become a friend today and reAp the benefits
Membership: join up in time for this year’s Festival benefits as membership runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026
an Evening of Crime and Canapes
This year’s invitation-only Friends Event took place on 9 July in the company of Jayne Chard, former theatre director and film and TV producer.
Jayne gave a fascinating talk on how her stage and screen career evolved into her becoming a best-selling cosy crime writer. Afterwards, she chatted to guests over a glass of wine and canapés in the foyer of Cedars Hall.
The Friends Scheme
This offers members the chance to become a Patron of the Arts and to be involved with all aspects of the Wells Festival of Literature. It also ensures that we continue to offer an entertaining and popular programme in the years ahead.
With the continued support of our Friends we aim to extend our educational work in local schools and foster a love of literature and learning among young people.
Membership Details
The Friends Membership runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. There is still time to join now to receive the benefits of advance booking and discounted tickets for this year’s Festival. Membership for next year’s Festival, which includes an invitation to the Friends Event in July 2027, opens on 1 November. Pay your membership fee online by credit or debit card, or by postal form if you wish to pay by cheque, standing order or bank transfer (BACS)
By Invitation only
A Friends Event, featuring a special speaker, is held every year to thank Friends, Sponsors and supporters of the Festival. This takes place in early July in advance of the main October, organised by a grateful Wells Festival of Literature committee.
“Thank you so much for inviting me to speak and for your hospitality: the event itself was a real pleasure, with such a receptive audience, as was meeting you and the rest of the Festival team. And it was lovely to spend some time in Wells.“
Sumit Paul-Choudhury – 2025