Melksham’s town-wide festival celebrating music, arts and culture launches next week, with workshops, live music events and community activities running in venues across the town.
From 18th to 27th September, Sham Jam Festival will bring together local talent alongside nationally recognised names, including Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp and acclaimed comedians Rich Hall, Angelos Epithemiou and Mark Watson.
Organised by Melksham Town Council, the festival opens on Friday 18th September with a community Dance Flash Mob in Market Place, inviting residents to help launch the festival before Rich Hall takes to the stage at the Assembly Hall.
Comedy Weekend and Martin Kemp
A marquee at King George V Playing Field will host the Sham Jam Comedy Weekend on 18th and 19th September, featuring a line-up of nationally recognised comedians, followed by Martin Kemp’s ‘Back To The 80s Party’ on Friday 25th September.
Alongside the headline events, visitors can follow the Hidden Melksham Photography Trail through local businesses, discover the community piano appearing across the town, enjoy open mic nights, browse markets and experience exhibitions showcasing local and regional artists.
Street artist Mr Sce will lead workshops inspired by local wildlife before creating a new street art wall in Melksham during the festival’s closing weekend.
Other creative activities include community mural projects, pottery painting, origami workshops, creative writing sessions and collaborative art projects.
The programme will also have a focus on wellbeing, with a men’s 5K walk featuring food and talks around men’s mental health.
A ‘Colour & Unwind’ event will offer another opportunity to relax and get creative, while the Town Hall will host ‘Art Heals’, an exhibition by award-winning artist, TEDx speaker and author Nicola Davis exploring mental health, recovery and body positivity through painting, textiles and mixed media.
Lazy Sunday afternoon and big band
The festival will conclude on Sunday 27th September with Lazy Sunday Afternoon, bringing live music to King George V Park and The Avonside.
The closing day will also feature the completion of Mr Sce’s wildlife mural and the Ritzy Tea Dance with the Terry Hill Big Band at the Assembly Hall.
Cllr Jennie Westbrook said, “Sham Jam is about celebrating what makes Melksham special, its people, its creativity and its incredible community spirit. We want everyone to feel that this is their festival; a chance to discover something new, share their talents, make memories together and feel proud of the town we call home. Over 10 days, we hope Sham Jam will bring a little more colour, connection and joy to Melksham, while leaving behind a lasting legacy of creativity for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information, visit www.shamjam.org.uk
Support Melksham News
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Local news is under pressure more than ever. Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation to support independent reporting in Melksham.
Send us your news!
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share? Have you seen something you feel needs more attention? Get in touch with a reporter today!
✉️ Click here to get in touch with a reporter
