Barnsley Festival, already known and loved by thousands, celebrates a special anniversary this year; it was founded 20 years ago by one of Britain’s greatest gardeners, the late Rosemary Verey.  The small Cotswold village of Barnsley, still an unspoilt corner of England, holds several examples of her work, from her own splendid garden at Barnsley House Hotel to smaller gardens in and around the village. Barnsley House, built in 1697 and now one of Britain’s best-known hotels, has kept Rosemary’s spirit alive in its care of the garden and her famous potager. The four-are garden and the house itself, built like the rest of the village in the local gold-grey Cotswold stone, are set among tall and beautiful trees that give on to the fields beyond. Usually only available to hotel guests, on  Festival day the garden will be open to all. A short distance from the village is Barnsley Park, considered the finest Georgian house in Gloucestershire, with an orangery and pepper pot lodge designed by John Nash. The magnificent gardens that surround it are only open to the public on Festival day. Also exclusive to the Festival is the 45 acre Barnsley Arboretum, designed by the present Lord Faringdon and planted 15 years ago. All the 1600 trees here are furniture woods: oak, beech, eucalyptus, ash and maple—there is even a thriving snakebark maple. Another of its features is the national collection of bamboo.We are very grateful to Mr & Mrs Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Dobbies Garden World, who will present the Dobbies “Best Village Garden” cup at midday. As well as these special features, the Festival includes many craft stalls, and local produce stalls (cheese, game, wines), bell-ringing, a barbecue, licensed bar, Jazz band, kids zone and many other entertainments. A great day out for all the family! There will be a special FESTIVAL "SONGS OF PRAISE" Service on Sunday the 18th May at 5pm at Barnsley Church. Garden Passports - which provides access to all "OPEN" gardens, (including Barnsley House Hotel and Barnsley Park), will be available at the entrance on the day. Passport will cost £5 per person, (children 14 years old and under free); FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US BY EMAIL: info@barnsleyvillage.co.uk or by telephone on (01285) 740196 - CLICK here to email this link