'Is it just fantasy?' – Find out what we thought about the UK's largest fantasy market event

Knights, wizards, gnomes and gremlins travelled from around the world to come to the annual event, all dressed in their most amazing and often self-created fantasy-based costumes.

Walking through the grounds was like being transported into another world – lute music, bagpipes, the clashing of steel and jeers of laughter all filled the air, creating a sense of being transported into a fantasy world more akin to Lord of the Rings than being on planet Earth.

The set route around the grounds was lined with over 100 market stalls selling anything from board game dice to full steel plate armour, as well as a huge range of food and drink sellers to sink our fangs into.

The three-day event this year took place from July 18 to 20, with this year also featuring a live 65-piece set orchestra playing some of the best soundtracks from the fantasy genre.

I decided to visit the axe throwing stand where, to my surprise, I heard a familiar accent, it was only another Black Country local who had travelled in for the day.

"I can't believe how popular the event is. It's absolutely great. Alice suffers from social anxiety, but she loves to dress up as an escape, so it's perfect for her" said 52-year-old Steve Coleman, from Brierley Hill, who had visited the event with his 15-year-old daughter Alice.

After hitting four out of five axes in the axe-throwing activity, I decided to head to the cosplay show.

For the uninitiated, cosplay is the art of creating costumes and outfits that mimic characters from popular cartoons, anime, or comic books.

I felt both amazed and rather underdressed when looking at the effort that some of these more professional cosplayers had put into their costumes.

One of the costumes that really stood out was a girl who had designed and created her own version of the elegant black gown and veil worn in the popular play-turned-movie, Woman in Black.

In conclusion, the event was amazing. To some, like young Alice, it is one of the few times in the year when they dress up without ridicule and truly be themselves.

So, whether to dress up and join the cosplay event or just sit on the field and enjoy a roast mutton leg – the Sudeley Castle and Gardens' Fantasy Forest event is a must-go-to even for anyone who loves being surrounded by a welcoming and inclusive community.

Fantasy Forest runs yearly from July 18 to 20, with tickets for the 2025 event going on sale on Monday, September 30.

For more information, visit the event website.