A HISTORIC house near Ledbury is hosting a garden festival for the third year running, and among the speakers are Terry Walton, the Allotment Doctor from Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show.

The Garden Festival at Hellens House, Much Marcle, is on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, and this year, the emphasis is on food quality, the environment, food miles, and an increasing interest in growing food and self-sufficiency.

Also appearing at the event are Brigit Strawbridge, from TV’s It’s Not Easy Being Green and The Big Green Idea, and Kester Wilkinson, builder of a ecologically-sound straw house at Putley.

Last year’s Festival attracted more than 2,500 visitors who enjoyed over 50 exhibitors, informative and engaging talks, local and organic lunches and teas, a beautiful setting, ambient music, imaginative children’s activities and much more. And this year, organisers are building on that success, with over 60 exhibitors booked, including local traders such as Cave's Folly Nurseries at Colwall, and Once Upon A Tree cider.

Entry is £5 for one and £10 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).