The Wells Festival of Literature is making a big return this October, and organisers have just launched a brand-new website packed with all the latest news.

Running from Friday 17 to Saturday 25 October 2025, the festival promises another incredible line-up of authors, speakers, and events – with details to be announced soon.

But the action kicks off early with the festival's annual writing competitions, now open for entries. Budding writers have until 30 June to submit their work, with cash prizes up for grabs across four categories:

• Open Poetry
• Short Story
• Book for Children
• Young Poets

The Wells Festival of Literature is about more than just big-name speakers. For over 30 years, it has been promoting a love of reading, celebrating the joy of picking up a book and discovering new worlds, fresh ideas, and fascinating characters. The festival attracts a huge variety of writers, from novelists and poets to politicians and scientists, all ready to inspire audiences.

And it doesn't stop there. The festival runs year-round educational projects, working with local schools and colleges to encourage young people to read. Author visits and classroom workshops help pupils discover books in a way that's engaging and fun. Last year alone, more than 1,000 Year Six pupils took part in a talk from bestselling author Lindsay Galvin, with subsidised books provided to ensure every child had access to a great read.

Writer John O'Farrell, who appeared at the festival in 2024, said:

"I didn't hesitate to return to Wells again this year, one of the most well-organised and successful literature festivals I have ever appeared at. The organisers pay the writers a decent fee and the remaining profits from the festival go towards educational good causes."

What makes Wells Festival of Literature special?

WFL is a registered charity, run entirely by volunteers and funded by ticket sales, competition entries, and generous local sponsors and Friends. Thanks to this support, the festival continues to grow.

Since its humble beginnings in 1992 as a weekend event at the Bishop's Palace, it has transformed into a nine-day literary extravaganza at Cedars Hall, a state-of-the-art venue in the grounds of Wells Cathedral School. Unlike many other festivals, no two events run at the same time, meaning keen book lovers could – if they're up for it – attend every single session.

One of the festival's most popular additions in recent years is the Literary Quiz, which was hosted by The Swan Hotel in 2024. Organisers say more details on this year's quiz will be announced soon.

Dr Rachel Clarke, a speaker at the 2024 festival, praised the event for its impact:

"Many thanks for all the hard work of organising the Literature Festival. Amazing quality and variety of speakers. Excellent organisation and venue. Again, thank you so much for bringing such a quality event to Wells and for using the event to raise the profile of reading and money for young people in the area."

Find out more

The festival's new website is now live at www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk, where visitors can enter writing competitions, explore the festival's history, and keep up with the latest announcements.

With something for everyone, Wells Festival of Literature 2025 is set to be one of the best yet.