Wells Cathedral Hosts First Cider and Cheese Festival
Celebrating Somerset’s finest local produce inside one of England’s most iconic cathedrals
The nave of Wells Cathedral will be transformed into a bustling hub of taste, music, and community today, as the city hosts its first ever Cider & Cheese Festival. For one day only, the cathedral’s stunning medieval interior will welcome local producers, live music, and visitors eager to sample the best of Somerset.
The Very Reverend Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, spoke passionately about the festival’s origins and its meaning for the local community. “The idea came about because I wanted to celebrate something that really speaks to the heart of Somerset,” he said. “We’re really eager to connect with people who might not think of the cathedral as their cathedral. We wanted it to be the cathedral for everybody in the county.”
For Dean Wright, the festival is more than just a tasting event. “When this place was built, it was the centre of the community,” he said. “The nave, the big space where the festival will take place, originally wasn’t used for worship. It was the place of encounter with the world. And that’s what we’re doing again today, drawing people together, building community, celebrating together.”
The Very Reverend didn’t shy away from showing his own enthusiasm for the festival’s theme. “I do love cider and cheese, absolutely. If I could only ever have one for the rest of my life, I’d probably go with cheese over cider. But I don’t want to ostracise the cider makers in Somerset, they’re fantastic too.”
Dean Wright emphasized the cathedral’s openness to all visitors. “If you’ve never been to Wells Cathedral, this is a really soft and easy way to come in. People often say, ‘I’ve lived in Wells all my life and never walked into this building before.’ I hope they come today, bring their friends, have a great day out, and be blown away by the space.”
Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy the cathedral’s own artisan gin, developed in collaboration with Still Sisters, alongside a range of local ciders, wines, and non alcoholic drinks. “We see events like this not as a dilution of our mission, but as an extension of the cathedral’s heart,” Dean Wright said. “Our prayer life is vital, but welcoming people and celebrating community is equally part of our purpose.”
Among the producers is Adam Bray, founder of Bray’s Cider, who has been making cider in Somerset for over 20 years. “It’s a great way for us to meet new and existing customers and make contacts,” he said. “With the cathedral being so iconic for Somerset, it’s a privilege to be here, especially over harvest festival period.”
Bray described this year’s harvest as “bumper” and revealed the care behind his craft. “We make cider in a traditional way, fermenting for up to six months with natural yeast, and our orchards are chemical free. Supporting local businesses keeps local jobs and traditions alive. It’s essential for the community.”
He encouraged festival goers to sample his Curious Cow cider, describing it as a sparkling medium cider with a well balanced flavour. “We’re really excited and ready to go. Jess, my wife, and a couple of friends who help with the cider will be there with me. It’s going to be a great day.”
The Wells Cathedral Cider & Cheese Festival promises more than just tasting. Live music will fill the cathedral, featuring Somerset acts including The Mangledwurzels, PRP Contemporary Voices, and Jukebox Banned. Attendees will also receive two drink vouchers, a souvenir tasting glass, and a programme booklet with tasting notes.
Festival goers can sample offerings from some of the West Country’s finest ciders and cheeses, including Burrow Hill, Dowding’s, Glastonbury Abbey, Barber’s, Lye Cross Farm, and Wookey Hole Cheddar. Beyond cider and cheese, there will be artisan gins, wines, mocktails, and creative drinks from local producers.