BE SOMERSET
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A new, independent, Somerset radio station is on the way!
For now, check out our big-hearted interviews...
Be Somerset's 'Books of the Year' is here!
The eagerly anticipated Be Somerset Books of the Year show is out... and well, it's a good one!
Jenna has been catching up with a mix of writers, reviewers, and book experts, who have been sharing their favourite books of 2024.
The show is the perfect way to end the year and to celebrate the wonderful fiction and non-fiction reads we've taken
to our hearts this year.
To discover more and to listen to this wonderful show, just head here.
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Christmas at Stourhead
Oh yes... we've hopped over the border for a chat with Stourhead's Senior Visitor Experience Officer, Betsy Ogilvy, to find out more about their magical 'Christmas at Stourhead' light trail. Have a listen to discover what it is, how long it takes to plan, and more about the going's on at Stourhead all year round, too!
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JUST A CARD - Sarah Hamilton chats shopping independent
JUST A CARD is a grassroots campaign on a mission to encourage people to support, value and buy from artists, makers, independent shops and small businesses. Every sale, even just a card, is vital to their prosperity and survival. Jenna has been catching up with the founder of Just a Card, Sarah Hamilton, about Indie Friday and Just a Card's 10th anniversary year.
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Robbie comes to Bath - TWO shows at the Royal Crescent, June 2025
Robbie Williams, one of the world's greatest entertainers, is putting on not one, but two spectacular summer open air concerts at the iconic Royal Crescent in Bath, as part of his 2025 UK tour. The show's will take place on June 13th and 14th next year.
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We got the exclusive from promoter John Empson of Senbla, the concert promoters, and tickets are now on general sale on Ticketmaster.
Have a listen to Jenna's chat with John about what it takes to bring a show as special as this one to Bath.
Just press play, below!
Celebrating shopping small and independent
We're celebrating the small, independent shops that light up our local high streets, in a new series, 'Indie Shop Spotlight'. Hear the first episode here, as Jenna chats with Langport's South West Makers shop owner, Rachel Smith.
Books Glorious Books!
Next year, we'd love you to join our Be Somerset book club! It'll be every Sunday from 5-6pm and to bring you lots of different bookish conversation, we'll be having four hosts - one every week in the month! Jenna will host the Book Club one week out of four, but what about the other three?
Well, we're really pleased to share that one of the hosts will be Frome College Library, led by Lydia and Leah (in Year 10) and Martha (in Year 9). 'Bookshelf BFF’s' will be their monthly take on the world of books. Every month it will feature their unique look at the books inspiring them, some local interviews and conversation, and what happens on the shelves of the Frome College library too! Listen to their first ever interview, right here.
Sweetpea is coming for you!
Weston-super-Mare based author C. J. Skuse, has waited 28 years to see one of her characters on our screens. Well, it's happened... on TV, on the sides of buses, and even in bouquets of blood-dripping flowers! Her novel, Sweetpea, is now a major new TV series on Sky and NOW, featuring Ella Purnell in the starring role of Rhiannon.
Jenna caught up with C.J. to discover more about Sweetpea, the new TV series, how much of a pinch me moment it is, and to explore her life as an author. Check out the chat right here.
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More highlights - just press play!
Things Don't Break On Their Own
The debut novel of Exmoor-based author, Sarah Easter Collins, is out! Jenna spoke with Sarah on the eve of publication to discover more about 'Things Don't Break On Their Own', more about Sarah's writing process, and more about the twists and turns of long term relationships. There's animal chat as well!
Fancy a game of Fact or Fiction? We've got that for you too. Sit back, relax, and just press play...
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(And thank you to Hannah Boaden for the beautiful piano in this interview. It's from her composition, Skipping With Sprites)
Discover the magic of Bailey Hill Bookshop
On Bookshop Day we just had to celebrate our local bookshop, Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary. How did owner Claire Brooker fall in love with the shop? It's quite a story. Want to know how they curate the selection for sale? We chat about that too - and lots more besides. Just head here for a really lovely conversation about books glorious books, and what it means to run a store full of them.
Matt's Kitchen in Matt's Cottage!
The food tour is back! Jenna will be setting out once again on her Somerset Food Tour... heading round the county chatting with chefs, producers, growers and creators of fabulous food. We've got some more great conversations planned for you, but as we headed back to Matt's Kitchen in Bruton again recently for a fantastic dinner, it seems the perfect time to share Matt Watson's story here. So, let's go back to a chat with Matt from a couple of years ago, and discover more about the unique restaurant in his home...
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Explore RSPB Ham Wall with Carl Bovis
. Nature photographer, Carl Bovis, takes incredible photos of our feathered friends in Somerset and beyond. Recently, we headed out to RSPB Ham Wall to chat about Carl's photography, to explore the lanes and hides of the nature reserve, and to see which birds we could spot. It's a wonderful, relaxing conversation, so come on the adventure with us right here. ​
