From moat boat races and community celebrations to family days out and treasured personal memories, a new exhibition at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is celebrating the fun, laughter and shared experiences that have connected local people with the Palace over the years. 

Fun and Games at the Palace, running from 24 July to 13 September in the Conference Room at The Bishop’s Palace, brings together photographs, memorabilia and stories contributed by members of the local community. 

Rather than telling the story of the Palace solely through dates and historic events, the exhibition explores something much more personal: the memories made by the people who have spent time here. 

For generations of local people, the Palace, gardens and moat have provided the backdrop to celebrations, events, family days out and memorable moments. Fun and Games at the Palace brings some of those stories together and invites visitors to share their own. 

Community Engagement Manager Siobhan Goodwin said: 

“We know the Palace holds a special place in so many people’s hearts. This exhibition is all about celebrating those shared experiences; the laughter, the creativity and the sense of community that has always been part of this place. 

“What makes it particularly special is that local people have helped us tell the story. Their photographs, memorabilia and memories show that the Palace isn’t simply somewhere people come to visit. It is somewhere people form connections with, return to and remember.” 

Visitors to the exhibition will also have the opportunity to contribute to the Palace’s growing collection of memories. During the exhibition, oral history volunteers will be recording people’s recollections, helping to capture personal stories that might otherwise be lost. 

Siobhan added: 

“We’d love people to come along, enjoy the exhibition and perhaps find themselves saying, ‘I remember that!’ We also want to hear the stories that aren’t yet part of the exhibition. Those individual memories all help us build a richer picture of what the Palace has meant to the community over the years.” 

The exhibition has been made possible by a grant awarded by Museum Development South West, with thanks to support from Arts Council England. 

Fun and Games at the Palace runs from 24 July to 13 September 2026 in the Conference Room at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells. 

The exhibition is included with standard admission to The Bishop’s Palace.