MARLOW's first ever bee festival is taking place to celebrate the role they place in people's lives.

Wild Marlow is hosting a Bee Festival in Higginson Park on Saturday, June 4 from 10 to 3pm.

The festival will celebrate all things bee-related, from honey to beeswax candles to bee-themed ceramics.

Wild Marlow will offer bee-friendly plants for gardens, there will be talks and demonstrations with a live beehive by the High Wycombe Beekeepers’ Association.

Verity West of Wild Marlow said: “We want as many people as possible to come and learn about these amazing creatures and how vital they are for us and our environment.

“We’re hoping lots of people will visit the festival and learn how we can help attract and support bees in our gardens and green spaces.”

Guided walks around the park, identifying plants and flowers popular with bumblebees will be offered by The Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

The Bee Festival will offer plenty of activities for children and families, including colouring-in, making bee bombs, face painting and much more.

Marlow Town Council is an active supporter of bees and pollinators via its wildflower planting around the town, its bee-friendly grass-cutting plans and a newly adopted pollination policy.

Mayor Richard Scott said: "We’re delighted to be working with Wild Marlow to support bees in the Marlow area, and we welcome the Bee Festival.

“We hope it helps more people understand how important bees and other pollinators are to sustainability and the environment in general.”