Information
Come and join young musicians from across the globe for four days of making music and forming friendships. Perform in front of hundreds in ‘England’s most poetic’ Cathedral, the brand new, state-of-the-art Cedars Hall, the medieval splendour of the Bishop’s Palace or Wells’ iconic Town Hall and Market Square. Take part in expert workshops tailored for each ensemble, perform further concerts throughout the area and explore the ancient sites of Bath, Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge and Stonehenge, all within very easy reach of the Festival site.
WOWFest was created in 2018 by The International Music Exchange, Wells under the patronage of local celebrity conductor Charles Hazlewood to bring music and musicians to the beautiful medieval streets of Wells. WOWFest strives to provide superb concert opportunities and an unforgettable cultural experience for performers and audiences alike. Choirs, bands, orchestras and ensembles from all corners of the globe are welcomed to England’s smallest city for an intense weekend of workshops, presentations, concerts and fun social activities.
Perform joint and solo concerts in the beautiful 12th Century Cathedral, the moated Bishop's Palace, state-of-the-art Cedars Hall or Wells’ majestic Town Hall and medieval Market Square. Ensembles will also have the chance to take part in a tailored workshop with expert tutors and fun social activities including an English Ceilidh, Barbecue and cricket match!
Wells
WELLS is the smallest city in England (outside of the City of London), and one of the most beautiful in Britain. Yet, it has somehow managed to stay off the beaten tourist track and oozes timeless charm, a fairytale magic and authenticity. Dominated by an outstanding Cathedral dating from the 12th Century, it boasts a moated medieval Bishop’s Palace and gardens, a picture-perfect market square, the oldest residential street with buildings still used for their original purpose in Europe, and a state-of-the-art concert hall completed to much acclaim in 2016. All festival venues and sites are within easy walking distance from your accommodation whilst Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury Tor and Bath make the perfect morning or afternoon outing.
Information for participants
WOWFest is open to youth musical ensembles of all natures. The Festival package includes 3 nights’ half-board accommodation, 2 concerts, participation in Opening & Closing ceremonies, one tailored workshop, a tour manager, and a fun-packed social and sight-seeing schedule. Please see 'Apply' for further details.
About TIME
The International Music Exchange (TIME) was formed in 2014 to create innovative, inspiring and accessible performance opportunities for international young musicians.
The TIME team is knowledgeable, experienced, passionate and highly skilled: we are musicians and linguists who have travelled extensively and performed under various guises around the world. The entire team and our trusted partners have one thing in common: a love for music and a desire to support young musicians by bringing their unique passion and vibrant energy to new and appreciative audiences in outstanding concert venues.
Our speciality lies in creating exceptional performance opportunities for all natures of ensemble, incomparable to those offered by a regular tour operator. We are a not-for-profit arts organisation dedicated to forming authentic and inspiring experiences, cultural immersion and lasting memories for young musicians and audiences alike.