Performances
Friday night is performance night. We host live music from top artists, including internationally-renowned musicians. Concerts cover a wide range of genres, including jazz, blues, folk, classical, pop and rock music. We also put on plays, talks and more! There's something for everyone.
To book a great night out buy tickets online or call 01460 54973. Performances start at 7.30pm, unless otherwise stated. Doors open at 6.30pm with a bar.
A warm welcome awaits – just grab a drink, sit back and enjoy some of the best performances around.
*Please note that tickets for performances and workshops are not refundable unless we are fully booked and have a waiting list. Refunds are subject to a £5 admin charge.
E-Gift Vouchers are available to buy online. Click below to buy e-vouchers.
Julian Stringle with the Craig Milverton Trio - From Benny to Buddy
Julian has played concert, club, festivals and broadcasting dates with his own band and with the great’s of jazz like George Chisholm, Don Lusher, Kenny Baker and Cleo & John Dankworth. Sir John Dankworth stated “Julian is the best clarinettist to emerge in British jazz for decades”.
Tickets: £20
Daniel Lebhardt
Pianist Daniel Lebhardt has been described by the New York Times as playing with power, poetry and formidable technique.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Mike Denham and Emma Fisk
A rare chance to hear one of the UK's top swing violinists, Emma Fisk, with top jazz pianist Mike Denham.
There are few more joyous sounds than that of the sweet jazz violin and Emma Fisk echoes the intricate lines once played by Stephane Grappelli, but with her own musical identity.
Tickets: £20
La Vie en Rose - Gypsy Jazz
The south-west’s favourite gypsy jazz and hot swing band has a well-earned reputation for its take on the ‘Hot Club’ style. Toe-tapping rhythms and soaring melodies combine in a virtuoso performance of gypsy favourites, jazz standards, soulful ballads and Latin swing, all played with the verve and joy that is the heart of this music.
Tickets
£20
Geirþrúður Anna Guðmundsdóttir & Antoine Préat
Praised for her “technical mastery” Icelandic-American cellist Geirþrúður Anna Guðmundsdóttir’s distinctive artistic voice, combines sensitivity with a bold and fiery stage presence. She has performed at venues across the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Southbank Centre. Naïve Records Exclusive Artist and multi-award winner, pianist Antoine Préat is being noticed for his “distinctive voice” and strong musical convictions.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Into the Shadows
Relive the golden era of British rock ‘n’ roll with Into the Shadows, a tribute to Cliff and the Shadows.
Tickets: £22
Ensemble Augelletti
Founded in 2019, Ensemble Augelletti specialises in creating engaging programmes that tell the everyday stories of people living in the 17th and 18th centuries through baroque chamber music.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
From Bechet To Bird - Trevor Whiting and Craig Milverton
A Celebration of Clarinet and Saxophone highlights of the classic jazz era from New Oleans through to the Swing Era and beyond performed by Trevor Whiting with the Craig Milverton Trio.
Tickets: £20
Ruth Notman Trio
Ruth Notman is a folk singer/songwriter from Nottingham who first rocketed into the music scene in 2007, at 18 years old, with her debut album ‘Threads’ which gained support from luminaries such as BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris and Kate Rusby.
Notman teamed up with BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning artist Sam Kelly in 2019 to record their album ‘Changeable Heart’ with Kate Rusby’s label, Pure Records.
Tickets: £18
Greenwich Trio
Described by Bernard Greenhouse as the “New Beaux Arts Trio,” The Greenwich Trio quickly earned major awards including the Solti Foundation and Tunnell Trust Awards and the top prize at the Beethoven Society of Europe Chamber Music Competition.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Alter Eagles
Now in their 23rd anniversary year, the Alter Eagles have established themselves as one of the country's top tribute acts, headlining at theatres all over the country. Playing a mix of old and new Eagles' songs, including classics such as including Hotel California, Take It Easy, Take It To The Limit, and Desperado.
Tickets: £23
Marvin Manouke
Marvin Muoneké, one of the UK’s rising jazz artists, is a vocalist, songwriter, trumpeter and performing artist with a voice that has been often referred to as rich, deep and smooth. Bringing the songs and sounds of mid-20th century jazz and popular music to modern listeners of all ages.
Tickets: £20
Shiry Rashkovsky & Lana Suran
Lauded by The Strad for her ‘thrilling and exuberant’ Royal Festival Hall debut, Shiry Rashkovsky pursues an international and diverse career.Lana Suran is an internationally acclaimed Swedish pianist praised for her expressive power, refined tone, and deeply personal interpretations.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Ceruleo
Taking communication, collaboration and experimentation as the basis to grow as a group, Ceruleo create dramatic programmes using spoken text alongside music for two sopranos and continuo.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Sophie Rosa & Ian Buckle
Sophie Rosa is in demand as a soloist, director and chamber musician. Ian Buckle maintains a varied freelance career as solo pianist, chamber musician, orchestral pianist and teacher. He is the artistic director of Pixels Ensemble, which he formed in 2016
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Oliver Wass & Gabriela Opacka-Boccadoro
Harpist Oliver Wass is currently a professor at the Royal College of Music in London. In May 2016 he became the first harpist ever to win the Guildhall Gold Medal – the Guildhall’s most prestigious prize. Gabriela Opacka-Boccadoro is a Polish-British musician who has built a career as a violinist, conductor, and recording artist across classical performance, theatre, and film. She holds a PhD in violin from the Chopin University of Music in Warsaw.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Fenella Humphreys & Friends
Fenella Humphreys, winner of BBC Music Magazine Awards in 2025, 2023 and 2018, has attracted critical admiration and audience acclaim with the grace and intensity of her remarkable performances.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Bowie Fashion
Are you ready for a fabulous tribute event, celebrating the unforgettable music of the iconic British superstar, David Bowie? This most authentic live show features Bowie Fashion performing all the best loved hits from Bowie's 45 year reign at the top of the global music industry.
Tickets: £22.
Dave’s Big General Knowledge Quiz
SOLD OUT!
Come and support the Arts Centre with a wonderful evening of quizzing! Fiendish questions, bar and a raffle await.
Tickets: £15 per team of 4.
Tone Big Band
A fabulous jazz event from Tone Big Band and musical director Nick Brace. Covering music from early swing to the modern era.
Free entry - donations in aid of the Arts Centre.
7.30pm
Somer Singers Christmas Concert!
Somer Singers make a welcome return to the Arts Centre, to help us celebrate the festive season, with this fabulous Christmas concert of carols and seasonal songs, and a few pop classics thrown in!
So join us for a wonderful evening of entertainment … and why not sing along to a few Christmas favourites!
Tickets: £5
The Dreamettes
Experience the Timeless Magic of Motown with The Dreamettes: A Tribute to the Soul & Motown Divas
Tickets: £22
An Illustrated Talk “We dine surrounded by LOWRYs”
On the anniversary of his birth, we present the intriguing story of one of L.S Lowry’s most significant and enduring friendships. Gaynor describes her ancestral art adventure as she reveals the little –known tale of her great –uncle and the great artist.
Free - Donations in aid of Arts Centre
Blues: Johnny Mars + The Craig Milverton Quartet
Join us for an evening with legendary US blues harmonica player, Johnny Mars
Tickets:
Standard adult: £22,
Tiddlygigs Story Time: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join us for a magical, musical retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. Perfect for children aged 2–7 and their families, with siblings very welcome, this interactive performance combines live storytelling with real instruments, gentle audience participation and plenty of fun along the way.
Tickets range from £4 - £8
Voice
Voice is an exciting, female vocal trio. In their 18 years together, they have built a dedicated fan-base across the world; a rich, varied repertoire of their own arrangements, new commissions, and rarely performed Early Music.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Spikedrivers - bluesroots at its best 1992 ~ 2025
“A celebration, an anniversary and a farewell“
Their music has been described as 'haunting', 'gutsy', 'tribal' and even psychedelic. Blues in Britain says, “From the first note, Spikedrivers demand to be listened to. Ben Tyzack, Constance Redgrave, Maurice McElroy & Roger Nunn are four very talented musicians willing to experiment and evoke unusual contemporary sounds while they continue to keep diggin’ the blues by the roots.”
Tickets: £22
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman
Twice voted BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Best Duo, this multi award-winning musical couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.
“It’s folk music for the modern age.” – The Telegraph, London
Tickets: £18
Roger Beaujolais /Neil Burns Quintet
Roger Beaujolais originally gained recognition playing vibraphone with 80’s jump jive favourites The Chevalier Brothers, and later gained acclaim for his jazz/funk/soul albums as Vibraphonic released on Acid Jazz Records.
Neil Burns is a guitarist steeped in the jazz guitar tradition with a funky, bluesy, bebop style.
Together they will bring their Melodious and Soulful music to the Arts Centre ably backed by Craig Milverton’s Trio with Ashley John Long and Alex Goodyear.
Tickets: £20
Mitsu Trio
The Mitsu Trio was formed in 2020 by British pianist Tyler Hay, Japanese cellist Akito Goto and Catalan violinist Laura Custodio Sabas. All three members met at the Purcell School for Young Musicians when they were just teenagers, where they formed a strong musical connection.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Ilminster Community Choir: Lunchtime Song
CANCELLED
Ilminster’s Community Choir meets in the Arts Centre every Thursday evening, to sing and socialise under the inspirational leadership of Chris Grabham. For its first Sunday lunchtime concert, the choir will draw on a fabulous mix of songs ranging from pop classics, through world music, to timeless classics. This promises to be an uplifting lunchtime session of entertaining four-part harmony singing.
Free entry - donations in aid of the Arts Centre.
Amy Mayes
CANCELLED - A soulful, raw, and powerful storyteller, Amy Mayes has become a powerhouse of a voice who will reach into your soul and take you on a journey akin to her own. After touring with Ronnie Wood for his ‘Mad Lad’ album and playing with the likes of Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck, Imelda May, Lulu, and Johnny Depp ‘An Introduction’ was released and showcased to a sell-out at Ronnie Scott’s.
Tickets: £20
Byron Wallen
Widely recognised as a seminal figure in world jazz, Byron Wallen has been played trumpet alongside legendary musicians such as George Benson, Andrew Hill, Chaka Khan and Jean Toussaint.
Wallen is an acclaimed writer and producer whose original scores have been commissioned by the Science Museum, the BBC, National Theatre and FIFA. He has also created soundscapes for Universal Pictures, Warner Bros and Game of Thrones.
Tickets: £20
Paul as Elton John
Close your eyes and you won’t believe your ears, open your eyes and you won’t believe them either! You simply won’t find a closer tribute to Sir Elton John.
Tickets: £22
Voces Amici
Voces Amici return to Ilminster after their triumphant visit last autumn for another evening of exciting vocal music. Accompanied by Jonathan Delbridge, the group will take the audience on a musical trip around the world, ending in their beloved Somerset.
Tickets: £16
*Amy Roberts & the Craig Milverton Trio
Change of Lineup: Amy Roberts will perfrom in place of Alex Clarke
Flautist, Clarinettist and Saxophonist Amy Roberts is a multi-award-winning musician from Cornwall. Amy has been celebrated in the British Jazz Awards, winning the Rising Star Category in both 2009 and 2011. She has played with the Big Chris Barber Band, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Syd Lawrence Orchestra, The Super Big Tramp Band, and the London Swing Orchestra.
Tickets: £20
Bowie Fashion - POSTPONED
POSTPONED
Are you ready for a fabulous tribute event, celebrating the unforgettable music of the iconic British superstar, David Bowie? This most authentic live show features Bowie Fashion performing all the best loved hits from Bowie's 45 year reign at the top of the global music industry.
Tickets: £22.
Colin Scobie and Jâms Coleman
From Anglesey, Jâms Coleman performs as a soloist, chamber musician, and vocal accompanist. Recent highlights include recitals at the BBC Proms. Colin Scobie is already established as one of the most creative and compelling violinists and chamber musicians of his generation.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets: £20
Duo Fabulae
Lorena Cantó is a Spanish and Belgian viola player who has spent several years in the award-winning Jubilee String Quartet. Yvain Calvo is a Spanish pianist with an active career both as a soloist and chamber musician. Yvain graduated with the highest praise from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2021.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
The Beatles For Sale
An exceptional Beatles experience that recreates the vibrant sounds and sights of The Beatles with a hint of humour.
Tickets: £22
Tiny, Jelly & The Duke
The Sunset Café Stompers present "Tiny, Jelly & The Duke", a new programme celebrating the lives and work of Duke Ellington, Jelly-Roll Morton and (less well-known but equally fascinating) Tiny Parham.
Tickets: £20
Joanna Eden: Joni & Me
UK Singer/songwriter Joanna Eden presents a breath-taking show in celebration of her hero Joni Mitchell.
Tickets: £20
Cecil Sharp and the soundscape of Somerset: a talk by David Sutcliffe with live music from Sirinu
SOLD OUT
In honour of the Ilminster Literary Society, Ilminster Arts Centre is delighted to host a captivating evening celebrating the life and legacy of folk collector Cecil Sharp through both insightful commentary and stirring music. This special event features a talk by David Sutcliffe and a concert by the acclaimed ensemble Sirinu, weaving together history and melody to bring Sharp’s work vividly to life.
Tickets: £16
'The Jazz Giants Remembered '
It's 100 years since Oscar Peterson's was born and this unique presentation celebrates the great drumless trio he led with Bassist Ray Brown and Guitarist Joe Pass in the 1970s.
Tickets: £20
Gordon Giltrap
Recently awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honour List for services to Music and Charity, legendary British Guitarist Gordon Giltrap is back out on the road in what promises to be an electrifying solo acoustic show. Expect to hear classics such as Heartsong and Lucifer’s Cage alongside new material from his latest album ‘Scattered Chapters’.
Tickets: £22
Trio Anima
Trio Anima was formed in 2006 at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since then, they have delighted audiences with their distinctive instrumental combination and imaginative programming.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Tone Big Band: Lunchtime Jazz
A fabulous lunchtime jazz event from Tone Big Band and musical director Nick Brace. Covering music from early swing to the modern era.
Free entry - donations in aid of the Arts Centre.