Barnoldswick Festival of Ice and Fire inspired by Tolkien's The Hobbit

In J.R.R. Tolkien’sThe Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins has an adventure with 13 dwarves as they journey to get treasure from Smaug's dragon hoard.

Join Bilbo to follow the Ice Trail created by sculptors Glacial Arts and meet some of the characters and creatures from The Hobbit carved in ice.

Families are invited to rescue Bilbo's 13 dwarf companions while they follow the trail. Successful adventurers will win a share of the golden treasure in the "Lonely Mountain" marquee on the Town Square at the end of your journey.

The Ice Trail also includes a frozen Treasure Chest full of gold coins. Counting the coins gives families a chance to win the Silentnight Hippo and Duck that Bilbo may have seen on his ride down the river.

Where

At the library, there's also a Scavenger Hunt between 10-30am and 12-30pm. You can also join the library and read The Hobbit and hundreds of other books for free!

An Ice and Fire Experience at the Rainhall Centre features an immersive experience, demonstration and exhibits by local photographers.

When

Visitors can help carve "The Hobbit" at our interactive ice wall between noon and 4pm on the Town Square, and witness ice sculptor Mat Chaloner bring Smaug to life from noon to 4-30pm.

Youngsters can also arm themselves in readiness for the Battle of the Five Armies at the Lonely Mountain marquee's craft activity, and there's Circus Skills on the square at 1.30pm.

There's more hands-on activities at the Civic Hall, including Hobbit Circus Skill training on offer to Hobbit sized people (Hobbit height limit applies).

The Battle of the Five Armies Fire Show is on the Town Square at 4-30pm, followed by a Sound and Light Show until 6pm.

Throughout the day there'll be a massive Makers' Market on Frank Street, Albert Road and Ellis Street and a fairground roundabout that children can ride for free.

The festival is being organised by Barnoldswick Town Council with the support of sponsorship from local businesses. The event runs from 9am to 6pm around Barnoldswick's town centre on 21st January.