The Bishop's Palace and Gardens in Wells will be holding its popular Garden Festival on 17th, 18th and-19th June this year.

Returning for its 8th year, the ever-popular Garden Festival will once again reunite garden-lovers with specialists from around the country. Designed to celebrate the Great British Garden, the stunning 14-acre grounds of the Palace will feature guided tours, live music, expert speakers, delicious food, skills and crafts and a number of stalls, including some fabulous nurseries selling unusual and popular plants.

Headlining on Friday is Mark Bobin (Head Gardener, Minterne Gardens), who will be talking about the Himalayan garden deep in the Dorset countryside - its history, its plants and plans for the future. He'll also be sharing tales and footage from his plant-hunting trip to the Himalayas. Troy Scott Smith (Head Gardener at Sissinghurst) and Sarah Venn (Incredible Edible Bristol) will also be giving talks over the weekend.

Back by popular demand, Tim Watson and John Prescott will entertain visitors with their sax and dulcet tones. The wonderful Becky Shell and Lucy Anna Taylor will also be performing.

Three of the region's most skilled florists will also be on hand to advise visitors on how to get the best out of this year's flowers. One highlight is sure to be Saturday's demonstrations by Maria Heffer of The Bath Greenhouse. Maria's detailed demonstration will spill the secrets of how dried flowers can make a fabulous bouquet.

For those who are more interested in the ornithology side of wildlife, the Palace's own swan expert, Moira Anderson, will also be giving a talk. There have been signs of freshly laid eggs recently so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

The Garden Festival is a fundraising event for The Palace Trust with tickets priced at: Adult: £13.50 Student/Blue Lights discount: £10 Child (5-17) £6.5 Members and Under 5s Free Tickets are available from the Palace's website (www.bishopspalace.org.uk) and by telephone (01749 988 111), with advance discounts and Group rates also available.