Can you tell us what Castlemas is all about?
It’s a ten-day festive event that will provide the local community with a chance to come together and immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas. As well as a shop-local Christmas Market, there will also be aJingle Bell Bar and a sprinkling of snowfall every evening! At the heart of the Castle lawn will sit an enchanting heated Igloo Theatre that will host a variety of shows for all the family. Workshop experiences will be held in the Castle Chamber Room and Santa will be in his Grotto, ready to welcome one and all this Christmas.
What made you want to put on a festive event like this?
Last year friends and family were unable to celebrate Christmas together. Therefore we wanted to create a magical experience for people to enjoy together again. Castelmas is a celebration of our local community, the arts and of course Christmas. The Igloo Theatre will host over 40 fantastic performances and the shop-local Christmas market, in association with the TN card, will welcome over seventy local independents and TN card Partners. The aim is that everyone attending Castlemas will be able to watch or do something to tailor their own experience with what we have on offer.
How did the idea for the ten-day festive extravaganza evolve?
We wanted to bring a variety of entertainment to our town and after producing several events at the Castle, we felt it was the right location! The aim is to enhance the Christmas festivities within our local area and create a new seasonal tradition for people to return every year. At Bravo we have a huge passion for both the arts and our local area. It is time for the Castle to be brought to life this Christmas with an event that brings the whole community together.
Has it been quite a challenge to pull together?
As we are bringing together so many performances, people and businesses together, we would be lying if we said it wasn’t a challenge, but,we’re lucky enough to have a real support system around us. Like so many, coming out of the pandemic has often felt overwhelming as we adjust and get settled back into routines. As Castlemas is a new event, we have to work extra hard to establish those relationships with businesses and people — It’s kind of like setting up a new business each time you set up a new event! But we are so lucky to have people who trust us, understand us and work alongside us to make this a December to remember.
What do you think people will enjoy most about Castlemas?
We hope that people will love the atmosphere of the Castle being brought to life with Christmas magic. Castlemas will deliver the warmth and beauty of Christmas, the feeling of community and unity after this long two years. We are also delighted that Castlemas will also have its very own beer brewed by the wonderful Constellation Brewery!
What’s on at Castlemas
There will be performances by West End Royalty Kerry Ellis, Magician Ben Hanlin, Comedienne and Singer Jess Robinson, BGT’s The D-Day Darlings, Queenz, The Dreamboys and much more. There will also be heaps of children’s entertainment! Purchasing a ticket also guarantees access to Castlemas on the day of your chosen performance.
Although entry to Castlemas itself is free, non-ticket holders and walk-in customers will only be granted access to The Jingle Bell Bar and Mistletoe Town if we have not reached our capacity limits.
Wehighly recommend booking a free ticket to one of our attractions to ensure you can make this an experience to remember! Purchasing a ticket to a performance in The Igloo Theatre, a Workshop Experience or a Santa’s Grotto visit, grants guaranteed access to Castlemas.
