Festivals, Shakespeare, candlelight and craft take centre stage in Wells this weekend

By Laura Linham 17th Jul 2025

The Godney Gathering, baroque music, pagan workshops, samba, Shakespeare, crafting events, and a disco finale. Perfect for all interests.
The Godney Gathering, baroque music, pagan workshops, samba, Shakespeare, crafting events, and a disco finale. Perfect for all interests.

What's On in Wells is brought to you by our sponsors, Studio24 in Wells and Wells Festival of Literature.

Wells leans firmly into the arts this weekend with live Shakespeare at the Palace, Vivaldi in Bruton, and a photography workshop in the gardens.

Thursday 17 July – strings and swagger

Head to Bruton for Vivaldi's Four Seasons by Candlelight, performed live by the Bristol Ensemble at King's Bruton. Candlelight, Baroque brilliance, and no standing ovations required — just soak it up and clap like a civilised human.

Friday 18 July – dowsing rods and disco prep

The Godney Gathering gets underway at Garslade Farm, Godney, from 6pm. Micro-festival vibes, big-name bands, local legends, and indie noise — The Enemy and Dreadzone headline

It's all vibes and ley lines at the Glastonbury Pagan Moot, where you can learn about magical gardening and dowsing from Dave. Yes, Dave. 7.30pm start at Beckets Inn Garden. Donations welcome. No previous wand experience required.

Saturday 19 July – street theatre, Shakespeare and late-night dancing

Saturday brings 12 hours of back-to-back bangers in the Somerset sunshine at The Godney Gathering, with Lucy Spraggan, Cut Capers and more. Full details here.

Shepton Mallet comes alive with the return of All the World's Our Playground. Expect circus, street theatre, samba, giant balloons and a suspiciously flexible timetable of family fun, all free and all over town.

There's also a Craft Fayre with a petting zoo from 10am–2pm, and a Repair Café from 10am–12pm in Glastonbury, if your toaster needs life support or you fancy cake with a side of do-goodery.

Over in Wells, The Lord Chamberlain's Men bring Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to the Bishop's Palace gardens, complete with an all-male cast, Elizabethan costumes, and the very real chance of watching Orsino get rained on. Pack a picnic. Maybe a brolly.

And if you've got anything left in the tank, The Loft in Street is throwing a proper Saturday night party with DJ and dancing until 12.30am. Rhythm encouraged.

Sunday 20 July – hoops, heels and daylight disco

The Shepton madness continues with day two of All the World's Our Playground, including international hula hoop duo Clap Clap Circo BORSKA doing things with plastic rings that'll make your back twinge in sympathy.

Then Glastonbury's Viva Vada Queer Film Club returns to The King Arthur with a queer double bill of Death Becomes Her and Kinky Boots. Entry by donation — bring sass.

And if your ideal Sunday includes disco with daylight, The Loft's Sunday afternoon party has you covered until 6pm. All the beats, none of the bedtime regrets.

Monday 21 July – peace, quiet and photography

Fancy some calm after the chaos? The Bishop's Palace photography workshop runs 2–4pm and is free for retired locals. Take photos, ask questions, enjoy two hours without anyone asking where the snacks are.

Next weekend – beer's back

Start prepping now for Wells Beer Fest 2025, back 25–26 July with street food, breweries, drinks that aren't beer, and more live music than your feet are ready for. The Sheep & Penguin hosts. Early bird tickets still available.

Tag your mates. Pack a picnic. Dance weirdly in public. It's what weekends are for.

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