Wells Cathedral Wins GOLD at Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards 2017

PRESS RELEASE

Wells Cathedral wins GOLD at Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards 2017

A capacity audience of the best tourism businesses from across the region witnessed 70 trophies being presented to the winners at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards ceremony held at Somerset County Cricket Club on 9th November and Wells Cathedral was delighted to be among the winners!

After 6 months of assessing evidence and judging by a panel of experts the winners were announced by Laura Rawlings from BBC Radio Bristol, who was joined on stage by Marcus Trescothick MBE. The winners were all presented with individually crafted hand inscribed awards by Will Shakspeare, from Shakspeare Glass in Langport.

Lindsay Mann, Head of Marketing and Communications for Wells Cathedral said “We are absolutely thrilled to win the Large Attraction category at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards and to do it in such good company. What was most satisfying is that the award was based not only on our application but on a mystery visit to the Cathedral, so reflects the first-class welcome we provide to all of our visitors and supporters as well as the hard work of our staff. It also really underlines the role the Cathedral has at the heart of Wells and Somerset as a place of worship and a centre for our community – our doors are open to all!”.

Somerset based organiser Nell Barrington said “these awards showcase the best that Somerset, Bristol and Bath have to offer visitors; from food and drink to attractions, experiences, accommodation and new for this year, guided tours. I hope that as many as possible can go on to win in the South West and then VisitEngland Awards, to raise the profile of this magnificent area.”

Successful businesses in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February 2018 and then possibly on to the National Visit England Awards later in 2018.

-ENDS- Attached – image of Kathy Nicholls, Head of Retail and Visitor Services for Wells Cathedral, accepting the trophy for Large Attraction category

About Wells Cathedral:

The Cathedral’s history goes back over 1000 years. The present buildings are the result of a building period from the 12th to the 15th centuries. This includes the completion of associated buildings – namely Vicars’ Close and Hall - provided for the Vicars Choral who continue to occupy the medieval houses. This proud centuries old tradition is unique and a much valued part of life at Wells Cathedral today. However, despite its traditional heart, the Cathedral is very much alive today and prepared to innovate in the face of the modern challenges that face it. It’s an inspiring space for daily worship and a busy community hosting a huge range of activities. The Cathedral welcomes thousands of visitors each year who join in with regular daily services and events or who come to simply spend time in this special building.

Visit the website www.wellscathedral.org.uk or follow us on Twitter: @Wells Cathedral1 or Facebook: www.facebook.com/WellsCathedral

Contact:

Lindsay Mann, Head of Marketing and Communications, Wells Cathedral

Tel: 01749 674483; Email: [email protected]

Cathedral Offices, Chain Gate, Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset BA5 2UE