Friday 31st July – Sunday 9th August 2026
Carnival Day & Parade Saturday 8th August
Wells Carnival is a not-for-profit organisation run by a team of hardworking volunteers. The carnival committee ‘crew’ (dressed in pink) organise more than 100 events over the 10 days of Carnival.
Entertainment is provided for all ages, from raft race and fun run to sandcastle competition and teddy bears picnic. There are walks and workshops, plus live music and the ever popular Screen on the Green.
The event culminates on the 2nd Saturday with the Carnival Day Parade around the town and a spectacular music event in the evening.
The Wells Carnival has been taking place annually at the beginning of August for over 100 years.
Originally known as the Wells Regatta, it began as a one day event, and the earliest programme available is for Saturday 24th July, 1926.
This photograph captures the Wells Regatta in 1921 – clearly a time when hats were very popular.
You can view this image and other restored historical photographs of Wells on the Wells History page.