Welcome to
our Festival
Save the Date
16-24 October 2026
Set up in 1992 to celebrate the written word
Celebrating its 34th Year in 2026
News
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justice for war crimes
Will we ever see Vladimir Putin or Benjamin Netanyahu on trial, asks Steve Crawshaw in Prosecuting the Powerful. As someone who has devoted his career to the pursuit of international justice, working for the likes of Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Freedom From Torture, he replies with the answer that the possibilities of justice…
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Pre-Festival orders at Waterstones
Pop up to Waterstones in Wells High Street to pre-order copies of books by any of the speakers you look forward to hearing at the Festival. Waterstones will also be running its Cedars Hall Festival Bookshop during the Festival, and all available copies of the featured books will be displayed in the pop-up, and not…
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The Lost Girls of Autism
Why is the history of autism male? This is a question asked by neuroscientist Gina Rippon whose eponymous book delves into the emerging science of female autism. Autistic girls are often misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression or personality disorders because they are more likely to camouflage or hide autistic traits to fit in. Gina points to…
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Collision of destinies
Troubled minds and dysfunctional families meet head on in Edward St Aubyn’s latest book Parallel Lines, a sequel to his 2021 novel Double Blind. It picks up the story of Sebastian, now in treatment following a breakdown that has left him with a fragile hold on reality and a desire to connect with his birth…
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
