Why we celebrate the snowdrop

Our Snowdrop Project celebrates the legacy of James Allen, the history and heritage of our town and the beauty of the snowdrop.

He was born in Shepton Mallet and was the first person to breed Snowdrops from the wild.

In the autumn we plant thousands of bulbs on roadsides, roundabouts and public spaces. Help us achieve our aim is to blanket the town white with snowdrops!

In February visit or be a part of our Snowdrop Festival, with specialist plant sales, workshops, art and craft, and poetry and photography competitions.

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What people say ….

Earlier this year, in the weekend Financial Times of 14 / 15 February we were thrilled to read this from Robin Lane Fox:

'Throughout this month, snowdrops are starring in festivals from Somerset to Scotland. Like the bulbs themselves, these festivals have multiplied: two of the best are at Shepton Mallet in Somerset and Cambo Gardens in Fife.'

We loved what Country Living said this year too:

'In the Somerset town of Shepton Mallet. a community celebrates the legacy of a local galanthophile with a fabulous floral festival.'

And in Gardens Illustrated:

'This February, galanthophiles from across the world will travel to Somerset for Shepton Snowdrop Festival, touring gardens including Yeo Valley Organics Garden, Dunster Castle and Snowdrop Valley.'

What's On

2027 Photography and Poetry Competitions

Passionate poet? Prolific photographer? Why not enter? The Poetry and Photography Competitions have grown from strength to strength, with entries from across the globe.

Each year we decide on a theme and invite a poet and photographer with national, often award-winning, reputations in their respective fields to be our judges.

More details about how to enter coming soon.

Photograph: 'Gredenton Trees' by James Hunt, Warwickshire. Highly commended 18 and over, 2026 Photography Competition

2027 Competition

Bulb Planting & Sales

We're planning our autumn snowdrop bulb planting now for 2026 and we'd love to see lots of new volunteers.

If you enjoyed the February snowdrop spectacle on verges, in Collett Park and public spaces around the town, join us to add to the hundreds of thousands we've already planted.

Volunteer to be part of our planting teams, or join with neighbours and friends from your community to brighten up a space near you.

Click on more details for planting dates and the dates we are selling snowdrop bulbs at Tesco's

More Details

Snowdrop Festival 2027

Make a note in your diary! The core programme of the 2027 festival will take place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 February 2027.

More details of the programme, speakers, fringe events, walks, open gardens and the best places to see snowdrops will be announced shortly.

Whether you’re a galanthophile, a gardener, a plant collector, or someone who loves beautiful things there'll be something at the Festival for you.

As it’s February half term there will be lots of creative activities for children and families, and they’re all be free.

If you're an organiser of a tour, let us know. We'd love to see you.

Details later in the year

Blog

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