CHILDREN will be taking centre stage at this year’s Wells Food Festival on Sunday, October 8. Whilst the grown-ups can enjoy visiting almost 200 of the region’s finest food and drink producers in the Artisan Market and visit some new feature areas, the younger members of the family have a whole section devoted just to them.
“We are always looking at ways to make the day fun for children,” says Jon Abbott, festival director. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could spark an interest in food and cooking, even just for one child.”
This year’s Children’s Zone, located next to the Bishop’s Barn, is supported by PTAs from local primary schools: Stoberry Park School, Horrington Primary School, St Joseph’s and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Wookey Primary, St Cuthbert’s CofE Infant School and Croscombe CofE Primary School.There are plenty of activities planned including making seed bombs, an interactive quiz to test knowledge of foodie facts and the chance to create a bee-themed masterpiece in a colouring competition. More prizes are on offer with the popular Children’s Trail which once again provides a fun and informative way to see the festival.
To get young taste buds tingling, some street food vendors will be serving up adventurous dishes in kiddie-sized portions. These include Guyanese/Caribbean food from Mahalia’s Kitchen, Mexican tacos from Miz Street Food and pizza from Pizza Rocket.
If this inspires some chefs-of-the-future, a visit to the next door Fun Kitchen marquee is a must. The pop-up cookery school run by Simon Gray will be providing free cooking sessions for children throughout the day. This year the theme is Oodles of Noodles, creating a ‘posh pot noodle’ packed with vegetables to take home. The 45-minute sessions start at 10.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. They are free to attend but numbers are strictly limited so it is worth booking a place when first arriving at the festival.
Finally, to let off some steam, there is the new Charlie Bigham’s Plate Spinning Championship next to the Children’s Zone. With heats for all ages, this is ideal for anyone wanting to give it a whirl, under the watchful eye of two plate-spinning professionals.
The festival runs from 10.30am-4.30pm. Entry is free.