AN ANCIENT castle will return to the hustle and bustle of life in the 14th Century over the Easter weekend.
Knights, squires and ladies will provide a living history display for visitors to Tutbury Castle on Easter Sunday, March 31 and Easter Monday, April 1.
An Armourial Knights weekend will see a host of activities for families, including the opportunity tory archery and get close to a bird of prey.
The re-enactors on the day will recreate key elements of the grand tournaments that were so popular in Medieval England, including displays of archery and medieval dancing.
Demonstrations will also be given on the daily life of the 14th Century, as well as the costumes, weapons and traditions of the time.
Knights will explain how their armour is worn and the reasons for the evolution in different styles of armour through the ages.
The knights will also give a display of combat techniques using a variety of weapons which ends in a grand melee.
Other activities include archery, donkey rides, face painting and an Easter egg hunt.
Bank holiday admission fees will apply for the event, which are £6 for adults and £4 for concessions.
The castle will also be open for a more up-to-date event on Sunday, March 24.
Due to popular demand, Tutbury Castle will open it’s doors exclusively to photographers for a special photography day.
The 11th Century Royal castle, which was famously the intermittent home of Mary Queen of Scots between 1569 and 1585, where it is believed she completed many of her embroideries with Bess of Hardwick.
Only ticket holders will be granted access to the castle on March 24, giving photographers the option to take full advantage of the beautiful ruin and the stunning views it offers over the Dove Valley.
Professional models in costume and historical artefacts from a range of periods will be on display and tickets to the event are £10.
Lesley Smith is curator at the castle. She said: “Photographers love it here and many enthusiasts who would love a chance to photograph professional models simply can’t afford them. This is their chance, all day.”
