The Wedmore Festival returns from 9–17 May with one of its most diverse programmes yet, offering a vibrant week of literature, music, comedy, film and history at the heart of the village.
The 2026 programme continues the festival’s commitment to bringing big‑name talent. Spend an evening with a master of the spoken word, BAFTA award‑winning author, activist, performer and Sunday Times number one bestseller Lemn Sissay OBE, as he takes to the stage with this brand‑new show. With live readings from his books, Lemn will unravel the original stories behind the poems, and how they have been used in people’s lives and his own.
Music lovers will enjoy performances from Adannay, Bootleg Blondie, and Wedmore Ensemble, globally recognised musicians who now call Wedmore home. Following last year’s successful live‑scored screening of Nosferatu, St Mary’s Church will host another silent‑film spectacular with Lon Chaney’s 1925 classic Phantom of the Opera, accompanied by a brand‑new score performed live by local composer and organist Liam Davies.
Comedy remains a popular feature, with Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris returning for an evening of sharp, spontaneous improv. Festival Patron Henry Blofeld OBE will also be back with more of his much‑loved cricketing anecdotes.
An undoubted highlight will be anatomist, biological anthropologist, author and broadcaster, Professor Alice Roberts. Join Alice as she maps the fall of one Empire and the rise of another, celebrating the publication of her latest book, Domination: the fall and rise of an Empire.
The festival continues to invest in our community, expanding its outreach work with local schools. This year, ABC – The Academy of Barmy Composers will lead creative workshops, helping children explore the lives of great historic composers and inspiring the next generation of artists and performers.
Festivalgoers can also explore Wedmore’s heritage through Kith and Kin, an immersive Saxon‑themed experience, alongside talks from Alison Uren on local wildlife and Phil Butterworth on Wedmore’s historic pubs.
Tickets for all events will be released in 14th April and will be available online as well as locally from Wedmore Store.
Best wishes,
The Wedmore Festival Team
PS: At this early stage, some events may be subject to change
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