Things to do in Kent: 2019 Carnival of History at Leeds Castle in Maidstone
13:22, 12 July 2019
updated: 13:23, 12 July 2019
SPONSORED EDITORIAL
It’s going to be a carnival atmosphere at Leeds Castle later this month with two days of fantastic celebrations for all ages.
Carnival of History at Leeds Castle will take place on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 as part of the celebrations to mark the famous castle’s 900th year.
Visitors will be treated to a whole weekend of family friendly activities including authentic re-enactment shows, pop-up music performances, large-scale costumes and a dazzling riot of colour and celebration.
Historical arena shows will re-create significant moments from the last nine centuries of Leeds Castle’s history while carnival performers and costumed characters will roam the grounds interacting with visitors. Living History encampments promise to conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of the past.
With a timetable of activities across both days, there will be something for everyone during carnival weekend.
On Saturday, bows will be shot, swords will clash and cannons will be fired!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CARNIVAL OF HISTORY AT LEEDS CASTLE
Lookout for the soldiers of the Fourth Crusade going into battle on horseback with the colourful Byzantine opponents and see King Henry VIII inspect his splendid troops before departing to France for Field of the Cloth of Gold.
Cheer your favourite knight as King Henry V’s knights in armour compete for honour and glory as they fight with swords and axes!
During the afternoon, the dashing mounted cavaliers of doomed King Charles will take on the might of General Fairfax’s new model army in a civil war skirmish from the 17th Century.
Onlookers can also watch on as a historical parade goes past in the afternoon with re-enactors and performers from the early years of the castle’s history through to the 20th century.
The carnival continues on Sunday with even more to see and do.
Visitors can relive all the excitement of the previous day before the festivities conclude at 3pm with a magnificent grand finale procession which will see around 1000 performers, re-enactors, community groups and schools take part.
With a roll of drums and a fanfare, the carnival groups representing each century of history will wind their way around the estate before processing into the arena on the Cedar Lawn.
The Carnival of History will join together the local community to create a spectacular procession, never before seen at Leeds Castle.
This event is included in the price of admission while tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
For more information about Carnival of History at Leeds Castle, visit the official website by clicking here.