Sunday 11 October 2026 (10:30am – 4:30pm)
The Wells Food Festival is one of the busiest and most anticipated days of the year in Wells, Somerset — drawing thousands of visitors into the city for a full day of local food, drink and community activity.
Unlike larger commercial food events, this festival is firmly rooted in Somerset, with a strong focus on independent producers, artisan stalls, local farms and small-batch makers.
Quick Overview
Wells Food Festival is a free annual food festival held each October in Wells, Somerset, featuring over 200 local food and drink producers, cookery demonstrations, and family activities across the city centre.
When is the Wells Food Festival?
The festival takes place on the second Sunday in October each year.
Next event: Sunday 11 October 2026
Time: 10:30am – 4:30pm
Official Website: https://www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk/
What It’s Actually Like (from experience)
Having visited the Wells Food Festival, what stands out most is how the entire city becomes part of the event.
By mid-morning, the Market Place and Cathedral Green are already busy, with queues forming at popular stalls. The atmosphere builds quickly — live music, food being prepared in front of you, and a steady flow of people moving between different areas of the city.
The busiest period is typically between 12pm and 2pm. Arriving before 11am makes a noticeable difference if you want to explore more comfortably.
One of the highlights is eating near Cathedral Green — it’s not just about the food, but the setting, with views of Wells Cathedral creating a very different feel to most food festivals.
What to Expect
A Strong Focus on Local Producers
The majority of stalls are from Somerset and the surrounding region. You’ll find:
- Local cheeses and dairy products
- Freshly baked bread and pastries
- Cider, spirits and regional wines
- Street food prepared on-site
This is less about big brands and more about discovering smaller producers you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. The artisan market stalls will be in the High Street and Sadler Street, the Market Place and Town Hall, on Cathedral Green and Palace Green, along the Moat Walk and in the Recreation Ground.
“Great atmosphere, lots of great stalls and tasty produce”
Cookery Demonstrations and Talks
Throughout the day, there are live demonstrations and talks covering cooking techniques, sustainability and local food culture.
These tend to be busiest later in the day, so earlier sessions are easier to access.
Family-Friendly Activities
There are dedicated areas for children, including hands-on food activities and simple workshops, making it a practical option for families rather than just a browsing event.
Local Tips: What Most Visitors Don’t Realise
1. Arrive Earlier Than You Think
Even by 10:45am, central areas start filling up. Early arrival gives you better access to popular stalls.
2. Start at the Edges, Not the Centre
Most visitors head straight to the Market Place. Some of the quieter, more interesting stalls are located slightly further out.
3. Plan Where to Eat
Seating is limited at peak times. Many people end up eating while walking or sitting on steps around the Cathedral.
4. Bring Cash (Just in Case)
While many stalls take cards, smaller vendors sometimes prefer cash — especially during busy periods.
What Most Visitors Miss
- Smaller artisan stalls away from the main routes
- Early cookery demonstrations (less crowded)
- The chance to explore Wells itself beyond the festival
Spending even an extra hour walking through the side streets and independent shops gives a very different impression of the city.
How It Compares to Other Somerset Food Events
Compared to larger events in places like Bath or Bristol:
- Smaller in scale, but easier to explore in a day
- More locally focused, with fewer national brands
- Less commercial, with a stronger community feel
For many visitors, that’s exactly what makes it more enjoyable.
Things to Do in Wells While You’re Here
The festival is a good reason to spend more time in the city. Within a short walk you can:
- Visit Wells Cathedral
- Explore Bishop’s Palace – read our Bishop’s Palace visitor guide.
- Walk along Vicars’ Close – read our guide and view the Vicars’ Close video
- Walk through the historic centre and independent shops
Combining the festival with a wider visit makes the day feel far less rushed.
Practical Information
Entry: Free
Location: Across Wells city centre (Market Place, Cathedral Green and surrounding streets)
Parking: Limited in the centre — park-and-walk options are often easier
Dogs: Allowed, but it can get crowded
Plan Your Visit
About This Guide
Written by a local Wells-based team, this guide is based on first-hand visits and ongoing coverage of events in the city. We aim to provide practical, experience-led information rather than simply repeating event listings.
Last updated: April 2026 (based on latest festival information and recent visit)