Sculpting success: Wells welcomes the return of its stone carving festival

By Paul Roddan

4th Apr 2024 | Local News

Six years have elapsed since the Wells Stone Carving Festival first made its mark in the city's calendar, thanks to local stonemason and sculptor, Paul Roddan.

This year, the festival is set to return to its original venue, the Bishop's Barn.

Paul Roddan, the mastermind behind the inaugural event, had initially hoped to make the festival an annual affair. However, a combination of factors, including the Covid lockdowns and personal milestones, such as Paul and his partner Shona welcoming a baby, prevented the realization of this ambition until now.

This year, the Wells Stone Carving Festival is ready to grace the Bishop's Barn once again. With support from the Worshipful Company of Masons, Whiteway Quarry, Tool-maker G Gibson & Co, Glastonbury Marquees, and Buildhollywood, the event is poised to reclaim its spot as a highlight in Wells' cultural calendar. Participants and visitors alike can look forward to a weekend filled with creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit.

Whiteway Quarry is providing Marnhull stone for the competitors, ensuring the availability of high-quality materials. Meanwhile, Glastonbury Marquees will set up the marquee under which the carvers will showcase their skills. Marketing efforts, including billboard posters around Bristol, have been managed by Buildhollywood, creating a palpable buzz around the event.

Paul Roddan expressed his enthusiasm for the festival's return: "It's been a whirlwind getting everything together for this event, but there's a buzz of excitement that comes with putting on a stone carving festival." He fondly recalled the success of the 2018 festival and expressed hope for a similar outcome this year.

The festival will offer a platform for masons and carvers to share their passion for the craft, providing a rare opportunity for them to connect with their peers and the public. The event promises to showcase the meticulous thought, effort, and skill that go into stone carving, culminating in an auction of the works produced, allowing visitors the chance to own a unique piece of art.

With three prizes up for grabs, judged by the participants, the organizers, and the visiting public, the festival is sure to be a competitive and engaging event for everyone involved.

Paul Roddan is looking forward to the event with optimism, hoping for sunny weather to complement the festival's atmosphere.

For more details on the Wells Stone Carving Festival and to stay updated on future events, please visit the festival's website or follow their social media channels.