Forestry England is celebrating 25 years of Julia Donaldson's beloved children's book, The Gruffalo, by inviting the monster himself to meet his adoring fans in the Forest of Dean!
And everyone is invited to the Gruffalo's great big birthday party at Beechenhurst — kicking of the school summer holidays with a free, Gruffalo-themed family fun day on Monday 29 July 2024.
Don't miss your chance to meet the monster with 'terrible tusks and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws', with character appearances scheduled for 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
With so many fans hoping to snap a selfie with the birthday boy, come prepared to wait in line for your turn — and leave time to return later, if the Gruffalo is busy.
You'll find plenty to do while you wait, though, with free lawn games to play and Gruffalo storytelling with the ranger team, all on the front lawn by Beechenhurst Cafe.
Not to mention traditional fairground rides and stalls, promising nostalgic fun for the whole family!
While the kids let loose, grown-ups can chill out in the party picnic area, with snacks available from the cafe and picnics welcome.
And of course, there's the interactive Gruffalo Party Trail to complete, too. Pick up an activity pack from the cafe and set off on a self-led adventure through the woods, searching for missing party items to help make the Gruffalo's birthday one to remember.
Aimed at children aged three to nine but fun for all ages, the trail starts just past Go Ape and follows hard forest tracks for one mile — making it fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The Gruffalo fun day at Beechenhurst is free to attend, but please note that parking charges apply.
For more information, visit forestryengland.uk/beechenhurst/gruffalo-fun-day.
