Youngsters will hear the call of the wild Guisborough Forest stages the north’s biggest woodland festival.
The mega event on Sunday 10 September is expected to draw 4,000 people to the spectacular North York Moors beauty spot.
But with half a million trees in the wood, it’s easy to get away from it all and setting up camp will be intrepid Aussie bushcraft expert Sandra Jacob.
She went to work on a South African game reserve, where residents include lions, elephants and rhinos, before settling in Guisborough and working with less fearsome beasts as an outdoor expert at Acorn Antics, on a mission to introduce young and old to forest living and wildlife.
“It might not be as exotic as Africa, but it’s still a fabulous environment and our forest school events are always a huge hit,” said Sandra. “I’ll show people a bushcraft skills like fire lighting which I’ve picked up over the years.”
Over 100 craftspeople, wildlife experts and entertainers will join her at the festival, with nature lovers getting more than they bargained for with show stopping debuts for ten foot tall butterflies with five foot wingspans and giant trees that spring into life, all the remarkable creations of street theatre performers.
“We’re always trying to give people chance to try something new, whether its woodland skills, archery or raku pottery,” explained ranger Neil Thirkell. “The festival is a brilliant hands-on celebration of the great outdoors and an amazing family event.”
Now in its 14th year the event is organised by the Friends of Guisborough Forest and Walkway, with support from Redcar and Cleveland Council and the Forestry Commission.
Over that time it has become a premier showcase for rustic skills such as horse logging, coracle making, rope turning and bodging, along with firm favourites like birds of prey displays, climbing wall, archery, circus skills and local produce.
Plus for the first time there’ll be free segway rides, local band The Beer Pigs will perform a set and a new super cool chill out zone featuring tai chi, yoga and meditation will ensure you feel karma in the forest..
Gates open between 10am and 4pm and entry is £12 family ticket (two adults, two children), £4 adults and £3 children. Pay on the day, or buy tickets in advance at www.eventbrite.com (search for Guisborough Forest Festival).
Getting there
A free park and ride bus service will operate from Fountain Street car park on Rectory Lane, Guisborough, and yellow signed parking will be available at the Pinchinthorpe entrance to the forest.
Further details:
Tel 01287 631132