The Christmas Kingdom is open!
Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas Kingdom 2023 is now open!
Visitors of all ages queued to be the first to enter the festive extravaganza, which sees our staterooms transformed into a spectacular series of festive displays, designed by theatrical genius Charlotte Lloyd Webber.
This year’s theme is the Enchanted Myths and Legends of Northumbria, inspired by the folkloric stories, traditions and pastimes of Bamburgh Castle and North East England. Our staterooms have become a magical world of fantastical forests where fairies flit and banquet, Selkies and mermaids sport by mythical pools, Yule traditions are celebrated and legendary characters marvellously reimagined.
Claire Watson-Armstrong of Bamburgh Castle said: “The Christmas Kingdom is just breathtaking and a festive feast of wonder for everyone.
“I love that this is a completely unique Christmas experience to Bamburgh Castle while showcasing our magnificent region, our coast and its stories and legends. It brings to life your fantasies of a dazzling Christmas experience full of wonder and delight.
It truly is a Christmas experience like no other and we are so excited to be able to share it with our visitors and together celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the magic of the season.”
Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “Bamburgh Castle is steeped in stories from its rich folklore tradition dating back centuries. The occasion of Christmas presents a wonderful opportunity for us to conjure these tales for the delight of visitors of all ages.”
Many of the installation’s characters have been designed and hand-made by Berwick-upon-Tweed based sculptor and prop maker, Mandy Bryson. Using mixed media 3D art combining sculpture, textiles and painting, Mandy also uses ‘faux taxidermy’ – an alternative to actual taxidermy.
Mandy said: “It has been so exciting to have been involved sculpting some of the mythical creatures for this year’s Christmas Kingdom at Bamburgh Castle with pieces that look as if they’ve stepped straight from a fairy tale.
“Having sculpted for Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace it means so much to me to get the chance to make pieces for Bamburgh Castle. I am born and bred a Northumbrian and it is such an honour to have my pieces showcased in such an iconic and magical setting.
“My favourite is the seal head. He has such soulful eyes that just melt your heart! The Castle is so atmospheric and magical, especially seeing it dressed for Christmas”.
Bamburgh Castle visitor services manager Karen Larkin said: “Christmas is all about making memories and our Enchanted Kingdom is a magical way for families and friends to spend time together and enjoy the most wonderful time of year.
We are thrilled that Bamburgh tops the festive list as the place to visit to enjoy the most wonderful time of year. Our Christmas Kingdom has become part of people’s festive tradition to visit, which is brilliant.”
As well as the Christmas Myths and Legends installation you can book now for Christmas Wreath Making workshops to make and adorn your very own festive Wreath in the glorious setting of Bamburgh Castle. Visit bamburghcastle.com to book.
Other festive events include carol singing, festive treats and mulled wine in the castle’s Clock Tower Café and enjoy a spot of shopping in the Castle’s pop-up Christmas shop.
