You might think Cornbury is just a big wonderful music festival, but you’d be wrong. There is so much for kids and families to do you could forget about the music altogether and just go for the fun. But one thing’s for sure; whether its inside or out, you simply can’t get away from all the entertainment as Katherine MacAlister discovers Divided into five areas, the Children’s Zone at Cornbury this year is bigger and better than ever.

From nutty grannies to circus acts, magicians, ventriloquists, eco music, yoga, art and of course music, you won’t need to worry about your kids getting bored.

First up there’s the Circus Tent with Circus Kaos and the Solo Circus on hand, as well as the chance to learn circus skills yourself. Try juggling, plate spinning, diabolo, flower sticks, cigar boxes, poi, unicycle, stilt walking, trick cycling and more.

In the Performance Venue why not start off with a visit to the Ace of Diamonds Magic Show from award-winning magician Colin Dymond. Or the Ventriloquist Show, courtesy of Snot The Dragon and friends.

Younger members might enjoy the Family Music & Moves to Build a Balanced & Brighter Body-Brain through music, movement, instruments and props.

Music wise, they can play weird and wonderful instruments, including the magnificent gamelan sounds of the Dream Drum, to accompany some well-known children’s rhythmic tales.

All green families will enjoy Eco-Music for Eco Kids – to promote a positive relationship with nature and the environment. Right on.Try Pea Green Boat Yoga or get down with Peas In A Pod, which presents music, movement, stories and dance for crawlers to 10 years old.

Story-telling comes under the guise of Peas In A Pod Stories – tales from around the world, while interactive workshops come via The Orange Hat – led by actor, singer and songwriter Paula Stephens. These sessions revolve around Peggotty the Hen who invites her friends to join in the fun.

Any magic fans will love Ollie Mealing’s Card Class, because he’s one of the best card tricksters in the business, while drumming fans should join Inta Africa’s African drum workshop. With 100 Djembe, Djun Djun and Saber drums and a host of other percussion this is a workshop not to be missed. High energy, fast moving and most of all fun.

If you want to stay outdoors there’s enough to keep you busy all weekend. From Ade the Face Painting Fairy to Professor Collywobbles’ Punch & Judy Show or clay-making a sculpture of the Cornbury audience dancing which will be on display throughout the weekend.

The Making Venue has got it all going on. The clue’s in the title but if you fancy getting your hands dirty and want to make anything from funky festival crafts, head-dresses and shields, willow lanterns, Poi and hula hoops (the children can also learn how to use them), festival flags, puppets, magic sand pictures, funky willow fish, Cornbury Flowers, a crazy comic or sock puppets, then this is the venue for you.

On Sunday afternoon there’s also the Go Native workshop and there will also be Fairy School fairy crafts and story telling, with crystals and dancing to be had.

If out and about, keep an eye out for the myriad of walkabout entertainers starting out with Granny Turismo, below, one of the most talked-about acts around. Part walkabout, part circle show and entirely captivating, Mary and Marge keep everyone amused in their souped-up shopping trolleys.

Creature Encounter call themselves street theatre alchemists, theatrical engineers and master puppet makers who use special effects, artistry and street theatre to entertain you.

Watch out for Electric Cabaret who uses theatrics to create surreal environments, or Miss Information’s Booth – on hand to answer all your questions, using her innate common sense, vast life experience and considerable wisdom, not!

Fried Gold Theatre brings Mr Toad’s Adventures to Cornbury using physical and street theatre while Walkabout Magic is fairly self-explanatory. As if that wasn’t enough, a world class circus performer will put on a show using juggling tricks to amaze and astound, every day.

* Cornbury Festival takes place from Friday, June 29, until Sunday, July 1, at Great Tew Park. Go to cornburyfestival.com for more information.