On Saturday 8 December and Sunday 9 December, Manx National Heritage invites you to journey back to a different kind of Christmas at the Royal Court of Castle Rushen and celebrate ‘A Medieval Christmas’.
This special event commences from 12.30pm and includes the opportunity to experience Christmas traditions from hundreds of years ago. Discover how Christmas celebrations have evolved and where some of our modern traditions have come from through a series of amusing activities and entertaining shows.
Castle Rushen will be decorated in true medieval style to mark the occasion using ‘topsy-turvy’ Christmas trees and evergreens including holly, yew, mistletoe, box, laurel and sweet cicely, many collected from the nearby gardens at Rushen Abbey.
Jade Foster of Manx National Heritage said:
“Castle Rushen is set to come alive with the sights, smells and sounds of A Medieval Christmas, and promises to be a great day out for all the family. ‘Lord Stanley’ himself will be in attendance & he cordially invites you to join in the fun and festivities of the day. Come along and boo, hiss and cheer at the ‘Robyn Hoode’ play, performed by Port St. Mary Cabaret Party or participate in some mischief with the Lord of Misrule as he performs for Lord Stanley. Aspiring young princes and princesses will have the opportunity to make their own masks and crowns adorned with jewels and feathers”.
Guests can also discover the Medieval Twelve Days of Christmas in a series of talks by the Lords and Ladies in residence. Children can fight for their fair maiden or handsome knight in a joust on the hobby horses. Medieval music group ‘Renaissance’ will entertain guests throughout the afternoon, and guests are invited come in Medieval attire for the grand parade of masks and crowns at 4.30pm led by the Lord of Misrule, a prize will be awarded to the finest dressed Lord and Lady.
The day will conclude with carol singing by candlelight in Castle Rushen Courtyard at 4.45pm.
Themed refreshments make a feast fit for a king, including roast hog, mince pies and festive tipples available for an additional charge, whilst Castle Rushen Shoppe will be open throughout the event selling gifts for every discerning Lord, Lady, nobleman and peasant.
Admission to the event costs £4 for children, £8 for an adult, £6 for members of the Friends of Manx National Heritage and £20 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). No further concessions available. Advance tickets are available from the Manx Museum and online at www.manxnationalheritage.im. Admission tickets can also be purchased on the door and inclusive rail tickets are available from the Welcome Centre.