WHERE else but Oxfordshire could you find a green music extravaganza with a stage powered by bicycles?

After a year out, the county’s unique environmentally-friendly Wood Festival has returned.

Later this month an array of performers will take to the thatched stage in the woods at Braziers Park, near Wallingford.

And this year Summertown children’s publisher Barefoot Books has a pivotal role.

It hopes to bring a fiesta of fun to the festival – which runs from May 17-19 – to ensure while mum and dad can have fun watching the wide array of national and local acts there is plenty for youngsters to do.

A number of art sessions will be held for children to sing songs, take part in puppet shows and enjoy storytime.

It will culminate at the Sunday parade, when they will have the opportunity to show off their artwork in front of parents.

Barefoot Books was invited to take part by festival organiser Robin Bennett. Izzie Martin, studio and community manager for Barefoot Books, said: “I helped out at the first festival and was as disappointed as anyone else that it didn’t go ahead last year. I know Robin and spoke to him, and the subject of how we could work together would come up.

“Our aims are similar to Wood, with its focus on being outdoors and celebrating the natural environment, and we were delighted and honoured to be asked to take part.”

Mr Bennett said: “Wood Festival has become a big draw for parents since it started in 2008, because it provides a fun and safe environment for children to be in touch with nature.”