Tales from the Forge at Carvers Recreation Ground, Ringwood

About

A festival of theatre and storytelling inspired by folk tales of the New Forest.

Tales from the Forge will bring you professional theatre alongside the work of our participation groups; a celebration of local talent, unexpected pop-up performances and creative activities for all ages.

A presentation of our participation groups (ages 7–70+) own shows alongside professional works, this festival of theatre unites performances by local participants with professional theatre-makers, walkabout acts, and informal creative activities. With a mix of scheduled programming and unexpected pop-up moments, you can move between spaces and catch different performances as they unfold. Stay for the whole afternoon to experience it all, or dip in and out as you wish.

Relaxed, welcoming and accessible, this is a chance to experience outdoor theatre in a familiar local setting, with something for everyone, whether you're a regular theatre-goer or trying something new.

2026 marks 45 years of joyful storytelling for Forest Forge Theatre Company. We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us at Tales from the Forge!

Confirmed for Tales from the Forge:

CLOUDSCAPES: An immersive performance of words and clouds. Gobbledgook Theatre bring us a cloud-gazing area set with bean bags and headphones. During the 25 minutes show, creator Lorna Rees talks to audiences about cloud formation, interspersed with stories of her own relationship with the troposphere and of the journey of a lifetime with her father.

Walk of the Dandelion: A walkabout performance, Walk of the Dandelion is a heartwarming project that aims to spread joy and foster connection among people of all ages. Beautifully crafted 8-foot puppet Daniel, an ethereal, ancient man of the earth, walks with audiences, sharing moments of delight, contemplation, and fun. Daniel gifts dandelions, each with a positive message, and invites audiences to join him in gentle interactions as he walks. The Dandelion man will be exploring Ringwood town and the grounds of Tales From The Forge.

Event details:

Where: Carvers Recreation Ground, Southampton Road, Ringwood, BH24 1JD
When: Saturday 16 May 2026
Times: Gates from 1.30pm with performances beginning at 2pm and running throughout the afternoon
Tickets: £5.50 standard entry, £12.50 supporter, baby/toddlers (ages 0-3) go free.
Getting there: A short walk from Ringwood town centre. Please consider walking or cycling where possible, as parking is limited.
Age range: Family-friendly, with activities and performances for all ages
Accessibility: The event takes place on grass, with some lightly uneven ground. Limited accessible parking on site (parking information to come)
Food and drink: Carvers Café will be open with additional hot food and refreshments available on site. Come prepared for all weather and feel free to bring a picnic.