Shepton Mallet is gearing up to celebrate the fifth anniversary of All the World's Our Playground Festival.

This year, the only UK festival programmed by primary-aged children takes place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July.

From a 50m life-sized sperm whale (with theatre shows inside) to pop-up swing dance workshops; from immersive walkabout blockbuster movie scenes to a thrilling six-piece acrobatic circus, the weekend promises something for everyone.

The event takes place across Shepton Mallet, including Collett Park, the town centre, The Art Bank, Shepton Mallet Library, and St Paul's Junior School.

Louise Lappin-Cook, Director of Make the Sunshine, said, "We are hugely excited about this year's festival, which is set to be our biggest yet! We have some truly incredible local acts and performances and international artists coming to Shepton. Across this programme, we have worked in partnership with seven schools and their youth programming panels – it's been amazing to see how young people have made their decisions. We have such an exciting line-up this year with over 26 different artists joining us over the weekend and 21 different shows. And thanks to support from The Arts Council and Shepton Mallet Town Council, most of the events are free, and all tickets are £3 or under. We want to make sure theatre and performance is accessible to all."

Leo, a young programmer from St Paul's School aged nine, said, "It means a lot because we get to plan activities and make people happy, as well as making sure that everyone has their say. Young people don't always get recognised; a lot of others say it's for older and more important people, but we are all important and different in our own special way."

One performer causing ripples of excitement is Matt Pang, who will be returning to the festival with his new show, Those in Glass Houses. This comedic international touring show includes swinging bricks, comedic catapults, and orchestrated glass-shattering chaos in the Market Place.

Collective ContaKt will showcase some incredible acrobatics in their live show, Foley. The company has roots in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, and the UK, specialising in high-level acrobatics and live music. Expect breathtaking tall human towers, high throws, and majestic movement.

Other highlights include a theatre show created entirely out of soap suds by window-cleaning duo Crow's Nest, an immersive storytelling session by celebrated author Kristina Stephenson, and aKa Dance Theatre's magical moving shed.

Sunday will feature maypole dancing and a performance by Bristol theatre-makers Cardboard Adventures with their show Boxville, where everything is made out of cardboard and the audience can craft along with the time travel adventure.

As well as a range of national and international theatre companies, the festival will feature workshops and performances from schools and community groups across the town.

Don't miss out on this magical weekend of fun, play, theatre, and creativity in Shepton Mallet.

Ticketed events can be booked by visiting www.makethesunshine.co.uk, where you can also find a full programme of events for the day.