Over the weekend, King's Bruton pupils got involved in the first ever Big Brue Festival hosted at Hauser & Wirth Somerset in Bruton. The festival aimed to bring together inspiring speakers, artists, writers and thinkers for a weekend of discussion, debate and creativity. 

King's Bruton pupils Dash and Griff had the incredible opportunity to be involved in Speaker's Corner. George Beverly, Head of Politics, writes "The inaugural Speakers’ Corner at The Big Brue Festival 2026 was a huge hit! Alongside international lawyers, celebrity artists, and former cabinet politicians, Dash (5^th Form) and Griff (U6^th Form) spoke with great passion and persuasion. Dash challenged the gathered crowd to reconsider the UK’s approach to achieving net zero, whilst Griff encouraged us all to reevaluate how the media tends to sadly value style over substance in our political leaders. It was a huge highlight for Dash to be joined on stage by George Osborne (former Chancellor of the Exchequer, newspaper editor, and current Chair of the British Museum) who applauded Dash’s speech on net zero and encouraged his political career aspirations. My deep congratulations to both Griff and Dash on their stellar speeches!"

Pupils also took to the stage to participate in the musical element of the weekend and Ashley Marshfield, Director of Music reports, "A group of pupils from five local schools — King’s Bruton, Hazlegrove, Sexey’s, All Hallows and Bruton Primary School — were delighted to join Supergrass singer Gaz Coombes for a special acoustic performance of the band’s song Moving as part of the Big Brue Festival on Saturday evening. The pupils came together as an assembled choir, joining Gaz for the chorus and adding backing vocals to the performance. It was a fantastic opportunity for local musicians to perform alongside an established artist and to be part of such a vibrant event. We were hugely grateful to be invited and proud of the pupils, who embraced the experience and performed brilliantly. It was a memorable musical opportunity and a wonderful celebration of the talent and enthusiasm of young musicians across our local schools."

In his weekly reflection within our parent newsletter, our Headmaster Matt Radley wrote about the easy decision for King's to sponsor the Big Brue Festival, "Supporting the festival - both as a sponsor and also with our pupils involved in various ways - felt like an important opportunity. The values championed by the festival feel particularly important in the world we inhabit today, and it has been wonderful to see our pupils both supporting them and playing an active part in the festival." 

Well done to all involved in a fantastic weekend!

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