'Royal and Coronation theme' to this year's Somerset Day

People all across Somerset are celebrating the county's annual day - after it was chosen in a public vote

The Somerset flag on Somerset Day
Author: Andrew KayPublished 11th May 2023
Last updated 11th May 2023

It’s Somerset day - which celebrates when king Alfred the Great defeated an invading viking army before laying the foundations of what would become the kingdom of England.

The day was chosen following a public vote in 2015 in which 8,000 people picked it from a number of local options.

A spokesperson for Somerset Day said: "Alfred is the only Monarch to have been called the Great and following his defeat of the Danes is regarded by many to be the first King of England.

"By the 890s Alfred’s charters and coinage were referring to him as ‘King of the English’."

You can find a list of the Somerset Day events here

They added: "This year’s celebrations are linked to, and follow on from, the Coronation when, amongst many other events.

"We’re inviting everyone to take part in creating a record for Somerset’s biggest ever quiz, themed around Somerset, its crown jewels and Royal connections."

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