Sham Jam delivers ten days of arts and culture

A ten-day festival of music, comedy, art and community events has come to an end after bringing venues and public spaces across Melksham to life.

Sham Jam Festival saw hundreds of people take part in events ranging from live music and comedy to creative workshops, exhibitions, family activities and public art from 18th to 27th September.

The festival, organised by Melksham Town Council, opened with a community dance flash mob in the Market Place before comedian Rich Hall launched the comedy programme at the Assembly Hall.

One of the biggest events was Martin Kemp’s Back to the 80s Party, which attracted more than 600 people to King George V Park, while the Comedy Weekend also drew audiences to the town for two days of performances.

Art and creativity featured throughout the festival, with street art workshops for young people, local photography displayed in town centre businesses and a wildlife-inspired mural on the Bath Road toilet block.

There was also a wide range of workshops and activities, including ukulele, pottery painting, origami, flower arranging and creative writing.

The festival also included Step Forward, bringing men together for a walk and events focused on mental health and wellbeing, while family audiences enjoyed performances of Bin Rat.

The festival closed with a Ritzy Tea Dance featuring the Terry Hill Big Band at the Assembly Hall.

Councillor Jennie Westbrook said, “The Sham Jam Festival has been an incredible celebration of the people, creativity and talent that make Melksham so special. It has brought our town to life, filled it with joy and given our community so many reasons to come together, smile and be proud.”

Melksham Mayor, Councillor Saffi Rabey, said, “Sham Jam has brought so much energy into the town, with people coming together to enjoy great music, support local talent and spend time with family and friends.

“Seeing the town so busy, vibrant and full of life has made me incredibly proud of our community.”