Step onto the grass at Weird and Wonderful Wood and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the buzz of creativity. Marquees stretch across the meadow while the air fills with the scent of woodsmoke, the thud of mallets, and the hiss of steam from a copper-scaled Mechanical Dragon weaving between stalls. The rhythmic beat of African drums draws you deeper in, toward hidden corners where new surprises always wait.
On the weekend of 10–11 May 2025, more than a hundred stallholders will showcase traditional crafts and modern ingenuity beneath Haughley Park’s ancient Suffolk oaks. From pole-lathe turners spinning bowls out of beech and ash, to willow weavers, clay modellers, spoon carvers and violin makers—these craftspeople won’t just let you watch. There are chances to get stuck in. Every workshop and demo is free once you’re through the gate, and visitors of all ages are encouraged to have a go.
Kids can try basket weaving or clay modelling, while adults test their aim at archery or climb through the trees with Monkey Do’s rope team. You’ll find wood-fired pizza, Suffolk cheeses, vegan feasts and freshly baked bread, plus a bar pouring local ale and cider to keep you going.
Music will be everywhere too: from lively sea shanties by my long-time favourites, the Old Time Sailors, to an acoustic set by Levellers frontman and Beautiful Days mogul Mark Chadwick, plus a host of other briliant acts, including Aartwork, Thy Last Drop plus a whole host of semi spontaneous busker sessions. Despite not billing itself as a music festival, Weird and Wonderful delivers on that front nonetheless—there’s no corporate nonsense, just good sounds, good people, and a proper celebration of craft, music and mayhem.
This year is particularly special, as it marks the 30th anniversary of Weird and Wonderful Wood—one of East Anglia’s most unique and beloved daytime festivals. It was founded in 1994 by Tarby Davenport, a creative powerhouse with a deep DIY spirit who believed everyone—regardless of budget—should be able to try their hand at craft and performance.
Under her watch, the festival grew into a playground of hands-on workshops, spontaneous music and community connection. Today, it’s helmed by her daughter Sarah, who’s kept that ethos alive and well. She’s resisted corporate influence, kept ticket prices low, and ensured the magic remains in the hands of makers, musicians and curious wanderers. The heart of the event has always been family—and it shows.
The atmosphere is relaxed, handmade, and full of charm. Morris dancers might suddenly spring to life in the middle of a path, while a group of drummers kicks off a jam. It’s not scheduled to the minute—on purpose. The magic’s in the unexpected.
If you’ve never been, now’s the year. And if you have—you already know. Weird and Wonderful Wood is a weekend of curiosity, creativity and pure handmade joy.
10–11 May 2025 | Haughley Park, Suffolk | £17, Kids under 5 go free. Tickets on sale at weirdandwonderfulwood.co.uk.
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