If, like many people, you’re still reeling from the hugely popular TV series Game of Thrones finally coming to a conclusion last May, a new event coming to Gloucestershire could help.

The inaugural Fantasy Forest Festival will this month be coming to Sudeley Castle and will encompass all different aspects of the genre.

“In the UK we’ve got pirate shows, fairy festivals, comic cons, things like that,” said organiser Guy Clifford.

“But the idea behind this festival is that it covers all fantasy genres – knights, orcs, fairies, steampunk, animals, pirates, comic heroes, sci-fi – and it’s aimed at all of the family.”

Guy says the festival is the first of its kind in the UK, but he has experienced similar festivals in places like the Netherlands, where his fellow organisers hail from.

The success and popularity of these European festivals is what convinced Guy to try and set up a UK version.

He said: “This has been two years in the making – we’re so excited to get underway.

“We’ve got a medieval village with working encampments, an arena where sword and armour battles will take place, and two working blacksmiths showing their skills.

“There will be an orc encampment too; we have live mermaids beside the pool, a variety of children’s entertainers, and a large body paint marquee.”

As well as the many different stalls on offer, there will also be live music, of bands and artists from all around Europe, and a number of special guests and experts from all corners of the fantasy world.

“Brian and Wendy Froud will both be holding talks,” continued Guy. “Brian is one of the leading fairy artists in the world and worked on films like ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘The Dark Crystal’ with Jim Henson.

“Wendy is a renowned puppet-maker and artist in her own right; she is best known for making and operating the original Yoda model for Star Wars.

“Also appearing will be historian and author Professor Roland Rotherham and Terry English, world renowned armourer to the movies ‘Excalibur’ and ‘Aliens’.

“We have been blessed too by the appearance of famous artists like Linda Ravenscroft, Anne Stokes – who will both be giving talks – and the wonderful Anne Sudworth.

The Fantasy Forest Festival will also be raising funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice, who operate hospices in Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties to support children and families of children with lifechanging illnesses.

The festival will be based in the grounds of Sudeley Castle, with camping also available for visitors over the two days on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July.

“Sudeley have been really helpful and enthusiastic,” added Guy. “It’s a wonderful venue, with beautiful grounds – we’re very excited.”

For more information on the Fantasy Forest Festival, visit www.fantasyforest.co.uk