Evening Behind Bars

An Immersive Social Event Like No Other

Evening Behind Bars at Shepton Mallet Prison is designed not just to entertain, but also to engage and immerse visitors on a range of topics, linking to prison history, workshops and exhibitions.

Shepton Mallet Prison staff open the gates to visitors

A Social Hub for Like-Minded People

Shepton Mallet Prison invites you to a social evening like no other.

An Evening Behind Bars is more than just listening to a speaker, our events are designed as interactive, immersive talks with the listener in mind. They offer a social hub for like-minded people, with similar interests to come together, learn something new and unwind.

Visual aids, Q&A sessions, exhibitions, guest speakers, paired with our unique location as the backdrop, guarantees a memorable evening.

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A room with a small audience facing the front with a presenter delivering the event

Serial Killers

October 13th 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Join our research historian Dave Cable for an evening talk on the psychology of serial killers, featuring the chilling story of Amelia Dyer — incarcerated at Shepton Mallet Prison in the 1870s and later executed at Newgate.

Includes Q&A, tea, coffee, and cake. Perfect for fans of dark history… and the brave enough to walk home after!

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Two male handlers and their work dogs pictured on prison landings

Superdogs: Super Training

July 1st 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Experienced dog trainer Jo Dyer, a regular user of the prison for general and specialist dog training, demonstrates how dogs are trained to detect prison contraband.
Learn what makes a great sniffer dog, how training works, and pick up practical tips for training your own pet.
Jo’s own dog will demonstrate the techniques in a safe and controlled environment.