Experience a magical day out at Fantasy Forest Festival at Sudeley Castle
Experience a magical day out at Fantasy Forest Festival this July
Fantasy Forest, a unique independent festival celebrating the popular fantasy genre, will transform the impressive grounds of Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire from 19 – 21 July 2024 as it returns for another weekend of fantasy-themed experiences, unique entertainment and live music. Weekend and Saturday tickets have sold out already, but Sunday tickets are still available to book and there’s a packed programme to keep all ages entertained for a memorable summer’s day out.
This year’s festival will feature three stages dedicated to live music, as well as multiple entertainment stages located throughout the splendid castle grounds. A highlight of Sunday will be the spectacular live performance by The Film Orchestra at 3pm, performed against the magnificent backdrop of the Castle and its beautiful lawns and lake. This talented group of musicians will perform hits from popular fantasy films, games and TV shows, including Lord of the Rings, The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dr. Who, His Dark Materials, Star Wars and many more.
The Cosplay Court is another festival highlight. Home to the popular Costume Competition, which will take place on Sunday afternoon, with entries for 2024 open from 1st May. This fun, inclusive competition will feature an array of fantastic costumes, ranging from the lovingly handmade to the professionally-crafted, proudly modelled on stage in a bid to win one of six prize categories. The Cosplay Court also hosts a range of interesting talks, demos and workshops. Keep an eye out for costumed characters roaming the grounds as you explore the festival, including the Gloucestershire Stormtroopers, Game of Thrones and Marvel characters, daleks, orcs, pirates and fairies.
Fans of Anne Stokes won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet the esteemed artist, whose work has featured in the popular role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. Anne’s annual meet and greet (a.k.a Stoked 2024) will also include workshops, signing sessions and a costume show based on Anne’s artwork.
World-leading armourer, Terry English, will host a meet and greet and the chance to admire some of his expertly created armour up close. Terry’s work has featured in many film and TV productions, including Excalibur (1981), Aliens (1986) and Batman & Robin (1997), as well as being on display in museums, including the UK’s Royal Armouries.
The festival will also host the UK’s largest Fantasy Market, featuring over 100 stalls offering everything from fantasy-inspired crafts, original art and sculptures, leather goods, jewellery, officially-licenced gifts and collectibles, fantasy and historical clothing, fairy crafts, re-enactment wear, gaming accessories and so much more!
For those visiting the festival as a family, there’s plenty to keep little ones busy at the Halfling Meadow children’s area, from craft workshops to face painting. Young fans of Lord of the Rings will enjoy the Orc Bootcamp led by The Galactic Knights, while budding Jedis can master the skill of handling a lightsaber. Creative and energetic youngsters can try their hand at circus skills, led by the juggling, stilt-walking and balloon-modelling troupe known as Dice and Balls.
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.
All this, plus a Medieval Village (featuring entertaining live battle reenactments and archery workshops), a Pirate Camp (featuring captivating storytelling by costumed actors, live music and themed activity sessions for children), a dedicated steampunk area (as well as spectacular roaming displays of great Steamroadster machines by Abacus Theater), a brand-new Post Apocalyptic area (featuring an array of post-apocalyptic artists, role-players and live entertainers hosting themed activities) and much more to keep visitors of all ages entertained throughout the day.
The whole family is welcome, with children under 7 free, and dogs are welcome in most areas providing they remain on a lead and owners clean up after them. A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors to and from the festival, departing from Cheltenham Spa train station taking festival goers to Sudeley Castle and back. There is ample onsite parking for those planning to drive to the festival, included in the price of a ticket.
Sunday and shuttle bus tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://fantasyforest.co.uk/tickets/
To find out more, including ticket information and booking, FAQs, programme details, opening hours and access information, see https://fantasyforest.co.uk
Explore Gloucestershire
9 May 2024
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