City of Wells
The City of Wells is a beautiful destination, rich in culture and history. It boasts magnificent architecture, including the 13th century Cathedral and the uniquely moated Bishop’s Palace.
Famous as England’s ‘smallest city’, the many attractions are within easy walking distance of each other, and there are plenty of places to eat, and to stay, close to the Festival venue. The area around the city is also worth a visit with the Mendip Hills, Somerset Levels, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole Caves, Kilver Court Gardens and Glastonbury Tor all a short drive away.
Wells Tourist Information
Tourist information for the City of Wells and the surrounding area including maps, plus places to eat, drink, visit and stay. Telephone: 01749 671770
City of Festivals
Wells boasts a range of festivals which showcase a wealth of local and national talent: in addition to our own Festival of Literature there are festivals of Music, Art, and Food during a spectacularly festive autumn! At other times of the year the city plays host to a Drama festival, a Comedy festival and a brilliantly illuminated carnival. Wells may be small, but it holds a proud place in the festival world… The city also boasts highly popular bi-weekly markets, regular craft fairs and a full season of events hosted by both the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace.
Wells Comedy Festival 24-26 May 2024
The Wells Comedy Festival – founded in 2015 – brings the finest comedians in the country to the heart of Somerset for one jam-packed weekend. Previous line-ups have included Stewart Lee, Rhod Gilbert, Alexei Sayle, Sara Pascoe, James Acaster, Nish Kumar, Joe Lycett, Omid Djalili, Limmy, Milton Jones, Tommy Tiernan, Lost Voice Guy, Josie Long and Bridget Christie.
Wells Theatre Festival 20-23 June 2024
Complementing the current Wells Literary, Arts, Comedy and Food festivals, the Wells Theatre Festival aims to attract a theatre-going public of all ages, whilst also encouraging young people to participate in theatre practice. Oscar winning actress, Dame Judi Dench and renowned director, Sir Richard Eyre are patrons for the festival.
WAC – Wells Art Contemporary 3-31 August 2024
Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) is a volunteer-led, international art competition which is now in its 13th year. Thousands of entries are narrowed down by a prestigious panel of selectors to make an outstanding exhibition in Wells Cathedral, the heart of the medieval quarter of England’s smallest city. The exhibition comprises a white wall gallery within the Cloisters, as well as a number of site-specific art installations inside and around the Cathedral building.
Somerset Open Studios 21 September – 6 October 2024
Somerset Open Studios and Art Weeks Events are annual countywide celebrations of the variety and quality of contemporary visual art and craft that can be found in Somerset.
Since the inception of Somerset Art Weeks in 1994, they have become important events in Somerset’s cultural calendar, delighting art lovers near and far.
Wells Food Festival 13 October 2024
Almost 200 local traders will be showcasing and selling artisan food and drinks, street food and homewares in the Market Place and Town Hall, on Palace Green, along the moat and in the recreation ground. Also included will be a selection of South West artisan food and drink producers from beyond Somerset. English wines will be featured again this year, with the opportunity to talk to the vineyard owners and taste their wines.
The Children’s Zone will include the Fun Kitchen cookery workshops and an interactive children’s trail. More details will be coming soon. Food for Thought will also feature again, with a dedicated area highlighting current, food related, social issues.
The festival is free to enter and family friendly.