Upcoming public events involving Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA)
October 2026
October 2026 is the first Somerset Flood Awareness Month. Led by the SRA, this initiative is intended to help people understand their flood risks, know where to find reliable information and take simple steps to keep themselves and their homes, businesses and communities safer.
This year’s primary aim is to incubate a programme that can be repeated and expanded in future years.
Displays and events in libraries
Fourteen libraries across Somerset are hosting displays, posters, flood-themed book collections and various forms of practical information that can be taken home. Libraries taking part are Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Wincanton, Taunton, Priorswood, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Nether Stowey, Minehead, Williton, Porlock, and Frome.
Special sessions in libraries, with members of the SRA’s community team, will include:
10 October, Taunton Library, Dad’s Club craft session, 10.30am – 12 noon
12 October, Frome Library, advice drop-in, 10am – 2pm
13 October, Wincanton Library, advice drop-in, 10am – 1.30pm
14 October, Taunton Library, flood-themed pre-school craft, 11am – 12 noon
17 October, Taunton Library, LEGO Flood Challenge (11am – 12 noon) and Craft Club (10am – 12 noon). The LEGO Flood Challenge will centre on library LEGO clubs but be open to all residents.
24 October, Taunton Library, LEGO Flood Challenge, 11am – 12 noon
26 October, Taunton Library, advice drop in and the start of the SRA-backed Seeing Through The Rain exhibition that recently featured at Ilminster Arts Centre, 10am – 12 noon
28 October, Porlock Library, flood-themed children’s activity drop-in, 10am -12.30pm
30 October, Priorswood Library, flood-themed children’s activity drop-in, 10am – 12 noon
30 October, Chard Library, flood-themed children’s activity drop-in, 1.30pm – 3pm
The LEGO Build Challenge for Somerset Flood Awareness Month
Many homes across Somerset are at risk of flooding, but great design could help us be better prepared for future emergencies. We’re inviting you to imagine and build a home that could withstand a future flood. It might be raised on stilts, use plants and nature to help, be fitted with watertight doors, or packed with gadgets to keep water out.
There are four categories to enter:
- Age 7 and under
- Age 8–11
- Age 12–16
- and under 16 group build
and a prize for each category of a £50 LEGO gift card.
Entries must be in by 30 November 2026.
For more details about how to enter see this downloadable PDF: LEGO-Build-competition-information-Somerset-Flood-Awareness-Month October-2026
The two images below are posted here just to give you a couple of ideas as starting points.
Flood Action Week and the Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day
Activities incorporated within Somerset Flood Awareness Month will include the Environment Agency’s Flood Action Week from Monday 12 October onwards.
Then the annual Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day is going to be held on Wednesday 21 October at Millfield School in Street.
This free event – first held in 2018 – will be offering its usual mix of engaging talks, practical workshops and a free lunch. All aimed at sharing knowledge, building connections and strengthening the resilience of communities across Somerset.
This year’s theme is Youth in Resilience, so there will be a special focus on the experiences of different generations and the contributions all can make.
The day will start with a keynote speech and the presentation of annual resilience awards. These awards celebrate individuals who have made a meaningful difference in their communities.
Somerset Rivers Authority is one of the partners in Somerset Prepared, and one of the event’s main organisers.
Whether you’re part of a local group, a council, or simply interested in supporting resilience where you live, this is a valuable opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired.
Be sure to book your ticket before they run out!
