The Festival launched Monday with Jo Durrant of Radio Gloucestershire hosting our writing competition shortlist as they read their entries – great pieces to inspire and relax and make you laugh….

Followed by a full on week – A Night at the Bardic Arms at the Dog House and birthdays around the world on Tuesday; Sarah Franklin at Bream Library on Wed afternoon ; Maggie Clutterbuck and Tim Dalling‘s Aye Coyote on Thursday – or if you live on the other side of the Forest, join us at Newnham Library for readings, wine and chat; Fiona Stafford and our cabaret with Sally Jenkinson, Malaika Kegode, Ben Ray and The Six Foot Way on Friday. A packed solid day on Saturday – family entertainment with Andy Seed, competition winners announced by Jan Royall and then laughs with John Hegley – and to round it all off – in this glorious weather who wouldn’t be there? – a picnic in Buchanan field on Sunday with brass and samba and cake and prosecco…(and Mummers)…

A great tenth anniversary week coming up!