Hartlebury Castle is bringing festive cheer to its visitors on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December, with the return of its popular Christmas at the Castle weekend, and the addition of a festive musical performance on Saturday evening.
Visitors can explore the Castle, beautifully decorated for Christmas, and also hunt for the cheeky Elves on the Elf Trail, take part in Christmas crafts and write a letter to Santa while keeping an eye out for Mother Christmas. Joey the Juggler and Looby Lou will be delighting the public with balloon modelling and juggling and a short family-friendly theatre performance ‘The Reindeer Sisters’, will run regularly across the weekend.
Popular performances also return with festive local handbell ringers playing throughout the weekend and Wilden Choir on Sunday. Local and artisan craft stalls will be selling luxury hand-made items, offering a great opportunity to buy Christmas gifts, or a treat for yourself.
No booking is required for the daytime events and normal whole site admission fees apply.
In the evening of 4 December at 6pm, Hartlebury Castle will be hosting A Merry Musical Christmas. Ticket holders to this exciting fundraising event can hear fabulous 1940s/50s festive themed songs by The Ronnies in the Carriage Circle and for the first time ever, see the Castle illuminated in beautiful multicoloured lights. The craft stalls will also remain open to browse for gifts while you explore the Bishop’s Palace. Tickets cost £9.50 (+ booking fee) and can be booked on their website.
Pippa Ashmore, Events and Visitor Services Officer said: ‘‘We’re delighted to be welcoming families back to the Castle for the festive season. Christmas at the Castle is a wonderful weekend, which is always popular and a great way to start December in anticipation for the big day.’’
Chantel Summerfield, Operations Manager said: ‘‘Our evening fundraising event is very exciting. It’ll be fantastic to see illuminations on the Castle and The Ronnies are amazing performers. The Castle and Carriage Circle in the evening provide the perfect festive feel, especially with a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate!’’
Christmas at the Castle takes place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December 11am to 4pm, with A Merry Musical Christmas starting at 6pm on the Saturday. Full details and ticket information can be found on their website.
The Elf Trail and decorations will continue through December for visitors to enjoy.