Created for Priddy Folk Festival 2026, Fayre Lady Well is Priddy’s giant water guardian, inspired by the ancient Lady Well and the wildlife-rich springs of the Mendip Hills.

Deep beneath the limestone hills, among the veins of lead and silver that once drew miners underground, Fayre Lady Well’s waters have flowed for centuries. Today, the ancient well and its surrounds have become a haven for wildlife, where dragonflies skim the water, aquatic stick insects thrive, toads, newts and bats find shelter, and rare plants bloom among the old mine spoils.

Fayre Lady Well stepped out for the very first time leading the festival procession and carrying with her the stories, song, wild beauty and the ancient magic of this very special place.

Drawing on the Jack in the Green tradition, she was built from a hazel and willow basketry framework, adorned with layered fabrics and fresh flowers grown and gathered with members of Priddy Gardening Club. The giant was created by The Lost Giants with help from Years 1–4 pupils at Priddy and St Lawrence Federation School.

A giant thank you to everyone involved at @priddyfolkfestival for inviting us to be a part, and to all the lovely folk we met and made with.

Farewell Priddy, may this brand-new ancient tradition live long and prosper, and may your waters always flow. 

Images courtesy of Focus on Photography