YOU can step out at a town’s walking festival this summer or step on the gas through its streets in a soapbox derby.

Coleford is hosting its second walking festival next month, while it will be full speed ahead in the town centre at a Grand Prix soapbox derby in June.

The town has developed a reputation for big events, also hosting music and literature festivals.

And ramblers will be able to put their best foot forward on one of 25 organised rambles at the Coleford Walking Festival from Monday to Sunday, May 14 to 20.

Walks range in length and difficulty from a fully accessible one-mile walk around Mallards Pike to more strenuous walks of eight to 11 miles.

Included in the programme are a “Night Wildlife Walk” with a Forest Ranger, a “walk and talk French” stroll hosted by the Coleford and St Hilaire de Riez Twinning Association, an urban photography walk, a series of village walks and a Geocaching event organised by local postwoman Janice Lightly.

The event is jointly funded by Coleford Town Council and the Coleford Area Partnership, and a festival spokesman said: “We are really grateful to the many organisations that have come on board to work with us in building on last year’s successful launch.

“These organisations include both of the main funders, Forest Holidays, Forest of Dean Rangers, the RSPB, Barnwood Trust, the Dean Forest Tour Guides, Foresters’ Forest HLF Project, the Forestry Commission, Mid-Wyedean Churches, the Sculpture Trust, Lemon Photographic, Coleford Twinning Association, and many individuals who have kindly agreed to lead walks for us.

“It is hoped that if this second event is a success to make this an annual addition to Coleford’s ever-growing events calendar.”

Meanwhile, town deputy mayor Barry Thompson has announced the launch of the Coleford Grand Prix soap box event on Sunday, June 24, when the town centre will be closed for karts to race.

Cllr Thompson, who came up with the idea, said: “The event is about engaging businesses and individuals from our local community, to come together and have some fun, while at the same time hopefully attracting large crowds to the town centre.”

The event is being organised with the Brockweir community interest company team who have been running their Brake for the Border soapbox event for the last two years.

Details of the Coleford Walking festival and how to book are at www.colefordareawalkingfestival.co.uk or from the Tourist Information Centre at 4, Lords Hill, Coleford.

Entries are now open for the Coleford Grand Prix, with information on how to enter and sponsorship and advertising opportunities at www.colefordgrandprix.co.uk or by calling Nick Penny on 07801 650977 or emailing [email protected]