Somerset Day

Somerset Day for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Thursday, May 11th. There are until the next observance.

Somerset Day, observed annually on May 11, provides a chance for everyone to celebrate Somerset as a location to live, work, play, study, and enjoy the entire Somerset experience in the United Kingdom. Did you know that Somerset is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom? Yes, Somerset has much more to offer than delicious cider and a major music festival. It boasts a diverse coastline that includes sandy beaches, Jurassic parts rich in fossils, beautiful woodlands, and a plethora of historical structures and heritage sites. So, what is Somerset Day all about, and what is its history? Continue reading to learn more.

📆 When is Somerset Day?

This year, Somerset Day is on May 11th. It is the 2nd Thursday in May; in 2024, it is on Saturday.

→ Did you know: The West Somerset Railway is the country’s longest, continuously maintained steam railway.

You can also view all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about May 11, 2023.

📜 History of Somerset Day

Passion for Somerset, a coalition of local companies, held an online public poll to determine a date for the county-wide event. There were three days in the running, each with a specific connection to the county, and the winning day received 51% of the votes on May 11. Somerset Day was established on May 11 to honor Alfred the Great. In 878, King Alfred the Great of Wessex rallied the people of Somerset to march against the Viking army in the Battle of Edington, also known as the Battle of Ethandun. The invading Vikings were beaten by the Wessex king and his Somerset army men, and Alfred went on to become a dominating monarch. There is also a structure known as King Alfred’s Tower, which is said to symbolize the location where King Alfred rallied his forces.

Michael Eavis created the famed Glastonbury festival in Somerset in 1970. Somerset is also a culturally diverse destination, with over 10,000 listed buildings, 500 ancient monuments, and 36 English Heritage sites. Somerset residents will fly their flags on Somerset Day to recognize the county’s heritage, past, and present.

☑️ Somerset Day facts

✅ The first town to get electricity
Taunton, in the county of Somerset, is the first town in the UK to have permanent street lights.

✅ It is the birthplace of cheddar cheese
Cheddar is named after the Cheddar Gorge and caves in Somerset.

✅ The Roman remains
Somerset has the greatest collection of Roman coins ever discovered in a single container.

✨ Things to do on Somerset Day

⚡ Spread the word
The greatest way to commemorate Somerset Day is to raise awareness about the beauty and history of Somerset among those who are ignorant of it. Share the celebration on social media and encourage your friends to do the same.

⚡ Visit Somerset
One of the coolest ways to commemorate Somerset Day is to go to Somerset personally. If you’ve been looking for a sign to plan a trip, this is it!

⚡ Share your story
If you’ve been fortunate enough to visit Somerset in the past and have unique anecdotes to tell about your stay, take to social media and share your ideas. Share more information and facts about Somerset along with your story.

📅 Somerset Day Observances

Learn all May holidays, including Special Interest and other Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Somerset Day. So be sure to check back soon.