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Tickets for Fantasy Festival at Sudeley Castle 2025

Tickets for Fantasy Forest Festival 2025 Go on Sale from 12 Noon on 1st October

Fantasy Forest, the unique UK festival celebrating the fantasy genre, will make its spectacular return to the glorious grounds of Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire from 18th – 20th July 2025. The festival promises a packed programme of fantasy-themed experiences and live entertainment, with tickets going on sale from 12 noon on 1st October 2024 at fantasyforest.co.uk.

Fantasy Forest is an independent festival that first took place in the magnificent grounds of Sudeley Castle in 2019. Since then, it has grown in popularity each year, attracting visitors of all ages from across Gloucestershire, the UK, and even overseas. The 2024 event was the largest to date, welcoming 18,000 people, both newcomers and returning attendees, to experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind festival.

Weekend camping tickets for the 2024 festival sold out within days of their release in October 2023, followed by weekend and Saturday day tickets. By early June 2024, all tickets had sold out. With the 2025 festival expected to sell out quickly, early booking is strongly advised, particularly for those wishing to secure camping tickets.

Martin Pelgrim from Fantasy Forest commented: “It’s amazing to see the continued popularity and support for Fantasy Forest Festival grow year on year. Our aim is to create a unique, inclusive, and joyful experience to bring people together. We’re busy planning the 2025 festival and have some exciting plans in store!”

Festival-goers in 2025 can look forward to the return of the ever-popular Costume Show and Competition, featuring a remarkable array of screen-accurate, creative, and lovingly hand-crafted costumes. These costumed characters roam the grounds, adding to the fantastical atmosphere of this inimitable festival.

Another highlight for 2025 is the Wicker Fire Ceremony, traditionally held on Saturday, where a large wicker structure is set alight in a moving ceremony overlooking Sudeley Castle’s Cotswold estate.

It has also been confirmed that The Film Orchestra will return for 2025, performing recognisable scores from fantasy and sci-fi films and games. Classics such as Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, and Doctor Who will be performed on the North Lawn, with the ancient Tithe Barn as a stunning backdrop.

The 2024 festival introduced new features, including a Post Apocalyptic Area with themed activities, artists, and live entertainers. Martin Pelgrim noted: “We continue to grow and diversify the programme, exploring themes like the Post Apocalyptic and Steampunk areas, which aren’t represented at larger mainstream festivals. This sets Fantasy Forest apart and makes it such a unique, inclusive experience.”

World-renowned fantasy artist Anne Stokes will return to the 2025 festival, hosting workshops, signing sessions, and a costume show based on her artwork. Organisers have also confirmed the return of the Bodypainting Competition, welcoming talented artists judged by world-champion judges.

Multiple stages featuring live music and entertainment will be spread across the castle grounds. In the Medieval Village, visitors can step back in time to try medieval skills such as archery, or watch immersive battle re-enactments. The Pirate Camp will also return, complete with costumed actors, storytelling, and themed activities.

Martin Pelgrim added: “Following the huge sell-out success of 2024, we’re working hard on the 2025 programme, and we’ve already booked our biggest international headline act to date. We’re also planning new features, including a Fantasy Writers Market and a surprise addition that will blow you away! Keep an eye on the website for more details soon.”

A range of ticket types will be available from 1st October 2024, including day, weekend, and camping tickets. Children under seven can attend for free, and dogs are welcome in most areas as long as they are kept on a lead. A shuttle bus will run on Saturday and Sunday from Cheltenham Spa train station to Sudeley Castle (£5 one way, £10 return). Ample onsite parking is included in the ticket price.

Fantasy Forest Festival 2025 will be held from 18th to 20th July 2025 at Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Gloucestershire. Tickets go on sale at 12 noon on 1st October 2024 and are expected to sell out quickly. For more details, visit fantasyforest.co.uk.

Explore Gloucestershire
30 September 2024

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