Join bank holiday fun at castle's siege event

Arundel Castle Siege May 2014. Photo Credit Victoria Dawe

Visitors can now buy tickets for this event online at www.arundelcastle.org.

Set in 1475, French and English troops will be pitted against each other in a fierce battle to command control of the Castle.

With victory for France almost certainly triggering an invasion of England, there is much at stake for both sides.

The three-day event brings together a trio of leading historical interpreters including Raven Tor Living History Group, The Company of St Barbara and the Wessex Medieval Alliance.

Castle Siege promises a fascinating opportunity to experience all elements of medieval warfare, with displays including hand to hand combat, sword fights, archery demonstrations and weaponry showcases featuring axes, halberds and hand guns.

Unique to this event, there will also be an awe-inspiring artillery display with ancient weapons such as medieval mortar, multiple barrelled guns and a five barrelled cannon.

None of the event’s participants knows the fate of Arundel Castle until the closing battle, ensuring a three day spectacular full of plot twists, tension and breath-taking combat.

Away from the battlefield, there will be an array of intricate medieval crafts demonstrations taking place in the largest medieval encampment hosted at Arundel Castle to date.

Arundel Castle manager Bryan McDonald comments: “Our May Bank Holiday Castle Siege is a real highlight of our events calendar, for the castle staff as well as our visitors!

“We are honoured to be able to welcome such talented performers to the castle, and to watch them bring the 15th Century to life in such an engaging way.

“The tensions from the battlefield are palpable every year - I particularly enjoy the anticipation that surrounds the climactic battle on Bank Holiday Monday, it is a delight to see our visitors so intrigued.”

With excitement and thrills aplenty, Castle Siege is an unmissable event for all the family this May Bank Holiday.

Further information on the castle and its 2016 event calendar can be found at www.arundelcastle.org