Bumper calendar of events at Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle has launched a bumper calendar of events in time for its reopening on Good Friday 25th March 2016.
Normans and the Castle Keep - photo credit Victoria Dawe SUS-160601-114239001Normans and the Castle Keep - photo credit Victoria Dawe SUS-160601-114239001
Normans and the Castle Keep - photo credit Victoria Dawe SUS-160601-114239001

The 2016 calendar is packed with no less than 15 historical events from the practised professionals at the Raven Tor Living History Group including two new features.

The season will open with crowd favourite Normans and Crusaders over the Easter weekend, 26-28 March 2016. Set in 1190, visitors will be catapulted back to the beginning of the 13th Century with spectacular combat displays and demonstrations of majestic falconry. The Yarnsmith of Norwich will weave tall tales to enthral and inform his captivated audience.

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New for 2016, the Norman Knights’ Tournament will offer a fun-packed weekend on 9-10 July 2016. A thrilling combat and archery tournament will take place on the Castle’s upper grounds as well as storytelling, have-a-go archery for over 8’s and falconry demonstrations.

The highlight of the events calendar is undoubtedly the International Jousting & Medieval Tournament on 26-31 July 2016.

Knights from across the world will battle it out under the shadow of the mighty castle in full plate armour atop specially trained horses. Aside from the excitement at the tilt rail, competitors are also pitted against each other in grueling hand-to-hand combat challenges, intended to test their medieval battle skills.

Another popular event during the summer season is the History In Action (Multi-Period) event on 27-29 August 2016 promising a rip-roaring ride through the history of Sussex. Starting during the time of Roman Gladiators when there was a Roman Villa at Arundel and travelling through the Norman, Medieval and Victorian periods, the event will show visitors how Sussex developed into the county it is today.

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Visitors should also make time to visit the stunning gardens at Arundel Castle. The highlight of the garden displays is the Annual Tulip Festival in spring; the 2016 display will be the biggest the Castle has ever showcased, with over 30,000 of the brightly coloured blooms!

Castle Manager Bryan McDonald explains: “We are thrilled to unveil our events calendar for the upcoming open season, visitors will be able to see history brought to life with our professional events from Raven Tor Living History Group. I’m certain this year will be another resounding success!”

The Castle will re-open on Friday 25 March 2016 and will be open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive, May Bank Holiday Mondays & August Mondays. To discuss commission and special rates please call 01903 882 173, extension 230.

For further information please visit www.arundelcastle.org.

Report and picture contributed by Flo Powell.

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