SPECIAL EVENTS…


A SERIES of special events and activities are planned for 2019 to celebrate the 900th anniversary of Leeds Castle in Kent.


Set in the Kent countryside, the Castle boasts grand medieval and 1930s interiors as well as a 500-acre estate with parkland, maze, woodland, gardens and a 9-hole golf course. Te Castle itself has been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Te below dates highlight some of the key activities and events planned for ‘Leeds Castle 900’:


April


• Official opening of the new Knights’ Stronghold Playground and Adventure Golf Course with Ben Cajee from CBeebies: April 13


• Easter with the Junk Orchestra: April 19 -22


May • Motors by the Moat: May 11 & 12 • Medieval Jousting Tournament: May 25-27 • Awards Presentation ceremony in the Castle Library with Clare Balding for the winners of the 900 story writing competition announced: May 30 (Story Competition Winners Only)


June


• Leeds Castle Triathlon: June 29 & 30 – New 900 medal for competitors • Official Royal gardens opening & time capsule burial • Gardens week at Leeds Castle


July • Open Air Teatre – ‘Te Merchant of Venice’: July 6


• Classical Concert: July 13 and premier of ‘A Tribute to Leeds Castle’ - special 900 Anthem • Te 900 Carnival of History: July 27&28


August • Open Air Cinema – ‘Mamma Mia 2’: August 2 • Open Air Cinema – ‘Te Greatest Showman’: August 3 • Open Air Teatre – ‘Alice in Wonderland’: August 23 & 24


September • Festival of Flowers – ‘A Floral Party’: September 14-19


October • Halloween: October 22-28


November • Fireworks: November 2&3 • Christmas at the Castle: November 24 – January 1, 2020


MEET SOME OF THE TEAM…


Name: Marina McCullen (52) Lives in: Lenham, Kent Job at castle: Castle Steward How long in job: Nine years Best part of job: Te constant development of a job that is sharing the story of such a beautiful and historically important location and the involvement we have during our short but rewarding time involved in the castle's continuing history.


Name: Mark Brattle (36) Lives in: Maidstone Job at castle: Falconry & Wildlife Manager How long in job: Been at the castle for seven years, and in current role for just over a year. Best part of job: Working with and looking aſter amazing creatures, working with some brilliant staff all in the setting of a beautiful castle.


Name: Gemma Wright (34) Lives in: Ashford Job at castle: Senior PR and Filming Officer How long in job: Nine years Best part of job: It never feels like work. No two days are ever the same as my job is so diverse. One day I could be hosting a media conference or writing an article about what’s coming up, and the next, managing a Bollywood film shoot or filming with Danny Dyer.


Name: David Hayfield (30) Lives in: Lenham Job at Leeds Castle: Gardener How long in job: Nearly four years Best part of the job: Te exciting range of gardens to work in, especially the large Mediterranean Garden.


ON April 13, children’s TV Presenter Ben Cajee will open two fantastic new family attractions at Leeds Castle. Te brand new Knights’ Stronghold Playground is a thrilling new adventure playground designed for full on fun.


BETWEEN April 19-22, make ‘rubbish’ music at Leeds Castle in Kent. Join the Junk Orchestra on the Pavilion Lawn this Easter for daily musical ‘jamming sessions’. Create and play with instruments that have been cleverly constructed using bits of old rubbish. Founded by former STOMP member Saul Eisenberg, the Junk Orchestra use a super-sonic recycled collection of objects to create fun and fabulous music for the whole family to enjoy.


FOR more information and prices please visit the website www.leeds-castle.com.


Leeds Castle is just off junction 8 of the M20 and only one-hour’s drive from London. Grounds open at 10am daily and the Castle is open from 10.30am.


Maidstone East April 2019


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