A three-day weekend is plenty of time to enjoy what the Cotswolds have to offer, so here are five suggestions for what to do from us to you...
Sudeley Castle History Day, Gloucestershire
Sunday August 24
Although much of the retrospective events this year deal with what happened 100 years ago, Sudeley Castle and Gardens in the Cotswolds will be looking back much further this Sunday, re-living 1,000 years of the castle’s history. The landmark and family home is hosting its History Day event, celebrating its fascinating past and strong connection to royalty.
Highlights for visitors will include seeing Henry VIII and a World War One recruiting sergeant come to life, 17th century lacemaking demonstrations, a demonstration of the mystical tradition of alchemy, workshops to create traditional mosaics, Tudor cookery demonstrations with the herbs and spices of the 16th century, live medieval music and the sound of Civil War Musket-fire.
Visitors to Sudeley will also be entertained with falconry displays, a Punch and Judy show, costumed characters and games, not forgetting the Adventure Playground full of hidey-holes, towers, a slide and a zip-wire.
For more information about the event, visit: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Deerhurst Flower Festival, Gloucestershire
August 23 - 25
The bi-annual Deerhurst Flower Festival will take place this August Bank Holiday with the theme of ‘A floral journey around the world in 80 days.’
The event is held in one of England’s oldest Saxon churches, The Priory Church of St Mary, and will feature a Venice-inspired display up the aisle and in the chancel, with a life-size Gondola bedecked in flowers forming the centre piece. The Gondola has been made by a local man and is a life size replica of the iconic boats found on the canals of The Floating City. There are 29 floral arrangements, reflecting different countries around the world.
This year will include a Village Bake-Off and Show with Mary Berry and Brenda Lord. There are also classes for vegetables, flowers and a children’s section all of which can be entered on the day. There is also an Art Exhibition and Sale, in Odda’s chapel, which attracts artists from across Gloucestershire.
Refreshments and cream teas are available all day on the Priory Lawn.
For more information, visit: www.deerhurstcottages.co.uk/flowerfest
Witcombe Cider Festival, Gloucestershire
August 23-24
The Witcombe Cider Festival will feature a diverse selection of real ales and ciders free-flowing throughout the weekend.
Whilst sipping on some liquid refreshment, visitors can enjoy live music, with performances from Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Sonique, Duke, Scratch Perverts and more, as well as local talent Emi McDade, Edd Donovan, Charlie Baxter and The Wandering Moles among others.
For information and tickets, visit: www.witcombeciderfestival.co.uk
Treefest at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
August 23-25
The annual three-day summer festival, Treefest, will return to Weston Arboretum this bank holiday weekend.
There will be family crafts and activities, live music from local talent and the chance to browse and buy from a range of producers selling everything from food, arts and crafts to accessories for the home and garden.
Highlights of the festival include falconry displays, chainsaw demonstrations and puppet shows for the kids. Storyteller Michael Loader will be sparking imaginations in the family tipi, and tree frog climbing, zip wire rides and The Amazing Camera Obscura will keep visitors entertained.
Children under the age of 18 can enjoy free admission to the festival.
For more information, visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-treefest
Flavours of Herefordshire Festival, Herefordshire
August 23-25
Held on Castle Green in the centre of Hereford, the Flavours of Herefordshire Festival is a free-to-enter annual celebration of local food and produce. The festival will bring a broad selection of edible delights and thirst-quenching tipples from many of the county’s finest producers, growers and retailers.
There will be the Celebrity Theatre on Saturday, with popular TV cook Mary Berry, and, on Sunday, local Sea Legs Puppet Theatre with guest Mister Maker of CBeebies will entertain youngsters.
With live demonstrations and activities for children and adults, this is a family event to appeal to everyone from the serious foodie to the casual browser.
For more information, visit: www.flavoursofherefordshire.co.uk
