Our History

The 10 Parishes Festival is now firmly established as a major West Somerset celebration of the visual and performing arts in Wiveliscombe and the nine surrounding parishes.

Started in September 2003, it is now a highly successful biennial event, supported by the large number of artists, craftspeople and performers who have chosen to live and work in the area, giving it a unique character and a widely acknowledged creative identity.

The Festival grew out of the Wiveliscombe Area Market Town Initiative, which focuses on developing local culture and creativity, employment, rural tourism and a sustainable, proactive approach to the local environment and community life.