Wells Food Festival showcases a wide range of Somerset’s brilliant artisan food and drink producers. It first began in 2013, and always takes place on the second Sunday in October. The festival runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm. Entry is free, but at least one of the 200+ stalls will no doubt tempt you into making a purchase or two!
wells food festival
Wells is a beautiful city and the food festival certainly makes good use of some of the best sights that it has to offer. Event stalls are located in the medieval market place, on the Bishop’s Palace Green, in the Recreation Ground (also home to plenty of play equipment for young ones) and alongside the moat. Pop into the Town Hall and you could be tempted by a host of kitchen and homeware products. There is also a photography exhibition to enjoy.
The festival continues to expand. In 2024, stalls extended down the High Street for the first time and in 2025 there were stalls on the Cathedral Green.
PLENTY FOR KIDS TO DO
Wells Food Festival includes a dedicated Children’s Zone with interactive trail. There are also cookery sessions for young ones in Little Joe’s Kitchen while young adults can get cooking in the School of Fish. Ingredients, aprons and chefs’ hats are usually provided free of charge. Head to the area early to book a session.
Choccy-tastic
wells food festival – drinks galore
Local vineyards and some from further afield often showcase their wares. Dotted around the festival are lots of other drinks producers selling outstanding beers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks.
One of the newer areas is ‘Food for Thought’. With many people across the country being forced to turn to food banks, this area is designed to demonstrate how a community can pull together to help. Alongside food poverty, issues such as energy bills and food waste are addressed.
MAKING the food FESTIVAL HAPPEN
Behind the scenes is a small team of dedicated volunteers who are crucial in making the Wells Food Festival happen. The festival attracts thousands of people (10,000+ on a sunny day) and with that comes the need for stewards, electrics, insurance, rubbish collection, health and safety, etc, etc. The team and the numerous sponsors should be applauded for making the food festival happen.
It is one of my favourite festivals in Somerset (and there are lots to choose from!). Do come and experience Wells Food Festival. Bring your friends, some spending money and a healthy appetite. And if you need somewhere to stay, The Cross at Croscombe is just a couple of miles away.