Ilminster Arts Centre

Ilminster Arts Centre Our mission is to bring amazing art, live music and creative workshops to the South West. Gallery: Constantly changing exhibitions in our gallery.

Music: local as well as international musicians from the world of jazz, folk and classical music. Workshops: we offer a range of tutored and untutored workshops to all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Try your hand at clay, watercolour, oil painting, drawing, felt making, rag rugs, or one of our one off workshops. All ages and abilities are welcome. Gallery Cafe: Open Tuesday - Friday 09.30 -

3.00. Saturday 09.30-2.00 for coffee, cakes, light lunches and our famous cheese scones! Craft Shop: our ever-changing craft shop offers one-of-a-kind treasures ranging from handbags to woodwork from talented south-western crafters. To book for any event please contact us by telephone, email, on our website, or pop in and say hello. Please see our website for full listings and dates of this season's events. We wouldn't be here without your support, so a big thank you to all our Friends, volunteers and everyone involved.

A really enjoyable art class that regularly takes place at the Arts Centre. Book your space now! 🎨
11/02/2025

A really enjoyable art class that regularly takes place at the Arts Centre. Book your space now! 🎨

Current Exhibition: ConvergenceLovers of abstract, some and see this fantasic exhibition!'Convergence' features a feast ...
08/02/2025

Current Exhibition: Convergence

Lovers of abstract, some and see this fantasic exhibition!

'Convergence' features a feast of colourful abstract and semi abstract work from a number of local artists.

Artists Include: Keith Crocker, Sara Cowling, Nigel Moores, Alison Jackson-Bass, Carolyn Hooper, Gill Pitt, Sehila Craft, Stephen Jenkinson

Exhibiton runs Jan 28 – Feb 22

🎸TONIGHT'S CONCERT - Fleetwood Shack🎸Tonight we are excited to welcome Fleet Wood Shack!This concert will feature an imp...
07/02/2025

🎸TONIGHT'S CONCERT - Fleetwood Shack🎸

Tonight we are excited to welcome Fleet Wood Shack!

This concert will feature an impressive repertoire of the biggest and most beloved Fleetwood Mac hits. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Fleetwood Mac’s love, emotion, and mystical aura.

*SOLD OUT*

To see which other tribute bands coming up, visit: https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

Tickets on the door!Tonight's concert - Oh La La! Quintet 💃 A fabulous quintet led by Parisian-born Fifi la Mer on vocal...
31/01/2025

Tickets on the door!

Tonight's concert - Oh La La! Quintet 💃

A fabulous quintet led by Parisian-born Fifi la Mer on vocals and accordion with Alex Garnett on vocals, tenor sax and clarinet; Oliver Wilby on accordion, clarinet and tenor sax; Simon Picton on guitar and Julian Bury on bass.

A fabulous night of French Music - come on down, there are tickets still available on the door.

Tickets: £20

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

Tomorrow's concert: Oh La La! Quintet 💃Friday 31 JanuaryA fabulous quintet led by Parisian-born Fifi la Mer on vocals an...
30/01/2025

Tomorrow's concert: Oh La La! Quintet 💃
Friday 31 January

A fabulous quintet led by Parisian-born Fifi la Mer on vocals and accordion with Alex Garnett on vocals, tenor sax and clarinet; Oliver Wilby on accordion, clarinet and tenor sax; Simon Picton on guitar and Julian Bury on bass.

A fabulous night of French Music - not to be missed!

Tickets: £20

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

OPENS Today: Convergence A shared exhibition featuring abstract and semi abstract work from a number of local artists. W...
28/01/2025

OPENS Today: Convergence

A shared exhibition featuring abstract and semi abstract work from a number of local artists.
Work will include paintings, textiles and ceramics. A range of themes are explored within the artist's work from landscapes and natural forms to colour, feeling, and the ephemeral.

Artists include:

Keith Crocker

Sara Cowling

Nigel Moores

Alison Jackson-Bass

Carolyn Hooper

Gill Pitt

Sehila Craft

Stephen Jenkinson

Exhibition runs Tuesday 28th January - Saturday 22nd February.

Free entry. Open Tuesday – Saturday. 9.30am - 3pm.

🖼Opens Next Week! 'CONVERGENCE'👨‍🎨A shared exhibition featuring abstract and semi abstract work from a number of local a...
25/01/2025

🖼Opens Next Week!
'CONVERGENCE'👨‍🎨

A shared exhibition featuring abstract and semi abstract work from a number of local artists. Work will include paintings, ceramics and textiles.

Artists Include: Keith Crocker, Sara Cowling, Nigel Moores, Alison Jackson-Bass, Carolyn Hooper, Gill Pitt, Sehila Craft, Stephen Jenkinson

Jan 28 – Feb 22
https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/exhibitions/convergence

🎵Oh La La! Quintet - French Jazz at it's finest 🌟NEXT FRIDAY🌟Close your eyes, you're in Paris...Oh la la! are delighted ...
24/01/2025

🎵Oh La La! Quintet - French Jazz at it's finest

🌟NEXT FRIDAY🌟

Close your eyes, you're in Paris...

Oh la la! are delighted to be back at the Ilminster Arts centre for an evening of French fun and beautiful exiting music.

They mix Parisian folk music ( musette), Impressionist music, French chanson with unforgettable 20's upbeat to 50'smooth jazz, film noir/nouvelle vague film music and the occasional rearranged cool 60's French pop tune.

Tickets: £20

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

❗CANCELLED:Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack❗ Unfortunately due to performer illness, this event has been cancelle...
23/01/2025

❗CANCELLED:Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack❗

Unfortunately due to performer illness, this event has been cancelled.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

🎨Last Chance to see: Prize Winners - Open 24🎨This fantastic exhibition features a selection of work from the winners of ...
23/01/2025

🎨Last Chance to see: Prize Winners - Open 24🎨

This fantastic exhibition features a selection of work from the winners of the 2024 Open Exhibition.

Artists include: Hannah Shrubb, Hannah Scott, Zee Jones, Hajnal Vegh, Michael Calver, Natasha Seed, ashar, Diana Jane

The quality of work in this exhibition is outstanding, there's something to suit everyone and if you're looking for a unique gift, theres of lovely unframed pieces for sale as well.

Your last chance to see the complete exhibition is Friday 24th January.

⭐NEXT WEEK🎵Oh La La! Quintet - French Jazz at it's finest Oh la la! are delighted to be back at the Ilminster Arts centr...
22/01/2025

⭐NEXT WEEK
🎵Oh La La! Quintet - French Jazz at it's finest

Oh la la! are delighted to be back at the Ilminster Arts centre for an evening of French fun and beautiful exiting music.

They mix Parisian folk music ( musette), Impressionist music, French chanson with unforgettable 20's upbeat to 50'smooth jazz, film noir/nouvelle vague film music and the occasional rearranged cool 60's French pop tune.

Tickets: £20

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

Jazz with a French twist.Medley - Comment te dire adieux ( Serge Gainsbourg ) - Petite fleur ( S.Bechet )- Mon homme ( Mistinguette )- Une vie de cocagne (...

🎻Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack 🎻🌟THIS FRIDAY!🌟A fantastic folk evening. Tonight Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwo...
21/01/2025

🎻Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack 🎻

🌟THIS FRIDAY!🌟

A fantastic folk evening. Tonight Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack join Flying Folk host Jemima Farey.

If you're a lover of acoustic music, this is not to be missed. Sian and Rob Colquhoun perform Old-Time, classic Bluegrass and early country whilst Wildwood Jack will entertain us with songs created over a decade of touring and a life lived on the road.

Tickets: £16
7.30pm

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

11/01/2025

This will be a great night of Folk music - book your tickets now!

Sian and Rob Colquhoun perform a lively repertoire largely drawn from Old-Time, classic Bluegrass and early country.

Wildwood Jack perform songs that sparkle with originality and the craft of storytelling. Contemporary folk played with outstanding acoustic guitar and ukulele.

Jemima Farey
Wildwood Jack
Sian and Rob Colquhoun - Bluegrass/Old Time Duo

NEXT FRIDAY: ‘S’Wonderful’ A homage to George Gershwin🎷This brand new show centres on one of the greatest composers of t...
10/01/2025

NEXT FRIDAY: ‘S’Wonderful’ A homage to George Gershwin🎷

This brand new show centres on one of the greatest composers of the 20th Century , George Gershwin and features many of his compositions including The man I Love , Someone to Watch Over Me , Summertime and I've Got Rhythm '.

Featuring Julian Stringle on Clarinet, Dominic Ashworth on Guitar , Craig Milverton on Piano , Ashley John Long on Bass and Nick Millward on Drums.

Friday 17 January
7.30 - 10pm
Tickets: £20

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances/swonderful-a-homage-to-george-gershwin

Oh La La! Quintet - A Night of French MusicA fabulous quintet led by Parisian-born Fifi la Mer on vocals and accordion w...
09/01/2025

Oh La La! Quintet - A Night of French Music

A fabulous quintet led by Parisian-born Fifi la Mer on vocals and accordion with Alex Garnett on vocals, tenor sax and clarinet; Oliver Wilby on accordion, clarinet and tenor sax; Simon Picton on guitar and Julian Bury on bass. French jazz at its best!

Friday 31 January
Tickets: £20
7.30 - 10.00pm
www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

🎻Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack A fantastic folk evening featuring two bands for the price of one: Sian and Rob ...
07/01/2025

🎻Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack

A fantastic folk evening featuring two bands for the price of one: Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack join Flying Folk host Jemima Farey.

Sian and Rob Colquhoun perform a lively repertoire largely drawn from Old-Time, classic Bluegrass and early country. With over a decade of touring and a life lived on the road,

Wildwood Jack's adventures and journeys are richly woven into their songwriting to create songs that sparkle with originality and the craft of storytelling. Contemporary folk played with outstanding acoustic guitar and ukulele.

Listen to Wildwood Jack: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlzK9oaYdBg

24 January
7.30 - 9pm
Tickets: £16
https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

🎨Current Exhibition: Prize Winners Open 24'A selection of work from the winners of the 2024 Open Exhibition. The exhibit...
03/01/2025

🎨Current Exhibition: Prize Winners Open 24'

A selection of work from the winners of the 2024 Open Exhibition.
The exhibition features work from the following artists:

🌟Overall Winner: Hannah Shrubb
✨Runners Up: Hannah Scott, Zee Jones
✨Emerging Artist Award: Hajnal Vegh
⭐Highly Commended Artists: Michael Calver, Natasha Seed, ashar
⭐Visitor’s Choice Award: Diana Jane

The exhibition runs until 25th January

Address

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street
Ilminster
TA190AN

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:30am - 3pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 3pm
Thursday 9:30am - 3pm
Friday 9:30am - 3pm
Saturday 9:30am - 3pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ilminster Arts Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ilminster Arts Centre:

Videos

SingForMe_clip.MP4
SingForMe_clip.MP4

🎻Upcoming concert: Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack A fantastic folk evening featuring two bands for the price of one: Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack join Flying Folk host Jemima Farey. Sian and Rob Colquhoun perform a lively repertoire largely drawn from Old-Time, classic Bluegrass and early country. With over a decade of touring and a life lived on the road, Wildwood Jack's adventures and journeys are richly woven into their songwriting to create songs that sparkle with originality and the craft of storytelling. Contemporary folk played with outstanding acoustic guitar and ukulele. Video: Sian and Rob Colquhoun 24 January 7.30 - 9pm Tickets: £16 https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

PXL_20240904_081307197.TS~2 (1).mp4
PXL_20240904_081307197.TS~2 (1).mp4

The compliments are rolling in for our current exhibition 'Connections' featuring artists Margaret Micklewright, Andrea Oke, Mary Stradling, Angela Uren. Margaret Micklewright is also running a workshop this Saturday: 'Eploring Inks' In the workshop you will discover the many variations that ink provides, leading to expressive and exciting results. 7 September 10.00 - 12.00 £40 To book, please phone 01460 54973

The dreamettes large.mp4
The dreamettes large.mp4

What a night Friday night was! The Dreamettes went down a storm and a truly fantastic time was had by all. Check out our website for more Tribute bands coming to the Arts Centre soon. https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

A fantastic evening of Folk music last night at Ilminster Arts Centre with the Farey family and The Arquebus Trio #southwestfolk #folkmusic #ukfolk #folkmusicuk

Zoe Schwarz 2.mp4
Zoe Schwarz 2.mp4

TOMORROW: Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion If you like Blues, Jazz or Rock and Roll - this is for you! Come to Ilminster Arts Centre this Friday and witness a sensational performance by Zoe Schwarz. Our intimate venue means you'll the getting up close and personal with the band and will be right in the heart of the action. Zoe’s dynamic and commanding vocal delivery is complimented by the unmistakable touch and flow of Rob Koral-guitar; and the highly accomplished rhythm section of Pete Whittaker-Hammond organ and Paul Robinson-drums (Nina Simone, Van Morrison, The Proclaimers, Paul McCartney to name a few). Zoë Schwarz Blue Commotion have made a considerable impact this last decade, and is one of the bands that have added a fresh approach and vibrancy to the UK Blues scene. Get you tickets before it's too late! 📆12th April 🕑7.30pm 🎟£20 https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances/zoe-schwarz-blue-commotion

We can't wait for next Friday's concert. Julian Phillips will be entertaining us on the piano. Book your tickets now at Ilminster Arts Centre ! 🎶🎹🎵 #jazz #jazzmusic #boogiewoogie

ILMINSTER ART SCENTRE.mp4
ILMINSTER ART SCENTRE.mp4

NEXT FRIDAY: Julian Philipps - Boogie Woogie Nights🎹 Get ready to boogie woogie with Julian Philipps! Join us for an evening filled with energetic piano tunes and rhythmic beats. Don't miss out! 💃🎶 📌 Date: March 1st 🕢 Time: 7:30 PM 🎟️ £18 Tickets available over the phone 01460 54973 or online: https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

Untitled design.mp4
Untitled design.mp4

TODAY:🐑Weaving Demonstration! 🐑 Come over today and see textile artist Lia Jenkinson weaving her magic on her loom in our gallery. You won't want to miss this opportunity to see beautiful fabrics come to life!

Untitled design.mp4
Untitled design.mp4

OPEN NOW: The Prize Winners' Open Exhibition 🖼 The exhibition features work from the winning #artists of the 2023 Open Art competition - an annual competition, open to everyone and all mediums except photography. Ten artists are exhibiting, including two young emerging artists as well as the Arts Centre’s ‘Clay Workshop Group’ with their clay #sculptures. Make sure you don't miss these talented artists and their work! https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/exhibitions

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Discover South Somerset’s most vibrant arts venue!

Welcome to Ilminster Arts Centre. We run a year-round programme of highly acclaimed art exhibitions and concerts (jazz, classical, folk and world music) along with a programme of regularly changing art exhibitions in the Gallery, and a host of art and craft workshops and other events.

We are based in a beautiful 18th-century former Unitarian church in the heart of Ilminster and last year welcomed over 30, 000 visitors through our doors. If you’ve not discovered us yet, pop in and have a look - you won’t be disappointed!

Our Gallery Cafe was recently voted ‘Best Coffee Stop of the Year’ by Cycle Somerset but you don’t have to come on two wheels to enjoy our tempting menu of hot and cold homemade lunches (served 12noon-2pm Mon-Fri), our freshly brewed Fairtrade teas and coffees and our famous cheese scones, freshly baked each morning, daily newspapers and free wifi. The gallery cafe is open to visitors and workshop participants Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm, and until 2pm on Saturdays. Our Craft Shop stocks a carefully curated selection of work by local craft makers and a wide range of greetings cards by West Country artists. It’s an ideal place to find unique and affordable presents for all ages - and we also sell gift vouchers if you prefer to leave the choice to others! Browse from ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles, jewellery, toys, decorative homewares, handmade soaps and more! Keep an eye out for our special events, fundraising evenings and our twice yearly Vintage Textiles Fairs. To book for any event please contact the Box Office 0n 01460 54973, or drop us an email on [email protected], or pop in and see us. Our website www.themeetinghouse.org.uk has full listings and dates of this season's events. We wouldn't be here without your support, so a big thank you to all our patrons and everyone involved.