Wells Cathedral is inviting local residents and visitors to complete a short survey to inform plans for a new visitor experience at Vicars' Close as part of a new project safeguarding the future of the site.

Vicars' Close: A Medieval Street Singing Through the Centuries is a once in a lifetime opportunity project to save a site of internationally significant architectural heritage. It will create a legacy that will not only safeguard the future of Vicars' Close, but also deliver brand new, innovative engagement programmes and interpretation that will be co-created with groups across the county.

The development of the project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The survey—available via the Cathedral website (wellscathedral.org.uk/vicarsclose)—provides a key opportunity for people to share their experiences to date, and to offer their insights into how they would like to engage in its history and heritage in the future.

Crystal Johnson, Project Manager says: "The survey only takes about five minutes to complete, but the feedback it gives us will be invaluable in helping to develop the project. We are looking to understand more about our current and potential audiences, what interests them, and what might prevent them from visiting. We are also keen to hear what people would like to see within the new visitor experience at Vicars' Close."

As an added incentive, the Cathedral is offering anyone completing the survey the opportunity to win 2 x Gold tier tickets to this year's Candlelight Carols in the Cathedral.

Carols by Candlelight concert at Wells Cathedral – credit: Jason Bryant

Worth £100, these tickets sell out fast every year. The lucky winner will be able to choose tickets for either 19, 20, or 21 December 2023. More information on the draw is given at the end of the survey.