Drivers are being given advanced warning of city-centre road closures when Wells Food Festival returns next month.

Somerset Council is introducing temporary traffic restrictions for the event on Sunday, 11 October, when more than 200 food, drink and homeware stalls are expected to spread across the centre of Wells.

The following roads will be closed to vehicles between 7 am and 7 pm:

• Sadler Street
• High Street, from its junction with Sadler Street to its junction with Broad Street
• Market Place
• Townhall Buildings

Parking will also be suspended on Sadler Street, High Street and Cathedral Green for the day.

The restrictions are being introduced in the interests of public safety as thousands of visitors move between festival areas across the High Street, Market Place, Town Hall, Cathedral Green, Palace Green, Moat Walk and Recreation Ground.

Emergency vehicles and vehicles connected with running the festival will be exempt from the restrictions. Traders will also be permitted to park on Cathedral Green where authorised as part of the event.

The temporary order issued by Somerset Council has been drawn up to cover both the 2026 and 2027 Wells Food Festivals, although restrictions will only apply when the appropriate traffic signs are in place and for as long as necessary.

This year's festival itself runs from 10.30 am until 4.30 pm and is free to attend.

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More than 200 stalls are planned, alongside English wine producers, street food, children's activities and cookery workshops. The Recreation Ground will host the Children's Zone, Little Joe's Kitchen and Food for Thought programme, while Palace Green will feature the English Wine marquee.

Food for Thought will include a talk on food security from Wells and Mendip Hills MP Tessa Munt, while headline sponsor Charlie Bigham's will also take part in a question-and-answer session.

Music and entertainment will be dotted around the city too, with performers including local singer-songwriter Sam Evans, The Voice Kids 2025 finalist Josh Blake and pupils from Wells Cathedral School.

Anyone driving into Wells on the day will therefore want to plan around the closures and parking changes rather than discovering them when faced with a barrier and several hundred people carrying artisan cheese.

General enquiries about the traffic arrangements can be sent to Wells Food Festival, while full visitor information is available from the Wells Food Festival website.

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