THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED Wells Food Festival returns next weekend, and this year's event will feature a world first competition.

In partnership with local food company Charlie Bigham's, the festival will be held in the town centre on October 8 from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

Around 200 traders from Somerset and beyond are expected to set up artisan food and drink stalls in the Market Place, Town Hall, along the moat, and in the recreation ground.

The family-friendly free festival will feature a dedicated children's zone, for kids to take part in interactive activities and sample some street food.

Also present at the event will be a plethora of live music performed around the site, which spans across a large area towards the top of the high street, near the Bishop's Palace and into the park.

Somerset County Gazette: A map of the Wells Food Festival 2023 site.A map of the Wells Food Festival 2023 site. (Image: Wells Food Festival)

In recognition of the increased stress levels and essential multi-tasking that life brings in the build up to Christmas, Charlie Bigham's is hosting the world's first plate spinning championship at the Wells Food Festival.

It will consist of demonstrations, workshops and prizes to be won by the best 'real' plate spinners - competitors will have the chance of winning a year’s worth of Charlie Bigham’s meals.

Charlie Bigham, founder of Charlie Bigham’s, said: “We hear all the time how life is so busy for so many of our customers and that there isn’t always time to make a delicious dinner from scratch.

"We want to seek out and celebrate all those people who know how to keep the plates spinning!

"This year, we will be introducing the first ever, world plate spinning championship competition.

"The winner will receive dinner for two for a whole year on Charlie Bigham’s for those well-deserved nights off!”