Get Involved
Young Photographers’ Showcase
Are you a budding photographer aged 25 and under, who lives in Somerset? Do you enjoy capturing the world through images using your phone, tablet or DSLR? Do you have a photo you have taken that you would love to share with the general public?
We’re inviting young photographers to submit up to three images for consideration for a showcase at The Engine Room in August 2026. Between January and the end of June 2026. Submit your photo/s by midday on Tuesday 30th June.
How to submit
Please complete our Young Photographers’ Entry Form and send your photos via email to info@somersetfilm.com or tag the photo on Instagram.
If you are using Instagram to submit tag them via Instagram with the hashtag #RobertRichardsAward. Please include your Instagram profile and the shareable Instagram link of the photo on the entry form.
Photos should not have been taken before 2023.
We’re particularly interested in photographs on the theme of the “natural world” or ‘climate change’.
You may crop and edit your photo, but please do not create images using generative AI. Images should be suitable for a family audience.
We aim to showcase as many images as possible during the exhibition.
The Robert Richards Award
The Robert Richards Award has been presented to young aspiring creatives in Somerset. It is in memory of Robert Richards, the charity’s former Chair of Trustees, who worked at Glastonbury Festival with Michael Eavis and was also a trustee for Glastonbury Abbey. Robert was passionate about supporting emerging talent, and this is the third year the award has been offered. Since the launch of the award, Somerset Film has awarded:
The Digital Art Commission Robert Richards Award to Ezra Metcalfe for a new environmental artwork, which was projected as part of the event ‘Twilight’ in 2024.
The Sound Commission Robert Richards Award to Jeremiah Pickard for a new sound piece, which was performed as part of ‘Twilight’ in 2025. Jeremiah composed, performed and produced a special musical experience, taking inspiration from Prog Rock. As well as featuring his vocal talents, musical instruments, intermingled with the sounds of nature.
The Young Photographer Robert Richards Award, to Kieron Lloyd, for the photograph, ‘Upside Down Wembdon’
Half Term Activity
Each half term at The Engine Room we aim to provide a drop in creative activity for all ages. We also work in partnership with other venues such as the brilliant ArtBank in Shepton Mallet to take these across the county. Subscribe to our ebulletin to find out dates and times. This year we are planning the following:
February 2026 - Glow and Tell: Use UV pens and paint to create a new piece of art by adding hidden layers.s to light up those grey February days.
May 2026 - Comic Chaos: No drawing skills needed! Bring your ideas, doodles and a sense of humour as we turn blank pages into mini-comics using simple drawing prompts, character-building games and playful storytelling exercises.
In partnership with the Bridgwater Cultural Partners and supported by Bridgwater Town Council.
Disability Advisory Panel
Are you a person with a disability or are you involved with an organisation which supports people with a disability? We would like hear your views on the programme of work Somerset Film delivers for people with a disability. We’re keen to hear your ideas and thoughts on our future direction and welcome your input. Our panel meets in person and online on 2 March at 2pm. If you would like to attend please contact us.
Youth Advisory Panel
Are you aged under 21 or are you involved with an organisation which supports children and young people? We would like hear your for views on the programme of work Somerset Film delivers for people and you can help us to test ideas for upcoming activities. Our panel next meets on 17th February 2026 at 2pm. If you would like to attend, please contact us.
Wellington Film Festival…
…returns April 2027 with a great mix of films. The steering committee are busy putting a new programme together, which will include screenings at the Wellesley, St. John’s Church and Wellington Arts Centre. The film quiz, outdoor screening and music in the park will be back too!
Get involved by making a movie in a weekend! Are you a filmmaker aged under 21? Then this is the challenge for you! The 48 hour period will start on Friday 22nd August at 6pm and end on Sunday 24th August at 6pm.
Bridgwater Together
Bridgwater Together began life as a free one day event in October 2016. Each year it celebrates the vibrant diversity in the town through music and food, stories, dance and film from many cultures. If you would like to get involved in future events please contact us.
The next Bridgwater Together event will take place in November 2026. Follow the Bridgwater Together Facebook page to stay updated.
We also plan to bring a creative contribution to Chard Together on Saturday 21st March 2026.