Hidden stories behind the castle walls to be revealed with a weekend of activities

BeccaS
If these walls could talk

28 February 2023

  • Creative weekend 10 March – 12 March at Tamworth Castle
  • Award winning authors, writers and poets, artists, dancers and theatre groups, will engage visitors over a packed weekend of entertainment
  • Special light projections on the castle curtain wall to celebrate the festival weekend.

Tamworth Borough Council is inviting castle visitors to join a festival weekend of diverse performances, workshops and celebrations, along with a light projection that will interpret the theme ‘If these walls could talk’, exploring Tamworth’s heritage and historical landmarks.

Tamworth Castle is hosting this packed weekend of entertainment from Friday 10 March to Sunday 12 March, with award winning authors, poets, dancers, theatre groups, storytellers, re-enactors and visual artists. From family-friendly storytelling to adults only performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A range of creative workshops plus a group debate with established writers and poets, will give visitors the opportunity to find out more about Tamworth’s rich heritage and the events the castle walls have overseen through the centuries. These workshops are ideal for students or people interesting in improving their skills and knowledge of creative writing and history.

A special light projection will celebrate the unique motte and bailey castle ahead of major restoration works to the curtain wall which will commence in March 2023.

During the weekend all admission tickets are half price and many workshops and performances are included in the admission price. Evening performances are charged at a reduced rate.

Writers and special guests will include Dawn Jutton - Staffordshire Poet Laureate with a performance of a bespoke poem; Maria Credali - storyteller, whose recent work includes commissions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and storytelling festivals across the UK, Marrakech, Ireland and Canada; Rosa Brown - artist presenting work through visual art; Shoebox Theatre; Kerry Featherstone; Sarah Reed; Sophie Draper - storyteller, plus Fired Up Theatre and Ami Radcliffe.

Join professional storytellers for two special unique evenings to experience a performance of storytelling and folk lore in an atmospheric space.

The first adult only evening is on Friday 10 March at 7pm -9pm. renowed storyteller Maria Credali as she explores the story of ‘Seven Years a Wolf’ - a tale of witchcraft, wonder and wolves from the days of King Arthur.

The story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in difficult circumstances, and touches upon the love of a father for his son, demonstrating that even in the most difficult of circumstances, life can be enjoyed. This inspiring story is brimming with beautiful imagery, survival against the odds, and the triumph of good over evil. A sensual delight!

The second adult only performance evening is on Saturday 11 March, when another award-winning author, Sophie Draper will perform her storytelling of ‘Dead Man's Knock’ - a tale about Tom, a rash young thief, as he languishes deep within the walls of Tamworth Castle, scratching each day into the stone.

The story describes how every crime has a consequence. A debt must be paid. And it all started with a deal Tom made with what he thought was a frail old woman. Join author Sophie Draper for this captivation story, as she weaves her twisty magic on tales inspired by the castle and its archive, coined from the stones and bones of British folklore.

Guests are invited to come to the Castle from 6pm on both evenings to enjoy a self-guided tour of the castle at dusk. From 7pm guests will enjoy the storytelling in the Great Hall. Tickets are priced at £5 each and refreshments will be available to purchase.

For further information about any of the activities, please contact the castle on 01827 709626 or visit: www.tamworthcastle.gov.uk.

Anna Miller, Assistant Director of Growth and Regeneration at Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Tamworth has a rich history as the ancient capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia and we are very lucky to have so many stories to share.

“We are excited to welcome a variety of talented people and groups to the castle for this festival weekend. Exploring stories and creative performances along with a projection on the castle walls, will ensure there is something to entertain people of all ages.

 

“Make sure you check the castle website as timings and prices do vary and some activities will need to be booked in advance.”