BBC Somerset

Jasmine Ketibuah-Foleywest of EnglandBBCThe cider farm's Torm Man celebration is inspired by centuries-old traditionsA cider farm has drawn on centuries-old past-times for a new tradition that will "bless" and boost its apple harvests.The event at Torre Cider Farm in Washford was created alongside Somerset artist Rob Heard who, every year, builds a wooden human form called the Torm Man - a mystical spirit.As part of the celebration, apples from local orchards will be offered to the sculpture on…

Jasmine Ketibuah-Foleywest of EnglandGetty ImagesFireworks and bonfire season is upon us and is being celebrated across the WestFireworks, toffee apples, Catherine wheels and sparklers: Bonfire Night and 5 November is almost upon us.With a range of traditional displays and quiet displays, there is plenty to suit all ages and tastes across the West of England.Here is a list of what is happening for free near you.BristolBradley Stoke: The Fireworks to Music event takes place at the Jubilee Centre…

Emma Britton,BBC Radio Somerset and Chris Lockyer,SomersetBBCThe Amulet theatre in Shepton Mallet closed in 2022A community group is a step closer to buying a disused Somerset theatre after raising more than £115,000.The Amulet in Shepton Mallet was originally a gift to the town in 1975 from the Showering family, who were famous for inventing the Babycham drink.It operated as a popular theatre and community centre for many years but closed in 2022.Martin Berkeley from the Let's Buy The…

John WimperisLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceJohn WimperisAfter closing as a pool in 2000, the Tropicana has recently been used as an events spaceWork has begun to turn Weston-super-Mare's Tropicana into a "nationally significant" venue for culture, arts, and entertainment.North Somerset Council won Levelling Up funding in 2023 to rejuvenate the former lido, which was also the home of Banksy's Dismaland exhibition in 2015.Contractors Morgan Sindall are currently stripping out the interior of the building, ready for it to be…

Glenda Spooner Farm Rescue and Rehoming CentrePam the Shetland pony stands at 24 inches (60cm) tallHere is our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and the most interesting content from social media.Our pick of local website storiesThe two teens who were convicted of killing of Mikey Roynon had their convictions overturned, reports ITV West Country.Bristol Live reports beloved family run restaurant Don Giovanni's is closing its doors in January after delighting…

Rail passengers are advised to allow more time for their journeys as work to refurbish a railway bridge continues.Portway Overbridge in Frome, Somerset, has been undergoing work since 19 September.As a result, trains will not call at Frome station on Saturday or Sunday, with trains from London Paddington heading towards Taunton and from Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth using an alternative route.Vaheesan Maheswaran, Network Rail's lead portfolio manager, said: "This weekend of work is a crucial time in…

Leigh Boobyer,Bristol and Luke Knight,SomersetBBCShepton Mallet Prison dates back to 1625 and has some spooky stories throughout its historyFrom a haunted prison, to the ghost of the UK's oldest lido, Somerset has its fair share of paranormal tales. To time in with Halloween, fascinating and spooky stories from across the county are being explored in a BBC Sounds series produced by BBC Radio Somerset, called The Other Side.Scar 'bleeding quite badly'Shepton Mallet Prison is among the world's oldest,…