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Historic Events at Drumlanrig
PRESS RELEASE
The UK’s Leading Jousting Team Join Historic Events Programme at Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate
As the summer holidays get underway, Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate prepares to step back in time this month with a medieval performance from the UK’s leading jousting team and magical open-air performances of the classic love stories Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice.
The forthcoming ‘Knights and Squires’ event, which will take place on Sunday 18th July, will see the UK’s top jousting team, the Knights of the Damned, perform a breathtaking variety of medieval shows full of stunts and horsemanship.
The 80,000 acre country estate, which was recently named as Best Country Park in Scotland by Pete Irvine in his publication Scotland the Best, is the perfect setting for this event. With a costumed display of jousting at its very best, Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate’s ‘Knights and Squires’ event will feature heroic mounted knights and their squires hone their skills with a series of exciting and breathtaking stunts incorporating choreographed foot fights with swords, flaming fireballs and unyielding quarterstaffs.
In addition to the breathtaking display of medieval jousting, visitors to the five star attraction will be able to witness birds of prey demonstrating their natural flying abilities during an informative lunchtime display.
The five star Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, which is located in the heart of rural Dumfries and Galloway, is fast proving a popular venue for top class events. Presenting itself as the ideal venue for families looking to fill the summer calendar, Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate offers a varied selection of activities and events throughout the month of July to occupy and entertain all members of the family.
Also taking place this month are two magical open air theatre performances; Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Staged on the Oval Lawn in the shadow of the majestic Drumlanrig Castle, these two well-loved classics are performed by the highly regarded and established Illyria.
Illyria last performed Romeo and Juliet 10 years ago when it was hailed the Critic's Choice at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Sandra Collinge, Event Manager at Drumlanrig Castle comments, “We are delighted to be welcoming Illyria to Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate. The two performances taking place this month promise refreshing and original adaptations of the English classics which both regular theatre goers and first timers are guaranteed to enjoy.”
Concluding the month’s events is the monthly Drumlanrig Farmer’s Market, which is one of the largest farmers’ markets in the south of Scotland and will take place on Sunday 25th July between 11am and 3pm. The produce, which is predominantly from the local Dumfries and Galloway region, includes everything from delicious baking to delectable local honey, flavoured cheeses to hand-crafted savoury pies, organic fish and meat to organic soaps and shampoos.
Sandra Collinge, Event Manager at Drumlanrig Castle comments, ““We have designed this year’s summer programme with the aim of appealing to all our visitors and encompassing all ages. Whether you are a parent looking for a family-friendly event, a foodie interested in sampling local produce, or an arts lover interested in the theatre, we have something for everyone.”
For further details on any of the above events or to book please call 01848 331555 or email enquiries@drumlanrig.com.
Notes to Editors
• Drumlanrig Castle is a 5* VisitScotland attraction set on the 80,000 acre Queensberry Estate complete with Country Park and Victorian Gardens.
• Drumlanrig Castle is the Dumfriesshire home to the Duke & Duchess of Buccleuch & Queensberry.
• Admission to the Knights and Squires event; Cost: Adult £9, Child £5, Family Ticket £24 (2 adults + 2 children). Season Ticket Holders - Adult £4, Child £2, Family Ticket £10 (2 adults + 4 children)
• Admission to the open air performances; Cost: Adult £11, Child £5, Family Ticket £28 (2 adults + 2 children)
• Admission to the Farmers Market is £1 per person
• The opening hours for the 2010 Season are:
Gardens & Country Estate: Friday 26th March – Sunday 24th October, daily 10am – 5pm
Castle: Friday 26th March – Tuesday 31st August, daily 11am – 4pm (educational and private groups at other times by request)
Country Estate, Visitor Centre, Gardens and Stableyard will be open throughout the season from 10am at weekends and during school and bank holidays.
• For further information on Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, visit www.drumlanrig.com or call 01848 331555.
Ends
For further media information and photographs, contact Hilary Davies at View Marketing on 01463 470994.