Game of Thrones Winterfell Festival set for Castleward

9 August 2017

FANS of the phenomenally successful medieval fantasy series Games of Thrones will be delighted by the Winterfell Festival at Castleward next month.

The National Trust has invited members of the public to step into the world of the Stark family at Castle Ward on Sunday, September 24, for the one-day event.

Winterfell will give visitors the opportunity to discover the setting of the Stark family home, see first-hand theatrical re-enactments from the fantasy television series, meet an actor from the show, watch spectacular games unfold in a mystical landscape and enjoy lively music, local food and much more.

The festival promises to fully immerse Game of Thrones fans into George R. R. Martin’s mythical world of Westeros.

Set within the 820 acre historic demesne on the shores of Strangford Lough — Westeros and Winterfell Festival await discovery.

Festival gates will open at 11am and at noon a fanfare will herald the arrival of the King’s procession as he visits House Stark at Winterfell for The King’s Tournament Games.

Irish Arms, a historical reproduction company, will perform a series of medieval jousting shows on horseback throughout the day.

Sword sparring, archery demonstrations, jesters and falcon flights will add to the atmosphere in the tournament ring where visitors will be able to feast on roast hog washed down with local cider.

Amongst the medieval themed stalls, armourer Boyd Rankin, who starred as Mikken in Game of Thrones, will showcase a selection of the weapons he forged for the world famous TV series.

Special guests will also include two of the original Stark family Direwolf dogs.

The iconic Winterfell Tower House will be open throughout the day and fans can join Winterfell Tours on a skirmish to Audley’s Castle before having their very own Green Screen photo taken in the Winterfell Courtyard where the Stark family famously lined up for the King’s arrival.

An interactive show and workshop with Shadow Puppets themed on Game of Thrones will take place in the historic courtyard and can be enjoyed by all.

Travellers will also be encouraged to walk down the Kings Road to the Inn at the Crossroads where they can pull up a pew and listen to stories from A Song of Ice and Fire Series One being performed by Footsteps theatrical company, while dining on venison pie and ale.

Winterfell Festival is a ticketed event only and tickets, which are £22.50, are expected to sell out fast. They can be purchased from by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winterfell Full event details can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward

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