It’s not all about bushcraft and spotting birds of prey down in the woods

Great British Life: Characters from Alice in Wonderland including the white rabbitt will appear at Guisborough Forest FestivalCharacters from Alice in Wonderland including the white rabbitt will appear at Guisborough Forest Festival (Image: supplied)

Dancing sheep that love to jive to ABBA songs and characters from Alice in Wonderland will grace this year’s spectacular Guisborough Forest Festival. Lurking in the woods will be a trio of fantasy characters from the much loved children’s tale including Alice and a white rabbit on 6ft stilts, plus the Mad Hatter on a unicycle. Just as colourful will be the Sheep Show, a collection of shaggy movers and shakers who have been taking country shows by storm with their hoof-tapping displays.

The festival, now in its 15th year, also showcases the skills of craftspeople from bodgers to whittlers and basket weavers to wheel wrights, with the added attraction of rustic entertainers, wildlife displays, local produce stalls and music. There are bushcraft experts, coracle makers, rope turners, birds of prey displays, climbing wall, archery and circus skills. Plus there is a chill-out zone to try meditation, yoga and tai chi.

‘A big thing for us to encourage people to have a go at all sorts of activities from wood turning to rustic art and music,’ said forest ranger Neil Thirkell.‘It’s what makes the event so special and a really special day out in the forest.’

The festival which takes place September 9th from 10am-4pm is organised by the Friends of Guisborough Forest and Walkway, with support from Redcar and Cleveland Council and the Forestry Commission.

A free park and ride bus service to the festival will operate from Fountain Street car park on Rectory Lane, Guisborough. Limited parking will be available at the Pinchinthorpe entrance to the forest. Admission is £16 family ticket (two adults, two children), £6 adults and £4 children. Pay on the day or buy tickets in advance at eventbrite.com

Go to fogfw.org/events.html or facebook.com/FOGFW for more information.