2025 will see the biggest, bumper Green field to date at Riverside, with more countryside skills on show than ever before! So, please come down to the Green field and learn some new skills.
Letter carving in stone, blacksmithing, 16th century pole lathing, bodging skills and willow weaving will all be on show, as well as the return of gong bathing bliss!!
Blacksmithing skills will once more be on show with the impressive heat of the portable forge and Andy Gillam offering opportunities to have a go.
Sound, Scent and Soul is a collaboration between Teena Lyle and Kay Hunter-Saber offering aromatherapy massage and sound therapy sessions, so come early to book a place! 10 minute ‘Get Gonged’ sessions will also be up for grabs for little and big kids alike!
Returning to Riverside is Eddie Marsh with his 16th century pole lathe, turning bowls and platters in front of adoring crowds. And this year his colleagues from the Oxfordshire Bodgers Association will also be providing top calibre rake making, spoon and bowl carving as well as kuksa carving too! There may well be more bodgers to surprise us with their skills!!
We also welcome back the wondrous weavers Chris and Immy of Wonderwillow, who will be weaving wondorously for the duration of the weekend!
Festival stalwart Matthew will be exhibiting the art of letter carving in stone, offering the opportunity to have a go with the dummy and chisel to create art in stone.
Matthew also presents Hwitmearum, the Oxfordshire branch of Regia Anglorum, a national re-enactment that seeks to portray the lives of people who lived from the ninth to the eleventh century. If you visit one of our living history displays you might encounter spinning, weaving or dyeing, woodwork and wheels, writing and manuscripts, firelighting and games. Come along and learn about life in tenth century Oxfordshire.
There are always surprises to be found in the Green field too, with puppet workshops last year from the Evenlode Partnership whose creations were paraded around the festival with gusto! There will also be a chance to learn about the wildlife charity work (BBOWT) that is done in the area and any volunteering opportunities available. Come and learn something new amongst ancient crafts and countryside preservers.
We all look forward to welcoming you to the Green field for what promises to be a special year!