Somerstock is an annual music festival held in Somerton that has become a highlight of the summer season.

The festival brings together local and national musicians to perform in front of a large crowd of music enthusiasts. But the festival is more than just a celebration of music, it also supports local charities and organisations.

This year, the musical extravaganza takes place over the 7th and 8th July . It promises an unforgettable weekend of chart-topping performances led by The Blockheads, along with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere. This year, the family-friendly festival sees the introduction of a Friday night of music on the 7th July, before a full day of bands and family fun on Saturday 8th July.

Dance and soul band Area 52 will headline the Friday evening entertainment which runs from 6pm to 11pm, with food stalls and bar. Al O'Kane opens the evening with fiery alt/folk-rock, followed by up-beat covers from Not Like The Others and great new music from Young Martyrs. 

Headlining the Saturday, rock legends The Blockheads will be joined by 13 other live bands providing continuous music from 1pm to 11:30pm over three stages with the evening's entertainment rounded off by a silent disco. There will also be children's activities, retail stalls, food stalls and bars.  

One of the festival's main charity partners for 2023 is the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, a registered charity that provides critical care to those suffering from sickness and injury in the two counties. The charity operates an air ambulance service with an air and road-delivered critical care capability. Last year, Somerstock presented a cheque for £1000 to the Air Ambulance, and the festival's chairman, Fred Bassett, is confident that the organizers will be able to match that sum following this year's event.

The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance relies heavily on public donations as it receives no direct funding from the government or the National Lottery. Its operational costs exceed £5 million annually, and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000.

Since its launch in 2000, the charity has flown thousands of missions and can attend up to eight or nine incidents in a single day. The charity is activated through a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk located at Ambulance Control, which is paid for by the South West Air Ambulance Charities.

The airbase of the charity is situated at Henstridge Airfield on the Dorset/Somerset border. From there, the charity can be at any point in the two counties in less than 20 minutes. More importantly, the helicopter can transport a patient to the nearest major trauma centre in the South West within an additional 20 minutes if required.

In addition to supporting the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Somerstock also presented a cheque for a similar amount to the Somerton Recreation Ground Trust. The trust provides help and support for the festival, and the donation is recognition of their contributions.

More information about all the Festival events is available at www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk where tickets can also be purchased.