Supporting the 10 Parishes Festival 2025 at Nynehead Court
Every two years, the hills and villages surrounding Wiveliscombe come alive with creativity, colour and community spirit for the 10 Parishes Festival. In 2025, from 6–14 September, the festival will once again transform the area into a celebration of arts and crafts, bringing together painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, textile artists, ceramicists and performers. Nynehead Court is delighted to be part of this year’s festival, showing our support for local creativity and opening our doors to visitors as we welcome the work of David Manners – The Clay Menagerie.
The 10 Parishes Festival has grown into one of the most respected cultural celebrations in Somerset. It is unique in the way it invites visitors to move between the parishes, exploring exhibitions, meeting artists in their studios and taking part in workshops and events. Every edition feels both local and international, with established names sitting alongside emerging talent, all contributing to a programme that is as diverse as it is engaging.
This year’s theme, “Trees of Hope”, places a focus on the natural world, highlighting the powerful connection between creativity and nature. It is a theme that resonates particularly well with Nynehead Court, where our residents and visitors enjoy the beauty of 13 acres of parkland and gardens, filled with mature trees, flowering borders and quiet spaces for reflection. For us, hosting part of the festival feels like a natural extension of our own love of the arts and the environment.
Throughout the nine days of the festival, you can expect to find a wealth of activity across the 10 Parishes area. Open studios will give you the chance to see artists at work, hear about their inspiration and perhaps even try a technique yourself. Exhibitions will showcase a wide range of disciplines, from painting and textiles to photography, jewellery and ceramics. Performances will bring music, theatre and storytelling to village halls and churches, while talks and dinners will provide opportunities to explore ideas in a more informal setting.
At Nynehead Court, we are especially excited to host David Manners and his exhibition from 6th to 10th September, The Clay Menagerie. David’s work is known for its detail, charm and sense of life, drawing inspiration from the animal world. His pieces capture not only the form but also the character of each subject, and we are thrilled to be able to share them with our residents and visitors during the festival. Art plays a very important part in daily life here, and we know how much joy exhibitions like this bring to our community.
One of the highlights of the 10 Parishes Festival is the way it involves everyone. Whether you are an experienced collector, a curious visitor or someone who simply enjoys the chance to see creativity up close, there is something for you. For our residents, the opportunity to meet artists and see work displayed in familiar surroundings is particularly meaningful. It connects them to the wider world, sparks conversation and brings colour and interest into their days.
The festival will close on Sunday 14 September with a Carnival and Street Market in Wiveliscombe. This finale brings together music, street entertainment, craft stalls and the very best of local food and drink. It is a joyful celebration of the region’s creative and community spirit, and a fitting way to round off nine days of artistic exploration.
For those interested in planning their visit, the festival guide is now available online, offering details of all participating artists, venues and events. We encourage you to look through the programme and include a stop at Nynehead Court to see The Clay Menagerie. While you are here, we would be delighted to show you our gardens and grounds, which provide the perfect setting for such an inspiring event.
At Nynehead Court, we are proud to support initiatives like the 10 Parishes Festival. They reflect values that matter to us – creativity, community, and a respect for the natural world. Being part of the festival allows us to share our spaces, connect with local talent and provide opportunities for our residents and neighbours to come together in celebration of the arts.
We warmly invite you to join us during the festival this September. Come and see the work of David Manners, enjoy our gardens and be part of one of Somerset’s most exciting cultural events.