HUNDREDS of people across our county got into the spirit of the first ever Somerset Day on May 11 2015.

The event to celebrate everything great about our wonderful county has now become an important date in our calendar.

The fun at the inaugural Somerset Day eight years ago included a staff bake off contest at the since disbanded Somerset County Council during the day and an evening civic event at the Museum of Somerset, which raised £1,400 for Somerset Trust for Arts and Recreation.

There were plenty of events in Bishops Lydeard, including a day of fun centred around the Lethbridge Arms, a classic vehicle rally and a disco.

A drinks reception and lunch marked the day at Clavelshay Barn and Restaurant, in North Petherton.

Over in Wellington, Fox Brothers, manufacturers of woollen and worsted fabric, ran a competition to design a woven cloth to mark the historic day – the winner was Jan Olive.

Somerset Day was chosen for May 11 to commemorate Alfred the Great following an on-line vote publicised in the County Gazette.

Organised through A Passion for Somerset, it was hoped it would become an annual event that puts our county- firmly on the map, boosting the economy and opening up tourism.

The Duke of Somerset, patron of Somerset Day, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be Somerset Day’s patron – it’s a wonderful idea, and all its core aims are laudable.

“It’s very important to be able to celebrate this county, and I’d like to see support for the day continue to grow, for an even bigger celebration next year.”

So, today is your chance to fly the flag for King and county today (Thursday, May 11) - and let us know how your event goes. We'd love to receive your pictures to share online and with readers of our newspapers.