CIDER- and cheese-makers from across Somerset will be setting up their stalls in Wells Cathedral, next month, for its first Cider & Cheese Festival — part of an ambition to become England’s “most joyful cathedral”.
Event organisers at the cathedral are inviting connoisseurs to sample a vast range of Somerset’s best produce, and to meet local makers and experts, while enjoying a programme of live music and family activities, on Saturday 27 September.
The Dean of Wells, the Very Revd Toby Wright, said that the new festival was part of a wider drive to welcome more people into the building: “We are pursuing the bold ambition to become this country’s most joyful cathedral. And as part of that vision, we want to ensure that Wells Cathedral is a place where the whole of our local community feels warmly welcomed. . .
“Bringing together Somerset’s rich tradition of world-class cider- and cheese-makers in this beautiful cathedral will, I am sure, be a truly joyful occasion for everyone!”
The event is supported by sponsors including Mogers Drewett, Thatchers, Charlie Bigham’s, Bray’s Cider, and St Andrew’s Press.
Wells CathedralBray’s Cider is made from the apples of regenerative orchards within five miles of Adam and Jess Bray’s farm in Wrantage, near Taunton
Bray’s Cider is made from the apples of regenerative orchards within five miles of Adam and Jess Bray’s farm in Wrantage, near Taunton. Other cider-makers confirmed for the event include Wilkins Dry Farmhouse Cider, made at Roger Wilkins’ farm in Mudgley, Burrow Hill, Dowding’s, Glastonbury Abbey, Harry’s, Honey’s, Porlock, Rich’s, Sandford Orchards, Sheppy’s, Thatchers, Tricky and Jacks.
Alternative drinks will include cocktails and gin from Still Sisters, Wells Cathedral’s own “Dean Turner’s” gins, wines from Canned Wine Co. and non-alcoholic options from Wise Bartender.
Cheeses on offer in the cathedral’s nave will include Wookey Hole Cheddar, which is matured naturally in the Somerset caves, and products from the Bath Soft Cheese Company, run by the Padfield family at Park Farm in Kelston, which includes traditional Bath Soft Cheese, Bath Blue and Kelston Park, as well as the intriguingly named Wyfe of Bath and Merry Wyfe.
Alongside the food and drink tasting, there is a programme of entertainment from Somerset-based performers, including tribute band The Mangledwurzels, community pop choir PRP Contemporary Voices, and seven-piece covers band Jukebox Banned.
Wells Cathedral Cider & Cheese Festival takes place on Saturday 27 September, from 12 noon until 9 p.m. Tickets cost £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for under 18s, including access to all activities on the day, two half-pint drink tokens, an event programme with tasting notes, and a commemorative glass. Additional drink tokens will be available at the event, priced £2.50 each.
For tickets and information see wellscathedral.org.uk/cider-and-cheese
