The European Stone Festival that came to Lincoln last year is back at Freiburg Technical College for Stonemasonry & Stone Carving this year and takes place 23-25 May.

If you want to take part, the final date for entries is 21 March. Applications should be made as soon as possible online, stating your name, address, date of birth and job experience.

The event is intended for experienced stonemasons and stone carvers. Participants will be provided with a block of sandstone and will be expected to complete a task during the weekend. The theme for the competition this year is: Flora and Fauna of the Black Forest. You can interpret that how you like.

The event will take place in the Eschholz Park near the centre of Freiburg. Participants will have a maximum of 16 hours (Saturday/Sunday) to complete the task and should bring their own tools, a sleeping bag and ground sheet.

The entry fee (including meals on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday) and accommodation, is EUR35 for apprentices and EUR50 for everyone else. There is no extra charge for entertainment in the evenings.

Freiburg is in the Rhine valley at the gateway to the Black Forest mountains. It is renowned for its cathedral, excellent wines and asparagus. France and Switzerland are within easy reach by car or public transport if you want to make a longer holiday of it.

Contact Bernward Fiedler at freiburg@stein-festival.de

Tel: 0049 761/201 7387