Children go FREE to Arundel Festival Shakespeare

The annual Shakespearean productions are a hallmark of the prestigious Arundel Festival and have always been held in the grounds of the castle itself.

But this year, in a pioneering educational move to open up the Bard's work to a younger generation, Arundel Castle in association with the Festival's media partners the West Sussex Gazette is offering children the chance to attend for free - subject to availability.

Free tickets will be allocated strictly on a first come, first serve basis until there is no further availability in the open air theatre in the Collector Earl's Garden at the Castle.

To apply for a free ticket you must telephone the booking hotline on 01903 882173 and then present the voucher on this page when collecting your ticket. No photocopies permitted. Or you can simply present this voucher on the night to gain free entry BUT as the offer is subject to availability you may be turned away if the show has already reached capacity.

The normal admission price for children aged 5-15 is 15 in advance or 16.50 on the night (admission for children under the age of five is already free).

This year the Castle is hosting two of the Bard's finest productions - As You Like It on Thursday (August 26) and Saturday (August 28) starting at 7.30pm (gates open at 5.30pm for a hog roast, crepes and hot and cold drinks or picnic); and The Merry Wives of Windsor on Friday (August 27) at the same time.

These promise to be stunning versions of two of Shakepeare's most engaging works, produced by GB Theatre Company.

The Collector Earl's Garden, set in the heart of the castle's grounds, could not provide a better setting. The garden was opened by the Prince of Wales in 2008 and includes a rock work `mountain' planted with palms and rare ferns as well as temples, portals, urns and obelisks and has been described as a perfect escape from everyday life.

Admission to the plays for adults is priced at 25 in advance or 27.50 on the gate. Audience seating will be provided.

Tickets are available from Arundel Castle Ticket Office inside the Mill Road Gate, 10am-4pm; on the credit card hotline 01903 882173; email [email protected]; on-line at www.arundelfestival.co.uk and will be available on the night subject to availability.