Wells is gearing up to swing this September as it hosts its very first Jazz and Blues Festival. This exciting event, scheduled from September 26 to 28, will showcase 24 bands performing across four popular venues: The White Hart, The Swan Hotel, Blossom’s, and The Rose and Crown. Best of all, admission to all performances will be completely free.
The festival is the brainchild of local resident Niamh McGrogan, who envisioned bringing something truly special to the city’s cultural scene. Supported by a committed team of local musicians and volunteers—including Pete Thompson, Jenny Jeffreys, Scarlett Stone, Paul Cannon, Sharon Edmonds, and Brett Ellis—the festival operates as a not-for-profit community celebration of music.
Highlights include performances by regional favorites like Mojo Workin', The Groove Soul Academy, Rush Hour, the Harlem Rhythm Cats, the Shepton Mallet Big Band, Edward Leaker Band, Vintage Twist, Portway Blues Band, and the Jazz Disciples, who recently wowed crowds at Glastonbury Festival.
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The festival also celebrates the legacy of the Wellspring Fund, established during the pandemic to support live music recovery. Founded by local saxophonist Paul Cannon, the fund has generously contributed thousands of pounds to keep live performances thriving. Paul’s own blues band, Mojo Workin’, will be among the featured acts.
Despite this strong community support and funding, organizing such a vibrant festival involves considerable costs. To help ensure its success, the Wells Jazz & Blues Festival has launched a crowdfunding campaign inviting music lovers to contribute.
This landmark event promises to mark a new chapter for Wells, bringing soulful jazz and blues to the heart of Somerset and offering a weekend full of rhythm, community, and celebration.