Wells Cathedral Celebrates Third Consecutive Year as Finalists in Bristol Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards

In a remarkable achievement, Wells Cathedral and The Loft Café have once again been recognised as finalists in the Bristol Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards for the third consecutive year.

The Cathedral has been nominated in three prestigious categories: Dog Friendly Business of the Year, Tourism Event/Festival of the Year for Peter Walker’s Peace Doves, and the Loft Cafe has secured a spot in the Café & Tearoom of the Year category.

This ongoing recognition underscores the Cathedral’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all visitors (including our four-legged friends), and standing as a beacon of hope and light for the local community.

The innovative dog-friendly initiatives have made it easier for pet owners to enjoy the Cathedral’s breathtaking architecture and serene grounds.

The Peace Doves installation, which took place in May, was a stunning mass-participation artwork by sculptor Peter Walker. Thousands of illuminated paper doves, each carrying messages of peace, hope, and love, were suspended over the Nave of the cathedral, set to music by composer David Harper. This unique installation invited visitors to write their own messages on handmade doves, making it a personal expression of community spirit.

Local schools and businesses were encouraged to engage with the project, resulting in a vibrant window display competition. The community’s enthusiastic participation brought an extra layer of artistry and engagement to the event.

In addition to the main installation, the Cathedral hosted a series of family-friendly events, including Story Time Under the Doves, where children could enjoy stories themed around peace. The Cathedral also featured themed activity sheets, allowing visitors to create their own Peace Doves and learn about the importance of peace in the world today.

The prestigious awards ceremony, hosted by ITV’s Ben McGrail, will take place on 5th December at Batch Country House. Finalists will be awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze honours, and the community is hopeful for continued success.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised for the third year in a row,” said Alexia James, Commercial Operations Director at Wells Cathedral. “These nominations highlight our ongoing efforts to make Wells a welcoming destination, and to foster a sense of community through our events and initiatives.”

With the awards ceremony on the horizon, Wells Cathedral is poised to continue its tradition of excellence in tourism and hospitality, reinforcing its position as a premier attraction in Somerset. Watch this space!