A FIERY Bank Holiday weekend is in store at the Dean Heritage Centre as its annual Fire and Wood festival returns tomorrow (Saturday) until Monday (May 30).

There will also be a fire show and chainsaw carving, plus a wide range of workshops and activities, from axe throwing and circus skills to leather crafts and bug box making.

Local groups including the Forest of Dean woodturners and Dean Archaeology Group will be hosting demonstrations on-site, as well as the opportunity to sample and buy local ales and ciders from our ‘pop-up’ bar.

The ancient charcoal burn tradition is a rare demonstration which involves 24-hour monitoring by volunteers.

Nikki Davies, marketing and events manager for the Dean Heritage Centre, said: "The Fire and Wood festival is a great celebration of heritage trades and traditions. Not only does this event allow us to bring together a range of exciting entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, but provides the opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge of members of the community; from our valued volunteers to the extraordinary talent of our local artists and performers."

The centre is also offering those who return to the festival on a different day 50 per cent off their admission ticket. In order to get the discount, visitors must bring their Fire and Wood ticket receipt from either Saturday 28 or Sunday, May 29.

For more information visit www.deanheritagecentre.com