- Arts-Engagement-And-Outreach-January-2026-News
Arts Engagement & Outreach: January 2026 News
Here’s a taste of what our Arts Engagement & Outreach team at The Octagon & Westlands have been busy working on this month…
Our Arts Engagement & Outreach team develop and deliver programmes and activities that benefit health and wellbeing, enrich learning and education in and outside school, inspire and celebrate talent. Creating work that will support local artists and tell “local stories”. In everything we do and programme we will seek to improve inclusion and remove barriers, whatever they may be, so that everyone is able to enjoy and benefit from the creative arts. Our Arts Engagement & Outreach team look to provide more opportunities for our communities to watch, take part and benefit from arts and cultural activities where they live.
What a start to the New Year, January has been alive with activity as our projects have grown in momentum across our community. From engagement with secondary school students from across the county both in-school and at our venue, where students have received the opportunity to work with the world-class Emma Rice theatre company and learn from professional Theatre Technicians. To the successful launch of our brand-new Octagon Memory Choir, supporting people living with dementia and their carers, and new engagements as part of our participation programme with more people than ever taking part.
Read all about it and more below…
Over 100 students inspired by international theatre company
As part of our schools Elevate programme, we were thrilled to welcome the acclaimed Emma Rice Company to deliver workshops across 4 Somerset secondary schools, inspiring over 100 young people studying Drama at GCSE. The workshops focused on developing key devising skills, with an emphasis on ensemble practice and the creative methods used by this professional company. These sessions not only offered students the chance to work directly with industry practitioners but also equipped them with valuable techniques they can apply to their own GCSE devised work. Teachers have noted how the workshops encouraged students to think more creatively and experiment with fresh ideas. The young people involved showing a growing confidence and willingness to take creative risks in their devising.
'I have certainly noticed the increased bravery shown by our students through the workshops; these have been transformational’ Deputy Headteacher
85 students explore the world behind the scenes of theatre
This month we hosted two Creative Careers Days at Westlands Entertainment Venue, offering 85 students the chance to explore new creative roles through a practical, hands on theatrical workshop. During each session, students stepped into the roles of Director, Producer, Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, and Actor, working collaboratively to produce and stage a short scene in under an hour. The sessions gave students the chance to build confidence, experiment with new skills, and grow understanding of how many different talents come together to make theatre come alive.
8 schools took part: Westfield Academy, Crispin School, Preston School, Huish Episcopi Academy, Robert Blake, Hill View, Fairmead, and Somerset Progressive School. This was also the first time we welcomed participants from SEND schools, supporting our mission to ensure access for all to the creative industries. Across the two events, students had the opportunity to discover the Westlands Ballroom from a technical theatre perspective, gaining insight into the breadth of careers that power live performance.
‘Working with industry professionals and having a go at real theatre skills was inspiring and really worthwhile. They loved trying activities they’d never experienced before (and some they didn’t even know existed!) which really opened their eyes to the range of career paths available in theatre.’ Crispin School, Street
National Youth Theatre comes to Yeovil
This month, for the first time Yeovil will welcome the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, who will be holding auditions with young performers aged 14–25 invited to audition for the prestigious National Youth Theatre (NYT) on Friday 20 February 2026 at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil.
To build up to the event we hosted NYT for a pre-audition workshop in January. This took place at Westlands on Saturday 31st January 2026 led by two NYT practitioners. During the 2-hour workshop the 10 participants learnt about what it means to be an NYT member and were given practical advice for the up-and-coming audition. This is the start of a collaboration with NYT we hope to build on and offer more opportunities to engage with the national organisation in years to come.
“Inspired, impressed, enthusiastic, & excited for the auditions”
Boost to participation
The new year saw us host our annual Dance, Act, Sing, Take Part Taster Day, offering new and existing participants a chance to try something new and take part for £1. Teachers from across our weekly Take Part programme offered taster sessions, inviting both new and returning participants to explore a wide range of creative and physical activities. With 15 sessions on offer, from early years dance to beginners tap, alongside taster sessions for our youth programmes and the ever popular ChiChi Fit and Line Dancing, the day provided opportunities for all ages and abilities to get moving, get creative, and make connections. This year’s event was our most successful yet, with attendance rising by 30% and over 170 places booked throughout the day. We have already seen this enthusiasm continue, with increased weekly attendance across our participation classes.
Feedback from the day revealed that whilst many participants valued the chance to “boost physical activity”, many put increased importance on the ability “to connect with others” through the activities.
Reducing isolation and supporting people living with dementia through music
Our brand new Octagon Memory Choir launched this month with an incredible first session at Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil. We welcomed 45 participants, including people living with dementia, those experiencing memory challenges, and their carers. Led by trained music specialists and supported by our team and volunteers, the session featured 12 uplifting songs, live piano accompaniment, and time for social connection over free tea, coffee and biscuits. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, joy and beautiful sounds. Music helped everyone relax, reminisce and connect with one another, creating a supportive space where everyone felt welcome, regardless of singing ability. Carers told us how valuable it was to enjoy an activity together, while participants expressed how energising and comforting the session felt. This first gathering has already shown how the choir can reduce isolation, boost wellbeing and build a sense of community. This is just the beginning - we are looking forward to seeing these wonderful sessions develop over the coming weeks.
‘It was such a joyful morning — the music lifted everyone, and it felt wonderful to be part of something so positive.’ Carer
Supporting early bonding and wellbeing for new parents through live music
In January we hosted a magical Relaxed Concert at Wincanton Memorial Hall for 32 mums and dads and 25 babies. Led by professional musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), and supported by The Balsam Centre, families were guided through a gentle, sensory rich musical journey designed to support early bonding, emotional wellbeing and shared enjoyment. The session ended with tea, coffee and time to connect with other new parents in the community. The concert created a calm, nurturing environment where parents could pause, breathe and enjoy a moment of peace with their babies. The live music encouraged relaxation, curiosity and connection, while giving families a chance to meet others at a similar stage of life. For many, it offered a muchneeded break from the challenges of early parenthood and a reminder that they are part of a supportive local network. The overwhelmingly positive response highlights the value of bringing highquality live music into community spaces to support wellbeing.
‘After an unsettled night, this was the perfect peace I needed — what a wonderful concert! Thank you.’ Parent
Strengthening our response and support for people living with Dementia
To support the launch of our Octagon Memory Choir, we were delighted to welcome colleagues from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and the Alzheimer’s Society to Westlands to deliver Dementia Awareness Training for our staff and volunteers. The session was incredibly valuable, offering practical insights into the lived experience of dementia, guidance on creating supportive and inclusive environments, and practical strategies that will help us engage with participants and their carers with greater confidence and understanding. This learning will support staff and volunteers not only within the Memory Choir but across the venue as a whole. We’re incredibly grateful for their expertise, and we’re excited to carry this knowledge forward as we continue developing meaningful, accessible opportunities for our community.
‘It was an extremely informative and engaging session, and everyone involved found it both valuable and inspiring. The training has really helped to deepen our understanding and awareness, and we are all looking forward to putting what we have learned into practice.’ Octagon & Westlands Staff Member
To keep up to date with all the activities coming up head over to the What’s On section on our website or check out our Participate page which will link you to all our projects and upcoming opportunities.
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