Arundel Castle’s 2018 events set to be biggest yet
Arundel Castle in West Sussex has announced a bumper calendar of events in time for its reopening on 30 March 2018.
The Castle, which is celebrating the 950th anniversary of its initial construction in 2018, will have a packed schedule of 13 historical events from the seasoned professionals at the Raven Tor Living History Group.
Opening the season is firm family favourite Normans and Crusaders, which takes place over the Easter Weekend, 31 March-02 April 2018. The event will be set within a tented encampment on the American lawns, giving visitors a glimpse into life in the 12th century. With combat and falconry displays across the weekend, and have-a-go archery for the over 8s, it’s sure to be a thrilling weekend for all ages.
The Jousting & Medieval Tournament (24-29 July) is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the events calendar and with 2018’s contest marking the 10th anniversary of the joust at Arundel Castle, it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before. Competitors will fly in from around the world to compete in full plate armour atop specially trained horses, some of which have appeared in Peaky Blinders and Poldark. As well as the excitement of the tilt rail, there will be gruelling hand-to-hand combat challenges and a host of crafts, displays and entertainment, all taking place in medieval style encampments.
For history enthusiasts, 12,000 Years of Combat (25-27 August) is unmissable, with five groups of re-enactors hosting time travelling combat displays which will take visitors all the way from the Stone Age through to the Victorian era.
Visitors should also take time to visit the breathtaking gardens at the Castle, including stunning seasonal displays, the highlight of which is the Annual Tulip Festival in April. The 2018 display is set to be the biggest the Castle has ever showcased, with 70,000 brightly coloured tulips blooming throughout the Gardens.
Castle Manager Stephen Manion commented: “2018 is a massive year for Arundel Castle, as we’re celebrating the 950th anniversary of the Castle’s initial construction, the 10th anniversary of the joust and the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Collector Earl’s Garden.
“With this in mind we’ve pulled out all the stops to host events catering to families, history buffs, green fingered garden fans and everyone in between. There really is something for all types of people at Arundel Castle.”
Arundel Castle will reopen to visitors on 30 March 2018. For more information, please visit www.arundelcastle.org.