A new Midsummer Carnival - complete with a UK first horse-riding stunt - is set to open at Warwick Castle this weekend.

Starting on June 11 the castle will start its month-long celebration f Tudor pageantry, marking the 450th anniversary of Elizabeth I's visit to the town.

In 1572 Elizabeth I was invited to visit Warwick Castle by Ambrose Dudley (the Earl of Warwick) who hosted a grand pageant for her within the grounds.

The fully immersive event will feature a gripping hippodrama - a theatrical performance in which scenes and spectacles involving trained horses and displays of horsemanship are combined with elements of traditional drama.

Visitors will also see a staged re-enactment of the arrival of Queen Elizabeth I in the courtyard, which will be decked out in flags, bunting and banners. 

The carnival will celebrate 450 years since Elizabeth I visited Warwick Castle

Entering on horseback, the iconic British monarch will take her place in the royal box overlooking the purpose-built jousting arena, before Shakespeare introduces his "new show".

Bringing a brand-new perspective and enthralling twist on a classic story, this retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream will treat audiences to daring horseback riding tricks, including a UK-first which sees a rider complete a full-circle stunt under a galloping horse.

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Bringing this Shakespearean marvel to life, the show will also feature pyrotechnics, dancing, royal celebrations and even photo opportunities with Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I themselves. 

Running from Saturday, June 11 until Sunday, July 10, Warwick Castle will also treat visitors to a Shakespearian welcome of famous sonnets at the start of the day, a minstrel's gallery playing modern songs with an Elizabethan twist, fire breathing and juggling.

Children and adults will also be able to meet the 'knights' garrison squad and take part in the knight school and head to 'Archers Alley' where they'll be enthralled by the skills of the expert bowman and can immerse themselves in crafting arrowheads, as well as sewing and weaving demonstrations.

For guests wanting a more hand-on experience, Midsummer Carnival offers plenty of opportunities to try their hand at archery, axe throwing and even jousting.

The River Island area of the castle's grounds will be home to an array of characters to meet, like the rat catcher, the rat catcher's apprentice, and a jester.

It will host a 'royal school' to learn the skills to live like a royal and there will be games including juggling, poi, diabolo and plate spinning. There will also be a food and drink area named 'The Queen and Castle'. 

The weekend also harks back to 1906 when the castle staged the 'Warwick Pageant', which took place from July 2 to 7, and featured two thousand performers.

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For more information and to book, head to www.warwick-castle.com