BOSSES have revealed plans for a brand new festival that will celebrate some of Suffolk’s most beautiful countryside.

Woodwose has been timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the designation of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The two week festival will encourage people across the district to explore the countryside on their door step and get outdoors for a wide range of activities.

The event will launch on Saturday, October 16 at Westleton village green and will kick-off with walks around Dunwich and Walberswick.

There will also be celebrations including live music and dance, fire twirling, a family ceilidh, a conker championship, tree-dressing and country crafts workshops.

The final details are still being finalised but activities are likely to include heritage walks in Aldeburgh, Felixstowe, Leiston and Woodbridge.

There will also be spooky strolls in Rendlesham Forest, archery, cross country cycling and running, beach fishing in Aldeburgh, story telling walks in Snape and Sizewell, family events at Landguard Nature Reserve, children’s activities in the Felixstowe Seafront Gardens and a special performance walk with Wonderful Beast theatre group.

Mary Neale, Suffolk Coastal cabinet member for countryside and leisure, said the festival was a great opportunity to showcase the very best of the district.

“There will be a jam packed two weeks of different activities to help people discover more of their local area,” she said. “Hopefully it will encourage those that are not familiar with the AONB areas in Suffolk Coastal to fall in love with the beautiful and varied coast and countryside on offer.”

She said the council was also keen to hear from anyone who was organising an event in October who would be interested in being part of the festival or anyone who would like to join the event’s mailing list to keep up to date with the latest news.

To be added to the mailing list contact Aldeburgh Tourist Information Centre on 01728 453637, Felixstowe Tourist Information Centre on 01394 276770 or email woodwose@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk. Details are also available at www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourfreetime/woodwose.