Hellens Garden Festival 2019 is set to be more magical than ever before, say proud organisers.

The on-message theme this year is ‘Hands in the Soil, Good for the Soul’, "with a focus on healing and learning in nature", and actor John Challis, otherwise known as ‘Boycie’ from Only Fools and Horses, will open the popular event, alongside allotments 'guru', broadcaster Terry Walton.

The Festival takes place over two days on June 8 and June 9, within the gardens and grounds of Hellens Manor, at Much Marcle.

A spokesman said: "Hellens Garden Festival is an event for people, plants and the planet. Visitors will enjoy a wonderful range of local plants from growers offering friendly advice, food and drink, traditional crafts, environmental and educational organisations. Or just relax in the orchard with a glass of cider and all day live music!

"Festival goers can immerse themselves in this idyllic setting with its rare 17th century octagonal dovecot, Physic Garden, Yew labyrinth, herb and kitchen gardens, woodlands, lawns, eighteenth century cider mill, meadows and ponds and woodland sculpture trail."

The spokesman added: "This year’s Festival features a new ‘Get Growing Space’ for interactive horticultural master classes where our experts share their tips on all things growing. Our innovative ‘Let’s Be the Change’ discussion forums provide a relaxed space for sharing ideas to create change for a better, more sustainable world, and Catcher Media will be screening a programme of locally made films.

"And children love this Festival. Whether watching, learning, and doing with some of Herefordshire’s leading craftspeople and enjoying hands-on wild play, creative, and storytelling activities or eating ice creams!

"All profit from the weekend will be donated to local beneficiaries: St. Michael’s Hospice and Back to the Wild.

Further details at: www.hellensgardenfestival.co.uk