Producers from in and around Weston-super-Mare will be among the many taking part in this year's Wells Food Festival.
The event, which will take place on Sunday, October 13, is set to be a packed celebration of Somerset’s artisan producers and rich food culture.
More than 200 producers will feature in this year’s Artisan Market, including a few from Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding area.
Bo Bom Gelato will be bringing a taste of the Mediterranean with their award-winning fresh gelato, along with a variety of scotch eggs, pies, and quiches using free-range eggs and local ingredients from Nutts Scotch Eggs.
For the first time in the festival’s 12-year history, stalls will extend into the High Street, which will be closed to traffic for the day.
Jon Abbott, festival director, said: "Regular visitors will know how busy it can be.
"Utilising the High Street seemed the obvious next step.
"It means we can spread out a little more and also say yes to some enthusiastic new traders who have been patiently waiting to get involved with the festival."
Stands selling creative, culinary delights will stretch from the High Street, into the Market Place and the Town Hall, along the Palace Moat and into the Recreation Ground.
But it’s not just about the Artisan Market – there is lots more on the menu for visitors to enjoy.
The Food for Thought marquee returns to throw some light on how communities can tackle the challenges of food-related social issues.
Participating charities and organisations currently include Healthy Somerset, Free Blood Pressure, Help for Homeless, the Shepton Community Fridge, Roots Connections, Wells Storehouse, and The Blue School.
Meanwhile, the Celebration of English Wine marquee provides the opportunity to chat to individual vineyards and discover why English wines are growing in prestige and popularity.
Local vineyards will talk about their wine, with tastings on offer and the chance to buy wine by the glass or the bottle.
The festival’s headline sponsor, Charlie Bigham’s, will be on the Palace Green, celebrating the launch of Mr Bigham's first cookbook at the Wells Food Festival.
Supper with Charlie Bigham shares his favourite dishes, with more than 100 recipes including classics from Charlie Bigham's kitchen.
Festival-goers will be able to purchase a copy of the cookbook and have it signed by Mr Bigham himself on the day.
All proceeds from the sales at the festival will be donated to the Chefs in Schools organisation, which helps schools completely transform the standards of school food and food education.
For the younger visitors, the Children’s Zone in the Recreation Ground is supported by local primary school PTAs, along with activities organised by Wells Cathedral School, Millfield, and 5th/7th Wells Scout Group.
Fun Kitchen will be helping children to make Apple Cinnamon Swirls in four free cookery sessions, whilst the popular, interactive Children’s Trail will once again provide a fun way to see the festival.
New for 2024 is the Wells Food Festival Photography Competition sponsored by Wells Cathedral School.
It is open to under 18s, with a theme of Apples & Fruit.
In addition to some great photography prizes, the highly commended and finalists’ photographs will be on display in the Town Hall at the festival.
To enter, photos should be emailed to photocompetition@wells-cathedral-school.com along with name, age, and photo caption.
The deadline is September 29.
The festival will be held in the heart of the city and will provide a day of free foodie adventures for the whole family.
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