We're mired in logistics today at Curiosity Corner, and sorting out the loos and recycling is making us yearn for an afternoon nap (funny how that never happens when we're organising sand sculptors). To cheer us up, do post some funny bathtime photos for our competit0n, more of that below...

Programme News... You may not have been formally introduced, but you certainly know his work: The Gory Storyteller is the shady character responsible for all the scary bits of every story you’ve ever heard. But now he’s tired of bit-parts and happy endings and he’s taking over the show! There will be no more ‘happy ever afters’, as the Gory Storyteller spreads his dark cloak over every story ever written.Our only hope… is a story that hasn’t been written yet! “Out Of The Woods” is a structured improvisation show for children and their parents, which uses members of the audience to play the characters in an original ’fairytale’ story. There’s no time to lose – and no time to rehearse! Become part of the show, think on your feet, rise to the challenges and help our best loved characters find their way out of the woods, towards their own happy ending.Do you have what it takes to take on the Gory Storyteller?
 
Award-winning author Adèle Geras spent much of her childhood moving from place to place. To date Adèle has written over 100 books for children, including the bestselling ‘The Ballet Class’ and the highly acclaimed ‘Troy’ which was shortlisted for The Whitbread Prize.Adele will be running two sessions at the workshop, one for ages 3-8 in the Jitterbug glade, where she’ll be talking about her ballet series, Tutu Tilly…My Ballet Dream is the third in the Tutu Tilly series of picture books. In it, Tilly is taking part in her first proper recital, and is very nervous and excited and practising her steps like mad. But will everything run smoothly? And how will Tilly manage if things do go wrong?  The other two books in the series are  The Ballet Class and Little Ballet Star. They are all illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas and  published by Orchard Books. This session will be followed up with a ballet workshop for the same age group.Adele will also be talking about her books for older readers (aged 8+) in a second session, in the Lazy Days glade, including her most recent, Cleopatra…

Cleopatra is a sumptuous volume illustrated in full colour by M.P.Robertson. It’s the diary of Nefret, a young girl who serves in the court of Queen Cleopatra. She tells us of daily life in the palace and all about the Queen’s triumphs and disasters. A must for those who love ancient history and suitable for readers of about 8 and up.Babes in the wood, with Weleda Baby
 
Weleda, the original green beauty pioneer, will be running the ‘Babes in the Wood’ babycare chalet for the duration of the festival. They’ll be on hand between the 19th-21st August, offering expert advice to parents and providing a range of natural babycare sessions, plus samples from the Weleda range for babes of all ages to try some for themselves.

Weleda Baby is an award-winning range developed using over 90 years of natural know-how, with the assistance of midwives, doctors, pharmacists and dermatologists, and formulated especially for the delicate skin of babies and toddlers. Made with extracts of pure natural organically grown plants, the products are free from synthetic fragrances, colours and preservatives, or artificial additives of any kind. The baby products are made with 100% natural plant oils derived from sun ripened seeds and fruits and plant extracts of Calendula and Chamomile.Festival Director Rowan says, ‘We are incredibly excited to be able to announce our collaboration with Weleda and to bring their babycare expertise to the festival this year. Their ethos and commitment to using 100% natural products, is something which will greatly appeal to our festival families.’Co-Director Sarah continues, ‘Our ‘Babes in the Wood’ chalet will be taken over by the Weleda team, who will be hosting a range of babycare activities for our families, including baby bathtime, baby and child massage sessions, a pampering breastfeeding area, bottle warming and a Weleda advice point, where our visitors can get professional, specialist information from the leading experts in their field.’

Weleda’s Jayn Sterland commented: ‘There is a great synergy with this event and our customers who love festivals. We introduced our baby oil back in 1959 and have developed a whole range of babycare products over the past nine decades to protect and cleanse skin in a nurturing way, so babies’ skin can develop healthily. We also have a great range for mums to be, whose skin is often more sensitive during pregnancy. We can’t wait to share all this with festival goers, and we have a few treats in store!’

To win a bundle of lovely Weleda Baby goodies...
We want your best/funniest photos of babies in the bath. 
Post them on our facebook wall before next Sunday 12th June and our fave will be the bathtime winner
Festival Tickets click here: http://bit.ly/jugzpr

Lots of loveRowan and Sarah