Welcome to
our Festival
16-24 October 2026
Set up in 1992 to celebrate the written word
Tickets now on sale
2026 Speakers
Our 2026 Sponsors
Principal Festival Sponsor
2026 Brochure
Following a visit from A.F. Harrold:
“It was an enriching session that enhanced our pupils’ appreciation and understanding of poetry. Huge thanks to the Education Team at The Wells Festival of Literature for organising and funding this visit!”
Fairlands Middle School – Cheddar
Education projects
Wells Festival of Literature
Wells Festival of Literature is a registered charity entirely run by a committee of volunteers, funded by ticket sales, competition entries and generous local sponsors and Friends.
IN 2025
VISITORS A YEAR
News
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A new Normal
Comedian and poet Henry Normal is appearing at the Festival ahead of recording a new series for BBC Radio 4 where he has written and performed several shows in which he uses poetry, storytelling and comedy to explore life’s big questions. Co-writer of the award-winning Mrs Merton Show and of the BAFTA-winning Paul and Pauline…
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Longlisted for a prize
Andrea Wulf is on the longlist for The Baillie Gifford Prize 2026 announced on 3 September for her book The Traveller: The Revolutionary Life of George Forster and His Search for Humanity. The Baillie Gifford Prize rewards excellence in non-fiction writing, bringing the best in intelligent reflection on the world to new readers. Judges said…
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Bowie By A Superfan
Before David Bowie fans rush to see the tribute concert Bowie By Candlelight at Wells Cathedral in November, here’s a chance for Festival goers to discover what shaped the late musician’s music. Journalist and Bowie superfan Peter Ormerod has written a new biography that delves into Bowie’s quest for spirituality, taking in his first musical…
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Playing With Numbers
Two authors who are interested in numbers – one in googology, one in global economics – both are appearing at the Festival, and both are likely to be fascinating speakers. What’s googology? It’s the study of huge numbers, as mathematical logician Richard Elwes explains in his book called just that – Huge Numbers: A Story…
