Step into another realm at the magical event that brings fantasy to life

Festival-goers are once again ready to welcome back Fantasy Forest, the inclusive family-friendly festival celebrating all genres from the world of sci-fi and fantasy, which returns to the majestic grounds of Sudeley Castle on 16 and 17 July 2022.

This year’s festival promises to be more magical than ever with a weekend packed full of amazing entertainment, unique experiences, live music, fantastic food and drink, and much more.

Step into a world of wonder and meet iconic sci-fi, fantasy and superhero characters from Star Wars to Doctor Who. The Gloucestershire Troopers, Iconic Legends and 15th Cyber Legion will be dressed in their finest screen accurate costumes whilst roaming the stunning castle grounds. Little ones will be wowed by stilt performers, bubble fairies and forest elves and will be able to join in the fantastical fun with face painting and wand making.

Festival-goers are welcome to dress in their favourite themed costumes and all are free to enter the popular Costume Competition, which features an impressive variety of costumes, from lovingly handmade to professionally prepared. There’s even a category celebrating ‘Young Padawans’ aged 16 and under. For those feeling inspired, join in a costume making workshop in the Cosplay Court to hone your skills for next year’s competition.

Marvel at the astonishing skill displayed by expert bodypainting artists, including Raphaelle Fieldhouse, a twice world bodypainting champion (2004, 2006) from Wales, and Nick Wolfe, a twice world bodypainting champion (2009, 2018) from the USA. Nick, who started his career in the prosthetics department at Universal Studios, Florida, has an international reputation for his astounding skill.

Browse the UK’s largest fantasy marketplace, which features over 100 stalls of fantasy wear, jewellery, LARP costumes, clothing, leather goods, handmade gifts, books, sculptures, ceramics, art, food, and accessories.

Visit the ‘Steam Nation’ celebrating the wonderful genre of Steampunk. Enjoy live entertainment from artists including the award-winning hip hop maestro Professor Elemental, gaze at a spectacular four-metre-high steampunk airship and trike, or challenge your opponent to a tea duel. This fun sport has been enjoyed by steampunk enthusiasts worldwide for over a decade and involves dunking a biscuit into a cup of hot tea, and then eating the biscuit before it dissolves, or your opponent eats theirs first!

Travel back in time at the Medieval Village and watch in awe as living history groups battle for the Official Fantasy Forest Cup dressed in medieval armour in the Full Contact Medieval Combat competition. Discover the history of medieval weapons, admire the skill of expert blacksmiths or try your hand at archery or willow weaving.

Weekend camping tickets have already sold out for the second year running; however, day and weekend (non-camping) tickets are available. The whole family is welcome, with children under 7 free, and dogs are also welcome in most areas providing they remain on a lead and owners clean up after them. Free on-site parking is available throughout the weekend.

Day and weekend tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://fantasyforest.co.uk/tickets/

To find out more, including ticket information and booking, FAQs, programme details, opening hours and access information, see https://fantasyforest.co.uk/

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