THE family friendly Wells Food Festival returns on Sunday, October 13, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
The free-to-enter festival provides the chance to taste and buy some of the region’s finest food and drink from close to 200 dedicated independent businesses and artisan traders.
For the first time in the festival’s 12-year history, the Artisan Market will extend from the Recreation Ground, along the Moat, into the Market Place and Town Hall and down the High Street, which will be closed to traffic for the day.
“With the potential of almost 16,000 people attending the festival, regular visitors will know how busy it can be,” says Jon Abbott, festival director.
“Utilising the High Street seemed the obvious next step. It means we can spread out a little more and also say yes to some enthusiastic new traders who have been patiently waiting to get involved with the festival.”
There will be approximately 20 new stalls to explore on the High Street ranging from kombucha to chocolate.
But it’s not just about the Artisan Market: with support from headline sponsor, Charlie Bigham’s, there are lots of areas for visitors to enjoy. The Food for Thought marquee returns to throw some light on how communities can tackle the challenges of food-related social issues, whilst the Celebration of English Wine marquee provides the opportunity to chat to individual vineyards.
For the younger visitors, the Children’s Zone is supported by local primary school PTAs, along with activities organised by Wells Cathedral School, Millfield and 5th/7th Wells Scout Group.
Fun Kitchen will be helping children to make Apple Cinnamon Swirls in four free cookery sessions whilst the popular, interactive Children’s Trail will once again provide a fun way to see the festival.
New for 2024 is the Wells Food Festival Photography Competition sponsored by Wells Cathedral School.
It is open to those aged 18 and under, and on the theme of Apples & Fruit.
In addition to some great photography prizes, the finalists’ photographs will be on display in the Town Hall at the festival. With a deadline of September 29, photos should be emailed to photocompetition@wells-cathedral-school.com along with name, age and photo caption.
More at www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk