Wells Festival of Literature has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service 2026, the highest honour given to local volunteer groups in the UK.

The award recognises the Festival's work inspiring children and adults through reading, writing and ideas. It is equivalent to an MBE.

The Festival will be able to display the official King's Award logo and receive a certificate signed by the King and a domed glass crystal. Two representatives will also be invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2027.

Festival chairman Richard Manning said: "This Award is a very great honour and a wonderful tribute to all the volunteers who have worked to achieve the Festival's aims within the community since it began 34 years ago. We are also indebted to our many supporters.

"Our volunteers' efforts not only bring an inspiring annual literary event to the City of Wells, but also vital and transformative year-round educational projects within our local schools."

The Festival supports literary projects in more than 50 local schools, providing books, visits from authors and poets, and trips to the theatre.

Each autumn, it also hosts an event for more than 1,000 local children aged 10 and 11. Pupils hear from a children's author and can buy a copy of the author's latest book for £2.

Mohammed Saddiq, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, visited the Festival in October and met local schoolchildren. The award process was supported by the Lord-Lieutenancy and recognised by former High Sheriff of Somerset Janet Montgomery.

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The award was created in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II and continued under King Charles III.

Photo captions

• Mohammed Saddiq, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, with children at a Wells Festival of Literature schools event hosted by author Helen Rutter.
• Youngsters outside Wells Cathedral after a visit to Waterstones organised by the Festival.
• The King's Award for Voluntary Service logo.

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