FACE painting, gnome gardens, pot decorating and jewellery making... this year's festival of childhood, organised by Hereford Waldorf School, will be opened by children's author Heather S Buchanan at 10am on Saturday.

A day of activities in the Shirehall will include performances by Sea Legs Puppet Theatre, a batik workshop with Marie-Therese King, a felting workshop with Karin Hines and illustration workshops for the under-eight's with the author, whose George and Matilda mouse books are much-loved.

Inspired by the magic of childhood, this year's festival will have a distinctly 'mousy' feel.

Parents interested in finding out more about the Hereford Waldorf School in Little Dewchurch can go along to an open day on May 29 (11am-4.30pm). For details call 01981 540221 or visit www.herefordwaldorfschool.org