Wells Food Festival attracts close to 20,000 visitors

Wells Food Festival brought together hundreds of producers, traders, chefs and food enthusiasts on Sunday, October 11, with sunshine accompanying the festivities throughout the day.

Crowds gathered at attractions across the festival, including live demonstrations on Big Nath's Fire Stage and children's cookery workshops at Little Joe's Kitchen

The Food for Thought marquee also drew audiences for discussions about issues facing the food industry, featuring contributions from Wells and Mendip MP Tessa Munt and headline sponsor Charlie Bigham.

The iconic Wells Cathedral provided a dramatic backdrop to the festivities (Image: John Law)

Festival director Jon Abbott said: "What an incredible day. The atmosphere was fantastic and the support from visitors, traders, sponsors and volunteers was truly overwhelming.

"The festival simply wouldn't happen without the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our sponsors and the quality of the producers who make Wells Food Festival such a special event year after year."

Charlie Bigham was tasked with choosing the festival's Best in Show winner from 11 category champions.

The top prize went to Robert Hawker Venison, which was recognised for its high-quality West Country venison and game. The business also won the Prime Ingredients category.

AWARD WINNERS

• Prime Ingredients - Robert Hawker Vension
• Snacks & Savouries - Step & Stone
• Bread, Cakes & Desserts - Sean the Chef
• Cooks ingredients - Sumikichi Miso
• Alcoholic Drinks (Below 20% abv) - Bride Valley Vineyard
• Spirits - Dryad Gin
• Non Alc - Drinks Kitchen
• Confectionary - Gilbert & Swayne
• Cheese - Bath Soft Cheese
• Preserves and Chutney - Gingerbeard preserves
• Start-up - Cream & Crumble

Best in Show was awarded to Robert Hawker Venison. Pictured with Charlie Bigham, Mayor of Wells Denise Denis and Mayoress Olivia Denis (Image: John Law)

Organisers said they received a wave of positive feedback following the event, with one visitor saying: "It was a great atmosphere. We couldn't believe the number of food stalls on offer and there was a real buzz throughout the city."

One trader described it as "the best organised event I've done in 14 years of trading", while another called the festival "a real highlight of our year".

Jon Abbott added: "At its heart, the festival is a celebration of our region's outstanding food and drink industry. Seeing so many stands selling out before the end of the day says everything about the appetite for local produce and the success of the event."