The Forest of Marston Vale’s annual Woodworks! Festival will be held on 8 and 9 September at the Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire from 11 am – 5 pm each day.

Now in its 5th year, the festival grows ever more popular with countryside and music lovers alike thanks to its inimitable blend of folk and roots music alongside artists, crafts people, growers, woodland managers, tree surgeons, story tellers and enthusiasts who together create a  weekend of woodland inspired fun, music and activity.

“Woodworks bursts with wonderful things for all the family to see and do, so it’s a great way to get people talking about trees and woodlands and to see how our region’s woodlands, wildlife and local economy are inter-related,” said Guy Lambourne of the Forest of Marston Vale. “This year we are delighted to welcome to the main arena the British Lumberjacks Association; the English School of Falconry and Spirits of Wood carver, Dick Tilley who will direct the  first  Woodworks!’ auction giving visitors  the  opportunity to  bid for unique wood carvings. As ever we have wonderful items for sale and your purchases will ultimately make a difference to the health of our local woodlands.”

Visitors can see professionals at work demonstrating the traditional crafts of bow and arrow making, basket weaving, thatching, wood-carving, charcoal burning and more. There are also plenty of have a go opportunities for children and adults from archery to tree climbing.   Visitors can find out about green energy and wood fuel, and browse an array of stalls selling arts, crafts, furniture, tools and local produce. There’s also a farmers market, story-telling, face-painting, kids craft activities, traditional fair-ground rides, a beer tent and local produce, food and drink.

The Woodworks! Festival takes place at the Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire MK43 0PR.  Daily entrance: Adults - £5.00; concessions - £3.00; children under 16 – free. Free use of car park.   All profits are ploughed back into the creation of the Forest of Marston Vale. More information at  www.marstonvale.org/woodworks