Many of North Yorkshire's finest traditional craftspeople will be gathering on the edge of the North York Moors next weekend for the return of the Guisborough Forest Festival. STEPHEN LEWIS reports

Some of North Yorkshire’s finest craftspeople will be demonstrating their talents at Guisborough Forest Festival on Sunday September 9.

The event on the edge of the North York Moors has become a massive annual celebration of the great outdoors and this year marks its 15th year.

Joining over 100 artisans and entertainers will be talented Lockton iron worker David Stephenson, who studied palaeontology at college, but who snubbed fossils to forge a new career making exquisite iron work.

Also keeping old skills alive will be Ripon coracle maker Dave Purvis, who tests out his Iron Age boats on the city’s canal, and Phillippa Joad, from Sinnington, who makes natural hand dyed yarns from her small herd of hardy sheep.

“There will also be wood turners, willow weavers, wheelwrights, carvers and charcoal makers,” said ranger Neil Thirkell. “We think the festival is now probably the biggest in northern England and takes place in a truly idyllic setting.”

Making their debut this year will be amazing characters from Alice in Wonderland perched on stilts, and hoof-tapping sheep who jive to ABBA songs, along with old favourites such as archery, circus skills, music and local produce stalls. "And if you want an escape from the stresses of modern life then there is a chill-out zone where you can experience karma in the forest with Tai Chi and yoga,” said Neil.

The event is organised by the Friends of Guisborough Forest and Walkway and Redcar and Cleveland Council, with support from the Forestry Commission.

“There is always something new to try and we’re delighted that we have been able to attract some of Britain's finest traditional craftspeople, who are carrying the flame for old skills," said Ted Amos from the friends group.

A free park and ride bus service to the festival will operate from Fountain Street car park on Rectory Lane, Guisborough. Parking is also available in a field off Stokesley Road for £1. Follow the yellow road signs. Disabled parking will be available at the Pinchinthorpe entrance to the forest.

Admission is £16 family ticket (two adults, two children), £6 adults and £4 children. You can pay on the day or buy tickets in advance at www.eventbrite.com (search for Guisborough Forest Festival).