Somerset Day

The day and its story

Somerset Day is 11 May, a date selected by public vote in 2015. It celebrates Somerset’s people and communities and recalls Alfred’s gathering of forces during his campaign against the Vikings in May 878.

The organiser explicitly notes that the exact dates of the campaign’s key events are unknown. The county day is therefore a chosen commemoration, not a securely dated anniversary of the battle. Events can extend across the surrounding weekend; the annual calendar retains 11 May.

Make it your celebration

Fly or display the county flag, explore a local collection, share a family story, or bring people together around the county’s food, language, music and history. Check individual organisers for event dates and access arrangements.

Ideas for communities, schools and public bodies →