More than 1,000 NHS workers have been treated to a wellbeing day at Leeds Castle, which featured a revival of the Thursday night Clap for Carers.

The venue, near Maidstone, closed its doors to the public to host the day to thank keyworkers for their dedication in the fight against Covid-19.

NHS staff, who applied for tickets through an internal ballot, and their families were treated to a host of events and activities as well as being able to explore the grounds.

It began with Rainbow Selfies along Main Drive and a special meet and greet from Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn at the Gatehouse, along with regular performances from The Rig – a musical installation made of pots and pans, which was a special nod back to the Thursday NHS Thank You clap.

There were also family games in the Old Vineyard and children’s trails around the grounds and castle as well as ‘Get Into Golf’ sessions with a PGA professional at Leeds Castle Golf Club.

All visitors received goody bag on arrival which included a voucher for a free round of adventure golf and free pizza from the Stable Yard Café. They were also given 25% discount in all food and retail outlets.

Leeds Castle will also offer a 20% discount for all NHS and Care staff and their families into the future which will sit alongside current offers for blue light and emergency service employees.

A special Leeds Castle rainbow t-shirt has also been commissioned, with a percentage of the sales going towards NHS charities so they can continue to be supported.

Leeds Castle Chairman Niall Dickson said: “It has been a such a privilege to welcome more than 1,000 NHS staff and their families.

"As a charity we rely on our visitors to enable us to protect and preserve this wonderful place for this and future generations, and we very much hope to welcome back many of today’s guests.

"We already have a discount scheme for staff working in the emergency services and I am delighted to be able to say we will now be extending that to all NHS and care staff in the county.

"And I want to pay tribute to our staff too who have generously given their time for free, as a mark of their appreciation of all the NHS has done and what it will face in the coming months.”

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