Families are in for a treat this summer when the popular festival, Fantasy Forest, returns to the beautiful grounds of Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire from 14th – 16th July, for a weekend packed full of fun for all ages.
The enchanting grounds of the historic Sudeley Castle will be brought to life with roaming costumed-characters, from fairies to pirates, daleks to orcs, you can even say hello to your favourite fantasy film or TV character from Star Wars to Game of Thrones. Cheer on your favourites at the popular Costume Show held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, as participants show off their impressive costumes on the catwalk.
There’s plenty to keep little ones busy at the Halfling Meadow, from creative craft workshops to hoola hooping. Young fans of Lord of the Rings will enjoy the Orc Boot Camp, while budding Jedi’s can master the skill of handling a lightsaber. Creative and energetic youngsters can try their hand at poi spinning – a traditional Māori performing art.
Little ones will be delighted to meet a magical Disney Princess, listen to enchanting storytelling or transform into their favourite animal or character with colourful face painting. Meanwhile, older kids can learn how to battle wild beasts and monsters, discovering their supernatural abilities like Geralt of Rivia in the Witcher Training groups. There’s also a dedicated Games Zone where festival-goers of all ages can battle it out across the board and beyond, in everything from Dungeons & Dragons to giant Jenga and Connect Four. Herefordshire Board Gamers will be on hand with an extensive library of board games, jigsaws, puzzles and card games for families to get stuck into.
Set sail on a piratical adventure at the Pirate Encampment, as the Historical Living Company take families on a swashbuckling quest with captivating storytelling, energetic pirate display fights and map-making. Spot costumed pirates roaming the castle grounds and don’t miss performances by Ye Banished Privateers (a popular pirate band from Sweden, taking audiences back in time over 300 years to the perilous life on the high seas!), Brighton-based The Captain’s Beard and musical scallywags Reivers’ Gallows.
There’s plenty to keep festival-goers of all ages entertained on Sunday 16 July, including a spectacular performance by The Film Orchestra – the UK’s 70-person orchestra dedicated to performing well-known music from the world of film, television and gaming, complete with 40-strong choir. Expect to hear scores from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park, Toy Story, Ghostbusters, James Bond and many more. Also performing on Sunday are The West End Kids. With an outstanding reputation of raising hundreds of West End and Broadway Stars since 2001, performances by The West End Kids are revered around the world. Don’t miss their impressive performance of hits from cult-classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Martin Pelgrim, festival organiser, said: “There is so much to keep families of all ages entertained at Fantasy Forest, from swashbuckling adventures at the Pirate Encampment to spotting your favourites fantasy characters roaming the historic castle grounds, meeting a Disney Princess to face painting, craft workshops and board game battles. And The West End Kids and Film Orchestra performances are guaranteed to be a festival highlight too!”
Sunday tickets are still available to book online, with children under 7 free of charge and well-behaved dogs on leads also welcome, so all the family can enjoy the festival fun.
 | For the full line-up and to purchase Sunday tickets in advance, visit www.fantasyforest.co.uk |
