Hever Castle, the former childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is a picturesque Tudor estate in Kent, England, that hosts a variety of captivating festivals and events throughout the year. From the grand Hever Festival to the lively May Day Weekend celebration, visitors can immerse themselves in the castle’s rich history while enjoying a diverse range of performances, activities, and experiences.
Hever Festival
The Hever Festival is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the arts and history of Hever Castle. Held from March to September, the festival features an open-air theatre with multiple venues set within the castle’s stunning gardens. The 2024 programme promises a diverse lineup, including theatre productions, jazz and classical music concerts, comedy acts, and tribute performances. Highlights include “The History Festival at Hever Castle,” “The Circus of Curiosities,” and “A Cavalcade of Noel and Cole.”
Tickets for the Hever Festival are available for purchase, with Hever Castle Annual Members receiving a 10% discount on ticket prices and catering. Annual Members also have a two-week priority booking window starting from March 6, 2024. For those who want to enjoy even more benefits, the Festival Friends program offers discounted ticket rates and priority booking, among other perks.
May Day Weekend Festival
The May Day Weekend Festival at Hever Castle is a celebration of traditional English festivities, offering a delightful mix of activities and entertainment. From May 4-6, 2024, visitors can witness the interactive traditional May Day play and maypole dancing, as well as performances by the Merry Men Players, who will bring the legend of “King Arthur – Legend of the Sword” to life.
Visitors can also meet Robin Hood, Maid Marion, and the Sheriff of Nottingham, who will share tales of their adventures, and book a time slot for face painting. Throughout the festival, the award-winning gardens and grounds of Hever Castle will be open for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Behind the Scenes Tours
During the May Day Weekend Festival, some rooms in the castle will be closed until June 25. However, visitors can still enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour, which provides a unique opportunity to explore areas of the castle that are not typically accessible to the public.
Golf and Wellbeing
In addition to the festivals and events, the Hever Castle Estate offers a 27-hole golf course and a Wellbeing Centre with five treatment rooms, providing visitors with opportunities to relax and unwind during their visit.
General Information
The grounds of Hever Castle are open until 6 pm, and the audience can enter from 6:30 pm for evening performances. Visitors can bring their own picnics or dine at the Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant, and there are opportunities to stay overnight within the Hever Castle Estate.
Whether you’re interested in history, the arts, or simply seeking a unique and memorable experience, the festivals and events at Hever Castle are sure to delight and captivate. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this enchanting Tudor estate.
References
- Hever Festival. (n.d.). Hever Festival: Welcome. Retrieved from https://heverfestival.co.uk
- Hever Castle. (n.d.). Festival Theatre | Hever Castle. Retrieved from https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/festival-theatre/
- Hever Castle. (n.d.). Events Archive | Hever Castle. Retrieved from https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/
- Hever Castle. (n.d.). May Day Weekend 2024 – Hever Castle. Retrieved from https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/may-day-weekend/
- Hever Festival. (n.d.). Performances – Hever Festival. Retrieved from https://heverfestival.co.uk/index.php/performances/.