This September, the historic town of Bruton will come alive with the inaugural Big Brue festival, a captivating celebration of music, art, and insightful conversations led by an impressive roster of speakers.
Scheduled over the weekend of September 19–20, Big Brue promises an extraordinary line-up, including notable figures such as musician and activist Bob Geldof, Bake Off personality Prue Leith, acclaimed actors Dominic West and Harriet Walter, former Chancellor George Osborne, and human rights advocate Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, among others.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of one of Somerset’s oldest and most charming towns, the festival offers a rich blend of delicious food, live performances, and thought-provoking debates.
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Festival co-founder Catherine Fairweather highlighted the town’s allure: “There is a unique magnetism to this ancient town. It has drawn a remarkable range of artists, writers and thinkers into its orbit, and we wanted to create something that reflects that spirit—open, curious and full of possibility.”
The festival was founded by Catherine alongside presenter and journalist Mariella Frostup, human rights lawyer Jason McCue, and event organiser Eleanor O’Keeffe. With Catherine’s extensive background in travel writing and editing, the team brings a wealth of experience and passion to the event.
Mariella Frostup explained the festival’s ethos: “Big Brue isn’t simply another talks festival. It’s a space where ideas are shared and challenged, where respectful disagreement is encouraged, and where audiences actively engage as participants rather than mere spectators.”
She added that Big Brue shines a spotlight on rural communities like Bruton, which often miss out on public debate platforms. “Our vision is to foster more opportunities for meaningful discourse in small towns, bringing people together to exchange ideas, get inspired, and feel connected to broader conversations.”
The festival’s program is organized around four themes: ‘Keynotes and Big Issues’ will explore crucial global topics, from politics to climate change. ‘Community and Workshops’ offers interactive activities and performances for locals. ‘The Hub’ serves as the festival’s vibrant core, featuring live music, delicious food, and a Speakers’ Corner for open dialogue. Lastly, ‘Entertainment and Wellbeing’ will be enlivened by musical sets curated by Supergrass’s Danny Goffey and Reef’s Dominic Greensmith, as well as local artists and school groups.
Ben Goldsmith, environmentalist and festival patron, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled about the first Big Brue festival. I look forward especially to conversations about the great restoration of nature underway here in South Somerset and across the UK.”
Jason McCue also emphasized the festival’s collaborative spirit: “Meaningful progress comes from open discussion and differing perspectives. With Big Brue, we’re bringing together international and local voices to spark dialogue and deepen understanding.”
Tickets for Big Brue range from £20 for individual talks to £140 for full weekend access, and are available on the festival website. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unique celebration in the heart of Somerset.