Warwick Castle Brings Battles And Legends To Life This Easter
23 April 2010
This Easter weekend (2nd– 5th April) will see the River Island transformed into a Mediaeval Battle Scene, recreating thefamous Battle of Barnett. Re-enactors will spend four days eating, sleeping andliving the conditions of a real battle. Castle visitors will be able to tourthe site and see how an encamped army would live, how they would cook, amusethemselves with arts and crafts and prepare their weapons for battle.
As the re-enactors take up arms to defend the Castle, Warwick’s siegemachine, the mighty Trebuchet, willlaunch a flaming fireball and treat guests to a spectacular display ofmediaeval firepower.
It’s not just battles that will be coming to life this Easter. From 27 March, visitors wandering the Castlegrounds are advised to look out for some legendaryguests:
Queen Elizabeth I will be holding court in the GreatHall, telling tales of her revered reign over England, but beware – she willnot take kindly to peasants. Her late, great Father, King Henry VIII will also be putting in an appearance at the Castleand with family relations notoriously strained, expect fireworks as the twocome together…
Robin Hood will take leave from riding throughthe glen to coach Castle guests on the art of archery and how best to beat thecruellest of sheriffs.
The Dragon Slayer will be taking up temporaryresidence at the Castle and taking a break from his hair-raising day job.However, he’s sure to share a tall tale or two, including the legend of Guy ofWarwick, or show off some of the beastly keepsakes he has accumulated on histravels.
Legendry king, King Arthur willbe riding his trusty steed around the Castle grounds and bringing some regalmagic to the Easter festivities.
If that’s not enough to keep the kids busy, every day throughout theEaster holidays, visitors can catch the WarwickWarriors, who will showcase their weapons arsenal and teach the art of mediaeval battle,or watch the Raising of the Portcullis,where guests will have to pledge their allegiance to the Lancastrian King Henrybefore being granted entry.
Nikita the sea eagle and friendsreturn to the Castle for the spectacular Flightof the Eagles show, where guests will meet the resident falconer who will showcase theelegance, grace and intelligence of these beautiful birds of prey.
Warwick favourite, The CastleDungeon, will be open for business, inviting those with strong stomachs totravel back to the time of the plague and meet some of Warwick’s mosthorrifying characters. For those who enjoy prettier surroundings, The Princess Tower plays host toenchanting mirrors, magical princesses and a huge dressing up box, so buddinglittle princesses can dress up in royal finery.
To find outmore about Warwick Castle’s Half Term activity, visit www.warwick-castle.com or call 0871265 2000
For further information, please contact Hannah Johnson or Amy O'Toole at Willoughby PR on 0121 456 3004 or email hannahj@willoughby-pr.co.uk / amyo@willoughby-pr.co.uk.
Notes to Editors:
- Warwick Castle is Britain's ultimate castle, situated at Junction 15 of the M40, and is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Delivering everything you'd expect from a castle - towers, ramparts, knights, princesses, jousting, spectacular birds of prey - it immerses visitors in castle life throughout the ages, from the murky middle ages and the gorgeous Georgians right through to what life was like at the castle in Victorian times.
- All prices for the Castle in 2009 are lower than 2008 - entry to the Castle for a family of four is just £45, with adult entry £16.95, children £10 and over 60's £11.95. Book your ticket in advance online for further reductions - print your own tickets at home and beat the queue. Alternatively, advance bookings can be made by calling 0871 265 2000. Guests are advised to check opening times and the entertainment schedule in advance of their visit.
- New for 2009 is the internationally acclaimed Dungeon, opening Easter 2009.
- Based in London, York, Edinburgh, Hamburg and Amsterdam the Dungeons combine live actors, special effects, hair raising rides and authentic theming to transport visitors back to the most horrible chapters in history. Unrivalled across the globe as the ultimate multisensory experience specialising in scary, historical edutainment, each Dungeon's stories are unique to their home city, bringing it vividly back to life for the most frighteningly fun experience of a lifetime. Please see www.thedungeons.com for more information, opening times and ticket prices.
- Warwick Castle is part of the Merlin Entertainments Group, the leading name in location based, family entertainment. Bigger than Universal and second only to Disney, Merlin Entertainments brings together LEGOLAND, Madame Tussauds, The London Eye, SEA LIFE, Gardaland, and the Dungeons - as well as national brands such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and Heide Park. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative - and which have great potential for growth in the future.
- Merlin Entertainments Group has launched its credit crunch-busting Merlin Annual Pass, admitting passholders to all UK Merlin attractions as many times as they like, whenever they like for a full 12 months from the date of purchase. For further information on how to purchase passes and pricing, please visit www.merlineannualpass.co.uk or call 08444 77 44 44.
