The Wells Food Festival is set to return this October, offering a day of free, family-friendly food fun in the medieval heart of the city. The festival will take place on Sunday, October 13, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, with free entry for all.

This year marks a first in the festival's 12-year history, with the Artisan Market expanding beyond its usual locations. Stalls will line the High Street, which will be closed to traffic for the day, allowing more space for visitors to explore. The market will now stretch from the Recreation Ground, along the Moat, through the Market Place and Town Hall, and down the High Street.

Festival director Jon Abbott said: "With the potential of almost 16,000 people attending, regular visitors know how busy it can get. Expanding to the High Street seemed like the obvious next step. It allows us to spread out a bit more and welcome some enthusiastic new traders."

Around 20 new stalls will feature on the High Street, offering a wide range of local produce, from kombucha to handmade chocolates.

Support from headline sponsor Charlie Bigham's has enabled the expansion, along with additional areas for visitors to enjoy. The "Food for Thought" marquee returns, focusing on how local communities can address food-related social challenges. Charities and organisations taking part include Healthy Somerset, Free Blood Pressure, Help for Homeless, and Wells Storehouse.

Wine lovers can look forward to the "Celebration of English Wine" marquee, where local vineyards will showcase their wines. Visitors will be able to chat with the winemakers, sample their products, and purchase wine by the glass or bottle.

For younger visitors, the Children's Zone at the Recreation Ground will be packed with activities, including cookery sessions where kids can make Apple Cinnamon Swirls, hosted by Fun Kitchen. Wells Cathedral School, Millfield, and local scout groups will also be organising activities, along with primary school PTAs.

This year's festival also introduces the Wells Food Festival Photography Competition, open to young photographers aged 18 and under. The theme is "Apples & Fruit," with finalists' photos on display in the Town Hall during the festival. To enter, send photos to [email protected] by September 29, 2024.

For more information on the festival, visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk, or follow Wells Food Festival on Facebook and Instagram.