MIDSUMMER CARNIVAL RETURNS TO WARWICK CASTLE
Ultimate Tudor Carnival is back by popular demand – June 17th to July 16th
Fit for royalty, Midsummer Carnival sees festival fun for all, as the castle unleashes celebrations full of colour, pageantry and spectacle
Step back in time to the Elizabethan era and discover fire-breathers, jugglers, a knight’s school, bowman demonstrations and crafting, Elizabethan games and the chance to have a go at axe-throwing, jousting and archery*
Back by popular demand, Warwick Castle’s exceptional Midsummer Carnival returns on 17th June for one month only. Part of the castle’s biggest ever year of events, this dramatic, colourful and lively celebration unleashes the beauty and fun of Tudor pageantry, bringing this renowned era of history to life.
Evoking the regal atmosphere and Royal pageantry of Queen Elizabeth I’s official visit to the castle in 1572, guests can marvel at the staged re-enactment of her arrival in the courtyard, which will be finely decorated in flags, bunting and banners to mark the occasion.
Running from Saturday June 17th to Sunday July 16, Warwick Castle will come alive with Tudor celebrations fit for royalty, as visitors are treated to a Shakespearian welcome of famous sonnets at the start of the day, a minstrel’s gallery playing modern songs with an Elizabethan twist, fire breathing, juggling, knightly displays, Elizabethan games on the River Island and so much more.
Visitors of all ages can meet the ‘knights’ garrison squad, take part in their knight school and head to ‘Archers Alley’ where they’ll be enthralled by the skills of the expert bowman and can immerse themselves in crafting arrowheads, as well as sewing and weaving demonstrations.
Those seeking a more hands-on experience can try their hand at archery, axe throwing and even jousting*
Those heading to the River Island will meet a lively array of fascinating, fun characters, including the rat catcher, the rat catcher’s apprentice and the jester. What’s more, it will also be the location of games such as juggling, poi, diabolo and plate spinning, as well the ‘royal school’ where visitors can learn the skills to live like a royal.
Wars of the Roses LIVE! – Back with a 100-day run
With Wars of the Roses LIVE! having already returned for its longest run ever, Midsummer Carnival goers can also enjoy this ever-popular jousting spectacular. This thrilling live performance immerses visitors into a world of medieval knights, battles and intrigue as it brings to life one of England’s most famous points in history – the Wars of the Roses.
Transporting guests back in time, Wars of the Roses LIVE! will have guests left in awe as they witness thrilling battles, daring stunts and incredible jousting. Horses will charge, swords will clash, and the crowd will roar, as they choose a side - the House of Lancaster or the House of York.
There’s still more to explore
Of course, visitors can also enjoy all of the castle’s other spectacular shows and awe-inspiring attractions, including the ‘Realm of Zog’ which encompasses the Zog Playland, Zog interactive trail and Zog Live Show. Other live shows include the new for 2023 Legend of the Trebuchet, which sees the castle’s 22-ton medieval siege machine take centre stage and the much-loved Falconer’s Quest, the UK’s largest birds of prey show. Then there’s the attractions themselves, from solving riddles in the Princess Tower and getting lost in the Horrible Histories® Maze to taking a step back in time in The King Maker and marvelling at medieval weaponry in the Great Hall.
Extend the Royal Experience at the Knight’s Village
There’s so much to see, do and explore that families may want to extend their visit into an overnight stay at the magical Knight’s Village. Enjoying a stay in a fully themed cosy wooden lodge or medieval glamping tent, guests can truly immerse themselves in the pageantry of Warwick with Midsummer Carnival’s extra evening entertainment.
Tickets for the Midsummer Carnival are available from £29 per person - entrance includes Midsummer Carnival activities*, access to a range of other spectacular attractions and shows including, The Falconer's Quest, Legend of the Trebuchet, ‘Realm of Zog’, Horrible Histories MazeⓇ, Princess Tower, Time Tower, castle interiors, The Kingmaker and so much more.
For more information and to book, head to www.warwick-castle.com
