Arts Engagement & Outreach: July 2025 News

Here’s a taste of what our Arts Engagement & Outreach team at The Octagon & Westlands have been busy working on this month… 

Our Arts Engagement & Outreach team develop and deliver programmes and activities that benefit health and wellbeing, enrich learning and education in and outside school, inspire and celebrate talent. Creating work that will support local artists and tell “local stories”. In everything we do and programme we will seek to improve inclusion and remove barriers, whatever they may be, so that everyone is able to enjoy and benefit from the creative arts. 

July was bursting with creativity, connection and talent. From the return of Yeovil Together, which welcomed over 1,270 people to celebrate the vibrant culture of our town, to 87 students dazzling audiences at Centre Stage, and 46 young people taking to the stage after a week’s training during our Octagon Youth Dance Summer School. Plus, opportunities for talent development as we hosted a week-long internship in collaboration with Exeter University and supported 8 Year 10 students through immersive work experience. Read more below… 

Productions & Events  

Celebrating global majority backgrounds and cultures 

July saw the return of Yeovil Together, an annual celebration hosted by Somerset Diverse Communities and Love Yeovil at Westlands Entertainment Venue, and organised by Yeovil’s Ethnic Diverse Communities, to share and celebrate the cultural richness of our town. During the day we welcomed 1,270 community members representing 35 countries for this year’s theme, Folktales Around the World. The vibrant programme included food and community stalls, storytelling, wellbeing talks, craft workshops, and a dynamic line-up of live performances, from Polish and Romanian folk songs to classical Indian and Rajasthani dance. Our Arts Engagement team kept families creatively engaged with a hands-on craft activity: building miniature theatres and puppet figures dressed in both traditional and modern cultural costumes. 

The day also featured performances of Teabreak, an audio and live dance piece by North Somerset based company, Trigger. This was the first time Trigger have performed their production, Teabreak in Somerset so we were delighted to host them at Yeovil Together, where they entertained visitors with 3 ‘sold-out’ performances. These performances were free for audiences to enjoy, as funded by Arts Council England and Somerset Council. Audiences were offered freshly made chai or peppermint tea served from a beautifully hand-painted tuk tuk, while performers guided them through the history of tea across cultures and how it found its way into our teapots. The experience was heart-warming as we heard stories of how tea has comforted, uplifted and united people across the globe. The company of Trigger told us how this was the best event they have performed Teabreak at, with each performance at max capacity and such a positive community atmosphere fitting for the stories being told. 

‘I came along to have fun, see and experience the vibrant communities we have in Yeovil.’ Visitor

Creative Learning & Education 

Bringing Somerset’s Young Talent Centre Stage 

To conclude our Creative Learning & Education programme for the 2024/25 academic year, 87 students from 6 schools, ranging from infants to secondary, delivered outstanding performances from contemporary and commercial dance routines, to pop and gospel songs, spoken word, and an abridged version of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. 

Performances at our Centre Stage platform were inspired by workshops we delivered in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Wise Children and Motionhouse earlier in the year. It gave students an unforgettable opportunity to experience performing in a professional venue in front of a live audience. The evening was a vibrant celebration of creativity and talent. Students were joined on stage by the exceptional Octagon Junior Choir, with the show expertly presented by two confident Year 9 students—shining a spotlight on the future stars of the performing arts industry.  

‘It will be something the students will always remember and was an invaluable experience for them.' Teacher 

Participation 

Nurturing and training talent in Somerset 

The summer holidays began with energy and creativity as 45 young people, aged 7–15, participated in a 4-day dance summer school at Westlands Entertainment Venue. Led by the acclaimed local company Project Dance, the programme provided opportunities for participants to develop their technique and talent, stay active, build confidence, and collaborate in developing an original dance piece for the stage. Throughout the week, the group devised and rehearsed a 20-minute dance piece titled SunnySide Up, performed on the final day to an audience of over 120 friends and family members.  

Thanks to funding from the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and the Happy Healthy Holidays scheme, 20 places were fully subsidised for children eligible for free school meals. Additional SEN support was provided throughout the week, ensuring the programme was fully inclusive and accessible.  

Participants reported increased confidence, new friendships, and a strong sense of achievement through creative engagement and physical activity. 

  “Absolutely the best experience I’ve ever had – meeting new people, dancing on stage again and making new friends. I would 1000% go if it’s on again.” Participant  

A Super Saturday of connecting communities through creative arts 

As part of our participation programme, the Octagon & Westlands Arts Engagement & Outreach Team brought a burst of creativity to Yeovil’s Super Saturday in July. Over 60 visitors of all ages joined us at our stall in St John’s Churchyard, each creating a beautiful paper rose or decorating a wooden stick puppet inspired by this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. Surrounded by circus performers, community groups, nature and heritage activities, and dazzling dance performances, our team enjoyed great conversations with locals about the opportunities available at Westlands and across Yeovil. 

‘This is a great idea, I’m going to make lots more roses when I go home to give to my friends!’ Participant  

Artist Support 

Launching creative careers 

In partnership with Exeter University, we welcomed Juju, an English student passionate about community engagement, for a one-week internship in July. Juju got involved in community events and day-to-day tasks, gaining a meaningful insight into the workings of a National Portfolio Organisation. Juju supported a range of activities including event planning, our Movement Through Cancer project, and the Centre Stage schools platform helping with seating arrangements, tech rehearsals and backstage support. This internship was funded by Exeter University and provides a fruitful South West collaboration, giving graduates a pathway into the arts workplace. These internships bring a different skillset/mindset/aptitude into our team and means we can build meaningful relationships with higher education too. 

'I’ve gained many new skills from data processing to writing multiple blog posts, proofreading annual reports to being able to design posters for interactive activities. . I’m reluctant to say goodbye to everyone here – it’s true what they say, time does fly when you’re having fun.'  Juju, Intern 

Talent Development 

Future arts leaders in the making 

Eight enthusiastic Year 10 students joined us for an unforgettable Work Experience Week, diving into the inner workings of a busy arts venue at Westlands. Over five days, they collaborated on real-life projects across technical theatre, marketing, events, producing, front of house, arts engagement, and programming.  

Throughout the week, students engaged in a range of career-building tasks, including lighting design, assisting with event logistics planning, exploring marketing engagement and cost considerations, and developing a concept for their own show which they presented to staff at Westlands. Each young person brought creativity and curiosity, gaining a hands-on introduction to the world of arts management. 

'I didn't know much about technical theatre, having his opportunity to experience it hands-on made me think about working in theatre in the future.' Student  

Empowering teachers to inspire the next generation 

Led by our Arts Engagement & Outreach team, our recent Teachers Encounter Day welcomed 9 educators to explore how the Octagon and Westlands can support both teachers and pupils in their creative journeys. With a high number of special schools attending, we explored how our work in talent development and artist support can be adapted to meet varying needs. One highlight shared was our Careers Day initiative, where students from different schools come together to co-create a live theatre piece on stage—building teamwork, confidence, and production skills. 

 'We really appreciate you taking the time and effort to provide our local educators with an interesting and valuable session which clearly showed the opportunities you offer our young people. The day was a great success!' Jenny Salmon  

Access & Inclusion Schemes 

Powering postive change together 

This month, the Octagon & Westlands Inclusion Group came together to share invaluable insights on how we can continue to support our patrons and further improve accessibility across our venues. Meeting three times a year, the group creates a safe space to explore ways to remove both physical and perceived barriers for disabled visitors. Formed to ensure that disabled people and those with lived experience remain at the heart of our decision-making, the group recently praised the positive impact of implemented changes. They praised our responsiveness to feedback and even suggested that other venues could learn from our approach—going as far as recommending that we nominate Westlands for an access award. This is a huge compliment and a testament to the strong partnership we’ve developed. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing guidance and support of The Octagon & Westlands Inclusion Group. Their voices continue to shape meaningful, lasting improvements here at Westlands.  

'Being listened to is one thing, but the speed with which the team puts changes in place and gets things done is incredible - and certainly a rare thing elsewhere! I will continue to use you as a shining example of excellence when talking to other businesses and organisations.' Member of Inclusion Group  

To keep up to date with all the activities coming up head over to the What’s On section on our website or check out our Participate page which will link you to all our projects and upcoming opportunities.