FAMILIES are being invited to a celebration of all things horticultural this summer.

At the end of the month, Arley Hall will be hosting its 29th Garden Festival - a favourite on the calendar for its 'intimate and friendly' atmosphere.

On Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30, visitors can will be able to go on garden tours, led by Arley's head gardener Gordon Baillie, which are included in the ticket price.

A programme of talks and demonstrations will run throughout the weekend and there will be dedicated plant nurseries and garden accessory traders at the show, as well as experts on hand to help with any questions.

Visitors can also learn about wood carving and dry-stone walling in the Countryside Marquee, which will also feature the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Badger Conservation, Lower Moss Wood Rescue Centre and the Mid Cheshire Beekeepers.

Near the marquee is the Cheshire Guild of Wood Turners where families can have a go at wood turning.

As something new for 2024, Animal Teach, which has more than 30 species, will be featuring at the festival giving visitors a hands on experience.

A fun dog show, organised by Tails Animal Rescue based in Northwich, will also take place at the festival so canine companions are welcome.

Classes will include Best Male, Best Female, Best Waggiest Tale, Best Puppy under a year, Golden Oldie and Best Trick. Prizes and rosettes will be given out, with money raised going to support the rescue charity.

An Arley Hall spokeswoman said: "It’s a great family day out with children’s entertainment also including, face painting and our playzone including a zip wire, willow domes and picnic area.

"Also New for 2024 will be foraging sessions. Forage Box will be running course around Arley on both Saturday and Sunday, they will be located in the Countryside Marquee when you can register for a session.

"Each session will last around an hour and are designed to get you as involved as possible – this includes identifying, picking and tasting a range of wild species that will be found on the day.

"There will also be samples of wild food and drink for everyone to get stuck into."

Visitors will need to buy a ticket to the garden festival for entry to the show before they can take part in the fun dog show and the foraging courses.

There will be a selection of food outlets offering a choice of brownies, pies and pasties, chocolate, rum and vodka, Jinger drinks, oils, preserves, marshmallows and peanut butter.

The spokeswoman added "We will also be holding our Schools Gardening Challenge and this year we have 14 schools taking part.

"All have designed a raised flowerbed with some (but not all) plants grown by the children themselves, with a theme of their own.

"The amazing prize for the winner, who will be chosen by our gardening judges on Saturday morning will be an actual 8ft x 4ft wooden raised flowerbed which we also deliver to the winning school.

"This amazing prize is sponsored by Huws Gray Buildbase in Northwich, which has provided all the materials to build the flowerbed.

"There will also be a public vote taking place over the weekend with the winning school receiving free child entry tickets to Arley Hall & Gardens for use during the year."

Further entertainment will come in the form of the Wabash Jazz Trio, Lymm Concert band and Street Jazz. 

Iconic English Lotus cars will be outside the hall on Saturday and the elegant Morgan cars will be on display on Sunday.

Pre-booked tickets are priced at £17 for adults and £5 for children (aged four to 16). Two-day tickets for adults are £25 and £7 for children.

On the Gate prices are £22 for adults, £6 for children, £30 for two-day adult tickets and £9 for two-day children's tickets.

Discounts are available for annual pass holders.