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CastleFest launched in Scotland

As part of new efforts to attract visitors, Historic Environment Scotland has launched Castlefest, which will combine live performance events at historic sites along with online and virtual elements.

The festival began last weekend and will run until Sunday 1 August with visitors able to enjoy and interact with costumed historical characters or take part in virtual storytelling sessions. An interactive behind the scenes tour will also come direct from the iconic Edinburgh Castle, whilst the castle kitchens at Stirling will invite you to experience court life of the past.

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Castlefest will take place physically at the following sites with interactive sessions running at other participating sites.

  • Aberdour Castle
  • Blackness Castle
  • Caerlaverock Castle (activities will not take place in castle whilst essential maintenance work is ongoing but instead will be in the castle grounds)
  • Craigmillar Castle
  • Dunstaffnage Castle (activities will not take place in castle whilst essential maintenance work is ongoing but instead will be in the castle grounds)
  • Huntly Castle
  • St Andrews Castle
  • Stirling Castle
  • Urquhart Castle

“We’re encouraging everyone with an interest in Scotland’s rich history to take part in CastleFest and enjoy everything it has to offer,” says Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at Historic Environment Scotland. “With great live performances as well as online events, we’re looking forward to an exciting summer of fun, as we run a range of events to provide visitors of all ages with the opportunity to immerse themselves in over 700 years of history.

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“We’re delighted to have so many collaborators involved in the programme, in what is a really strong line up and would encourage people to visit our website for a chance to book for a historical experience of your choice.”

As part of Castlefest and to coincide with the Scottish school summer holidays and the Scottish Government’s Get Into Summer campaign, kids under 16 accompanied by an adult, can get free entry by pre-booking online.

To learn more, please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website.

Top Image: Caerlaverock Castle – photo by Paul Stevenson / Wikimedia Commons

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