Filling the grounds of Sudeley Castle with fairies, fire performers, costumed characters and fantastic family entertainment, Fantasy Forest Festival is back this July 2023.
With returning favourites and brand-new acts, this year's event promises to be one of the highlights of the summer in Gloucestershire when it takes place from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July 2023.
There are four stages of live music and entertainment, with the 70-strong The Film Orchestra back by popular demand — this year accompanied by a 40-person choir — to perform music from the likes of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters and plenty more.
New for 2023, world-famous musical group The West End Kids make their Fantasy Forest debut, performing songs from cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
There's lots more to see, too, with a Wicker Fire Ceremony taking place on the evening of Saturday 15 July 2023; the popular Costume Show on Saturday and Sunday afternoon; a lightsaber session where padawans can perfect their skills; craft workshops; and characters including Stormtroopers, Daleks, orcs, pirates, fairies and Marvel superheroes roaming the grounds all weekend.
Fantasy Forest Festival is also home to the UK's biggest fantasy market, with over 100 stalls selling handmade arts and crafts; clothes and costumes; and gaming gear from Dungeons and Dragons dice to LARP equipment.
Festival organiser, Martin Pelgrim, said: 'We’re delighted to welcome The Film Orchestra back to this year’s Fantasy Forest. We know for a lot of people the orchestra’s performance in 2022 was a festival highlight, so we’re excited to see what they will perform this year!'
Camping tickets sold out within 24 hours of going on sale, but weekend and day tickets are still available, with day tickets costing from £19.95 per adult and £10.95 per child and full weekend tickets costing from £48.95 per adult and £24.95 per child.
Children under seven are able to come along for free and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in most areas, too. Visitors can bring a picnic or tuck into the variety of street food on offer.
There's also a new shuttle bus service this year to take visitors to and from the event on Saturday 15 July 2023, with a bus departing from Cheltenham Spa train station every 45 minutes from 9am until 1pm, with return services from Sudeley Castle running from 5pm until 11pm, costing £4.50 one way or £9 return.
For more information, see Fantasy Forest Festival at Sudeley Castle.
