Mendip Living Oct - Nov 2021

savour the flavour at Wells food festival
Mendip Living catch up with Jon Abbott who tells us more about the
return of the fabulous Wells Food Festival on 10th October...
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Tell us more about the food festival?
The Festival began in 2012 with a few local
artisan producers in the Market Place in
support of a lunch event in the Town Hall. We
wanted to showcase the region’s finest food
and drink and are proud that it has become a
key date in the calendar for our producers.
We are particularly excited for this year’s festival and to be back in
the heart of the city. Last year was obviously really difficult for all our
independent and artisan food businesses, and although we found a
way to support them by holding a virtual festival, there is nothing like
the real thing.
What has made the festival so popular over the last few years?
People are always amazed by the diversity of food and drink
produced in Somerset. The festival gives visitors the opportunity to
learn about Somerset’s produce from the producers themselves -
their enthusiasm and passion is contagious. Ultimately it’s a fun, free,
family-friendly, food-filled day. What’s not to love!
How did you get Charlie Bigham involved?
Charlie Bigham’s set up an out-of-London kitchen in Dulcote Quarry
near Wells about four years ago. As soon as Charlie knew there was a
local food festival, he wanted to get involved. He is passionate about
food and believes it should be talked about and celebrated. Last year
the company became our headline sponsor and are doing so again
this year. We are immensely appreciative of Charlie’s support.
food producers and Street Food stalls which will be set up in the
Market Place, along the Moat and into the Recreation Ground. Visitors
can expect to find everything from traditional Somerset cheddar and
cider through to Tibetan and Cantonese cuisine.
New for 2021 is A Celebration of English Wine, taking place in the
Recreation Ground. Hosted by Ben Franks, from Novel Wines in Bath,
Ben will be sharing his passion for English wine with three exclusive
wine tastings: The Many Faces of English Bacchus at 11am (£12);
Pairing English Wine with Food at 12.30pm (£15) and Why English
Sparkling Wine is World Class at 3pm (£12).
Can I sample different foods?
There is usually lots of food to sample. This is a chance for producers
to showcase their products.
Anything for Children this year?
This year we are delighted to welcome Simon Gray from Fun Kitchen
with his award-winning pop-up cookery school for children. Simon
wants to encourage an interest in ingredients and cooking at an early
age. He will be holding four free workshops providing children with an
opportunity to create their own Apple Scone Bread Twist.
Do I need to pre book a ticket?
The festival is free to enter. But we recommend booking a wine tasting
ticket in advance on our website. There are limited numbers for the
cookery workshops so we suggest that you head over to Fun Kitchen
first thing on the day to book a place.
What can I expect to see this year?
We have our fantastically diverse Artisan Market. We hope for 200
Where can I find more information?
Check out our website www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk
Free
Entry
Mmmmmm...
Savour the
Flavour
>> SunDAY 10th OctOBER 10.30am - 4.30pm
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