Set in the heart of the National Forest, the lay of the festival site tells the natural and human story of these 70 woodland acres, part of a revolutionary natural reclamation – The National Forest is ‘a forest in the making’ – the planting of which began over 25 years ago to frame, flank, soothe and enrich the rolling hills and farmland, towns villages and industrial hubs; as well as the scars and dereliction from coal extraction; with over eight and a half million trees planted to date over two hundred square Midland miles.

“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness” – John Muir

As the woodland transforms the area and inspires natural connection it breathes life into our festival revelry; from foot-stomping, lilting and exultant live bands and artists to philosophical and artistic exploration of our relationship with nature with speakers such as author Robert Macfarlane and cultural rambler Stuart Maconie – from tree-climbing and adventuring to spectacular and immersive installations; strange and wonderful beasts.

Spellbinding forest performances and arboreal acrobatics will mingle with poetry, storytelling and spoken word. We are invited to bathe in the forest; to relax, breathe, indulge in street-food and collect at dusk to the campfire’s flickering. Timber is a gathering to celebrate the culture and communing of the woods; to find harmony in their disparate elements; to dance, play and be inspired.   

Find out more about Timber Festival here.