Somerset Day on the Levels
9th & 10th May 2026
Celebrating King Alfred the Great’s time in Somerset during 878AD, including his time at the marsh fort at Athelney and the baptism of the defeated Guthrum, the Viking warlord, at Aller church after the Battle of Edington. A weekend of activities including a short pilgrimage linking Aller and Athelney, and a BBQ in the Park with entertainment and performances for all to enjoy.
Events
Saturday 9th May
Pilgrimage Walk
Ticketed EventA short 6 mile gentle walk from St Andrew’s Church at Aller to St Bartholomew’s Church at East Lyng, taking in the nature and wildlife along the Rivers Sowy and Parrett, St Michael’s Church at Burrow Mump and views over the Levels, with special exclusive permission to walk across the Isle of Athelney from the abbey to the marsh fort where Alfred hid and planned his victory over the Vikings.
Sunday 10th May
BBQ in the Park
BBQ and licensed bar at Aller Recreation Ground (TA10 0QP) provided by The Old Pound Inn with performances.
The Lost Somerset Singers
Ticketed EventRenowned natural voice practitioner, choir conductor, musician, writer and archaeologist Yvette Staelens with a performance from Somerset’s rich folk song heritage collected from local towns, villages and hamlets of rural Somerset by revivalist Cecil Sharp.
Elven Dale - Sounds of the Mead Hall
Reenactment group playing music and songs with early medieval musical instruments. Founded by Hrafn Rìkharðsson in 2016, with performances including Warhorns Festival, Fantasy Forest and Valhalla Viking Festival. Their epic double album “Land of Legend’ was released March 2025.
The Langport Mummers
A colourful and incredibly entertaining local troupe performing traditional Mumming plays with hilarious twists and turns!
The Alfred Family Walk
The launch of a new short family walk from Aller Recreation Ground to Aller Church, standing in the footsteps of Alfred whilst learning about the wider history of the Isle of Alders from Bronze Age farmers to Iron Age warriors, Romans and Saxons, and not forgetting the fearsome Aller dragon! The walk continues across the fields of a working dairy farm with cows and sheep, and through the village to see the amazing mosaics of Bryan Newman before returning to the recreation ground. Further information and maps available on the day.
For more information please Contact Us