A FESTIVAL set in the beautiful south Worcestershire countryside is expected draw the crowds this weekend with its mix of music, fun and educational activities.

Livestock Festival 2016, which starts on Friday (July 29) and continues to Sunday (July 31) promises to be a real family affair with a host of children’s activities running alongside a range of music acts including Jason Donovan, Chesney Hawkes, the Fratellis, Reef and Reverend and the Makers.

There is more for children at this year’s event. Taking inspiration from the blockbuster sensation How to Train Your Dragon, Dragon Training Workshops will give youngsters an opportunity to immerse themselves in a fantasy world of magic, myth and legend.

Kids Comedy workshops invite budding Michael McIntyre’s to try their hand at all things comedy, from slapstick to stand up. Session will see children learn the tricks of the trade, followed by the chance to take to the stage and get the audience roaring with laughter.

Storytelling will take children on an exploratory journey through some best loves classics from the bookshelf. Animated storytelling will bring to life characters while taking their imagination to far and distant lands.

Time Travelling Toby comes to Livestock Festival 2016 with his time machine. Children’s author Graham Jones will guide children on a time travelling journey back to 1805 with engaging sessions on skills such as how to fire a flintlock musket, flag signalling and making a Nelson hat.

Returning activities include Eco Animal Encounters where budding zoologists can get close up to a menagerie of animals including tortoises, lizards, snakes and tarantulas.

Youngsters can roll up for Circus Skills workshops run by 5 Valleys Circus and learn to do acrobatics, balloon modelling and make giant bubbles.

Also, the sky’s the limit as children try out the 5.5 metre climbing wall and Fizz Pop Science offer youngsters the chance to try out a range of experiments.

The Livestock site at Manor Farm, Longdon, near Tewkesbury, at the foot of the Malvern Hills offers a stunning setting for pony rides. Open to all ages and abilities, children can enjoy a walk, trot or canter in the festival’s beautiful countryside.

There will also be rugby skills sessions for children from the age of two and tractor and trailer rides will bring all the fun of the farm. There will also be a Kids Club cinema showing films in the open air.

For more details of the programme visit https://www.livestocklongdon.co.uk/home/

Ben Leeke, Livestock Festival founder, said: “Some of our keenest visitors are our youngest and we’re excited to announce that there is more than ever to make their weekend unforgettable.

“Livestock is a festival for everyone and our exciting range of children’s activities gives the weekend something to offer for the whole family – children great and small and big kids too.

“We also cannot wait to see the children’s creativity as they embrace our newly introduced Fancy Dress Sunday.

“The team has been working tirelessly to bring a bigger and better festival this year, building on the reputation of last year, and we cannot wait to throw open the gates and welcome campers, glampers, festivalgoers and families to another exciting year for Livestock Festival in just a few days’ time.”