“IT’S simply a way to say thank you, to share some joy, and to bring people together – something I believe pubs are meant to do.”

Those were the words of Willow Reed, landlady at the Wyndham Arms in Kingsbury Episcopi.

Ms Reed, who previously ran The Plough Inn, in Taunton, was speaking as she unveiled plans for a May Day celebration at the village pub.

Kingsbury Episcopi holds events on May Day each year, and Ms Reed said the pub would be at the heart of the celebrations, with a marquee hosting free music.

“May Day has always been a celebration of community, local produce, and the coming together of people and place,” she said.

“It’s something that has long been important to this village, and it feels like the right time to give something back.”

The free live music event at the Wyndham Arms will take place on Saturday, May 3, featuring the Skatalans, a lively ska and rocksteady band “who always get people up and dancing”. Music starts at 6pm and entry is completely free.

“We’ll just have a donations tin out for anyone who wants to help support the band,” Ms Reed said. “It’s not a commercial event. It’s simply a way to say thank you, to share some joy, and to bring people together — something I believe pubs are meant to do.”

The Skalatans are set to perform in Kingsbury Episcopi on May 3

Ms Reed ran The Plough Inn, in Station Road, Taunton, from 2008, earning the CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year award along the way and becoming a favourite haunt of beer and cider lovers.

“That time really shaped my love for local ciders, real ale, and the role of a pub in village life,” she went on. “Building on that, I took on the challenge of restoring The Wyndham Arms, a Grade II listed 17th-century pub that’s been at the centre of Kingsbury Episcopi for generations.

“Since reopening, my focus has been on preserving the pub’s rich history while making it a true hub for the community.

“We rebuilt the bar using reclaimed local materials and moved it to make the space more open and welcoming. We’ve got traditional pub games like table skittles and Shove Ha’penny in the snug, a stone-flagged bar room with a big open fire, and 17 carefully chosen local ciders plus four rotating ales poured straight from the stillage.

“No kitchen for now — just good drinks, warm pork scratchings, crisps, and pickled eggs, like a proper boozer should have.”

Friday nights see the pub full of music and dancing, while on Sundays it hosts free folk jam sessions in the main bar — open to anyone who wants to join in.

“We’ve also started opening up our beautiful upstairs function room — a space we’ve restored for weddings, gatherings, and free community events,” Ms Reed added.

“For me, running The Wyndham Arms isn’t just about pulling pints. It’s about connection, creativity, and continuity. It’s about offering a space where people can feel part of something, whether they’re popping in for a pint or dancing their heart out at a ceilidh.

“That became even more personal when I found out that some of my ancestors are buried just down the road at Somerton Church — it’s deepened my bond with this village and strengthened my commitment to its future.

“May Day feels like a perfect reflection of everything we care about here: music, togetherness, local talent, and keeping traditions alive.”