WELLS Food Festival is back in the medieval heart of the city in October, providing a day of free foodie adventures for the whole family.

The festival will take place on Sunday 13th October, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, with free entry for all.

For the first time in the festival’s 12-year history, the Artisan Market will not only incorporate the Recreation Ground, along the Moat, into the Market Place and Town Hall but will extend down the High Street, which will be closed to traffic for the day. 

Jon Abbott, festival director, said: "With the potential of almost 16,000 people attending the festival, regular visitors will know how busy it can be.

"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."

Support from headline sponsor Charlie Bigham’s has seen an expansion 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.

Participating charities and organisations currently include Healthy Somerset, Free Blood Pressure, Help for Homeless, the Shepton Community Fridge, Roots Connections, Wells Storehouse and The Blue School. 

Meanwhile, the Celebration of English Wine marquee provides the opportunity to chat to individual vineyards and discover why English wines are growing in prestige and popularity. Local vineyards will talk about their wine, with tastings on offer and the chance to buy wine by the glass or the bottle.

The festival’s headline sponsor, Charlie Bigham’s, will be on the Palace Green, celebrating the launch of Charlie's first cookbook at the Wells Food Festival.

Supper with Charlie Bigham shares Charlie's favourite dishes, with more than 100 recipes including classics from Charlie Bigham's kitchen.

Festival goers will be able to purchase a copy of Charlie’s cookbook, and have it signed by Charlie himself on the day. All proceeds from the sales at the festival will be donated to the Chefs in Schools organisation, which helps schools completely transform the standards of school food and food education.

For the younger visitors, the Children’s Zone in the Recreation Ground 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. 

More information can be found at www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk, or by searching WellsFoodFestival on Facebook or @Wells_food_festival on Instagram.

New for 2024 is the Wells Food Festival Photography Competition sponsored by Wells Cathedral School. It is open to 18s and under, with a theme of Apples & Fruit.

In addition to some great photography prizes, the highly commended and finalists’ photographs will be on display in the Town Hall at the festival.

To enter, photos should be emailed to photocompetition@wells-cathedral-school.com along with name, age and photo caption. The deadline is 29 September 2024.