There’s going to be a carnival atmosphere at Leeds Castle this weekend when two days of celebrations explode in a riot of colour.

Carnival of History at the castle near Maidstone on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 will be the centrepiece of the 900th anniversary festivities that have been taking place throughout this year.

Visitors will be treated to a 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.

There will be a historical parade on the Saturday afternoon with re-enactors and performers from the early years of the castle’s history through to the 20th century. And the carnival continues on Sunday with a grand finale procession of some 1,000 performers, re-enactors, community groups and schools.

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.

Through the weekend historical arena shows will re-create key moments from the last nine centuries of Leeds Castle’s history while carnival performers and costumed characters will roam the grounds meeting visitors.

Living History encampments will conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of days gone by.

With a timetable of activities across both days, there will be something for everyone.

On Saturday, bows will be shot, swords will clash and cannons will be fired. Look out for the soldiers of the Fourth Crusade going into battle on horseback with the colourful Byzantine opponents and see King Henry VIII inspect his troops. You can cheer your favourite knight as King Henry V’s knights in armour compete with swords and axes.

During the afternoon, King Charles’ mounted cavaliers will take on the might of General Fairfax’s new model army in a civil war skirmish.

The anniversary has already been marked with a limited edition gin, a time capsule, a specially-commissioned fanfare premiered at the Classical Concert and the opening of a children's adventure playground and golf course.

DETAILS

Carnival of History is at Leeds Castle in Maidstone on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. To book tickets, which

last a year, go to leeds-castle.com

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