A CAFÉ event which aims to get people to talk openly about death is coming to Somerset later this month.

The death café phenomenon has seen events spring up across the world, but this is the first time it has come to Langport.

Organisers Julie Troup and Margaret Turner say the controversial event has received mixed reaction, but they hope it will break down the taboo subject of death.

Margaret, 60, of Kingsbury Episcopi, said: “We’re aware that some people find talking about death the worst thing possible, but we find it can be quite therapeutic.

“It makes the process of death a lot easier when it happens and makes you appreciate the life you have now.”

Margaret said she has been fascinated with death for around 30 to 40 years and finds graveyards relaxing places in which to unwind.

The first death café was held in East London in 2011, and since then 300 have been held, attended by more than 3,000 participants in Europe, North America and Australasia.

The pair said news of the café has sparked mixed reaction in Langport and surrounding villages with some people tearing down posters advertising the event.

Julie, 55, of Isle Abbotts, said: “It’s a shame, but everyone has their own views.

“We’re all in the same boat, and will all experience death or be affected by it at some point in our lives.”

The pair are in the final stages of training to become funeral celebrants, and say they offer a ceremony for people who believe in something after death, but do not have a specific religion.

Julie said: “A few tears are sometimes shed at these sessions, but most of the time people leave feeling empowered because they’ve opened up and talked about something they might not have talked about before.”

The death café is being held on Sunday, December 1, at The Riverside Café in Great Bow Wharf, Bow Street, from 2.45pm to 4pm.

To book your place call Julie on 07909-033433 or Margaret on 07905-052314.