CIDER- and cheese-makers from across Somerset will likely be organising their stalls in Wells Cathedral, next month, for its first Cider & Cheese Festival — a part of an ambition to develop into England’s “most joyful cathedral”.
Event organisers on the cathedral are inviting connoisseurs to sample an unlimited range of Somerset’s best produce, and to fulfill local makers and experts, while having fun with a programme of live music and family activities, on Saturday 27 September.
The Dean of Wells, the Very Revd Toby Wright, said that the brand new festival was a part of a wider drive to welcome more people into the constructing: “We are pursuing the daring ambition to develop into this country’s most joyful cathedral. And as a part of that vision, we wish to make sure that Wells Cathedral is a spot where the entire of our area people feels warmly welcomed. . .
“Bringing together Somerset’s wealthy tradition of world-class cider- and cheese-makers on this beautiful cathedral will, I’m sure, be a really joyful occasion for everybody!”
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 produced from the apples of regenerative orchards inside five miles of Adam and Jess Bray’s farm in Wrantage, near Taunton
Bray’s Cider is produced from the apples of regenerative orchards inside 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 within the cathedral’s nave will include Wookey Hole Cheddar, which is matured naturally within the Somerset caves, and products from the Bath Soft Cheese Company, run by the Padfield family at Park Farm in Kelston, which incorporates traditional Bath Soft Cheese, Bath Blue and Kelston Park, in addition to the intriguingly named Wyfe of Bath and Merry Wyfe.
Alongside the foods and drinks tasting, there may be 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 likely be available on the event, priced £2.50 each.
For tickets and data see wellscathedral.org.uk/cider-and-cheese
