Wells Cathedral is set to host an exciting new event next month—the Somerset Cider & Cheese Festival. Bringing together makers from across the county, the festival offers an unparalleled opportunity for cider and cheese enthusiasts to sample some of Somerset’s best local produce.
Visitors can enjoy a vast selection of expertly crafted ciders from award-winning producers such as Bray’s Cider, which uses apples harvested from regenerative orchards near Wrantage, and Wilkins Cider, heralded as Somerset’s top cider by The Independent. Other notable cider makers featured include Burrow Hill, Dowding’s, Glastonbury Abbey, Honey’s, Porlock, Sheppy’s, Thatchers, and Jacks, among others.
Beyond cider, the festival will serve alternative beverages including cocktails and gin from Still Sisters, Wells Cathedral’s exclusive ‘Dean Turner’s’ gin, wines from Canned Wine Co., and non-alcoholic creations by Wise Bartender.
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Cheese lovers will delight in selections from Wookey Hole Cheddar, The Bath Soft Cheese Company, Wyfe of Bath, Merry Wyfe, Barber’s, and Glastonbury Cheeses. Unique regional varieties such as Bath Blue, Kelston Park, and offerings from Lye Cross Farm and The Newt in Somerset will also be on display within the cathedral’s stunning nave.
This innovative festival aligns with Wells Cathedral’s ongoing mission to welcome the wider community into its historic space. Dean Toby Wright expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We want Wells Cathedral to be the most joyful cathedral in the country—a place where everyone in our community feels warmly welcomed. The support of our generous sponsors has made this celebration possible.”
In addition to tasting experiences, festival-goers can enjoy a vibrant entertainment lineup featuring Somerset-based acts such as tribute band The Mangledwurzels, community choir PRP Contemporary Voices, and seven-piece cover band Jukebox Banned.
The Wells Cathedral Cider & Cheese Festival will take place on Saturday, September 27th from 12 noon to 9 pm. Tickets cost £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for under 18s, granting access to all activities, two half-pint drink tokens, an event programme with tasting notes, and a commemorative glass. Additional drink tokens can be purchased onsite for £2.50 each.
Don’t miss this unique celebration of Somerset’s rich cider and cheese heritage set in the breathtaking surroundings of Wells Cathedral.