024, with the biggest celebrations of these county days yet. 

“Somerset Day in particular is now rivalling Yorkshire Day and Lancashire Day for its reach across the county.”

Somerset Day CEO and founder Nigel Muers-Raby added: “Communities, organisations, businesses and individuals certainly rose to the challenge this year and it was wonderful to see so many flags and so much bunting – and to see the huge effort put in by so many taking part in the Big Somerset Picnic and the many other events”.