- Tamworth Borough Council is running a series of events at Tamworth Castle this autumn
- Family Halloween adventure runs from 24 October–1 November
- Candlelit gothic storytelling on 24 October
- Spooky ghost walk through Tamworth, 30–31 October.
Tamworth Borough Council is pleased to announce a series of spooktacular events at Tamworth Castle this October. It’s the perfect time to explore the historic castle and have fun finding out more about the myths and legends of Tamworth’s haunted past.
History lovers and brave souls are invited to experience a packed programme of spooky events at the historic Tamworth Castle this autumn, including a brand-new Halloween adventure, a candlelit theatrical retelling of Frankenstein, an immersive ghost walk and a day of zombie-themed wargaming.
The Curse Beneath the Castle
Running from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, visitors to the castle will enter a mysterious Halloween adventure through one of the town's most historic landmarks.
Something has been disturbed beneath Tamworth Castle and visitors are being challenged to help restore an ancient magical protection before it is too late. According to the legend, during essential repair works at the castle, builders accidentally disturbed something that was better left alone. Strange sounds and shadows have since been reported throughout the building.
Long ago, the castle's stonemasons knew that something strange lurked beneath the building. To protect everyone, they created special Magical Mason's Marks, carving them into the stone to form a protective barrier and trap whatever was hiding below. But centuries have passed, and the marks have faded.
Now the ancient protections have been disturbed and whatever was trapped beneath the castle may be trying to escape. Visitors will need to search for the hidden Magical Mason's Marks, crack the secret code and restore their magical power before it's too late.
General castle admission applies: Adults: £11.95, OAP: £10.95, children aged 2–15: £9.95, children under 2: Free
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage, said: “Tamworth Castle is a remarkable part of our town's history, and this autumn we are giving visitors a chance to experience it in a completely different way.
“There is something for everyone in this year's programme, from a family-friendly Halloween adventure to atmospheric evening performances and a spine-tingling ghost walk through the historic streets of Tamworth.
“Whether you are a lifelong resident or visiting the town for the first time, we hope people will come along, discover the castle's fascinating history and enjoy a few spooky surprises along the way. Just be warned, you never quite know what might be lurking beneath the castle!”
Frankenstein: A Theatrical Storytelling Experience
On the evening of Saturday 24 October, the Castle's Great Hall will be transformed into a candlelit setting for an immersive theatrical storytelling experience inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
With Shelley writing her tale by flickering candlelight, audiences will be taken on a journey through Victor Frankenstein's fascination with science, his desperate quest to unlock the secret of life, the creation of the creature and the devastating events that follow.
But this is more than a story about a monster. The performance explores themes of ambition, responsibility, loneliness, prejudice and the human desire to be loved and understood, inviting audiences to question who the real monster is, the creature, his creator, or the society that rejects him.
Visitors can expect gothic storytelling, theatrical performance, atmospheric sound and candlelit spectacle in the extraordinary surroundings of the Castle's Great Hall.
Pre-booking is necessary. Tickets are £18 and the event is for over-16s only. A paid bar will be available on the night. Performance starts at 7.30pm – 9pm
Book tickets via: Box Office: 01827 709618, or online bookings: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk
Wandering Spirits: An Immersive Ghost Walk Experience
Back by popular demand, Wandering Spirits returns on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.
The ancient town of Tamworth has witnessed its fair share of dark deeds over the centuries, and this immersive ghost walk invites participants to explore the gruesome hidden history of the town's old streets.
Guides will reveal strange but true stories involving plague, highwaymen and crime – but walkers should be prepared for some unexpected company, as some of Tamworth's ghosts will be joining the journey.
Tickets cost £20, with performances at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and is for over-16s only. Pre-booking is necessary.
The walk starts from Gatehouse Lodge in the Castle Grounds.
Tamworth Games Club – Wargames!
For those who prefer their Halloween thrills on the tabletop, Tamworth Games Club will be taking over the Castle's medieval Great Hall on Saturday 31 October, from 11am to 3pm, for a special zombie-themed day of wargaming.
The Tamworth Wargames Club will showcase miniature figures and tabletop terrain, recreating battles and skirmishes from periods including Roman, early Medieval, Napoleonic and World War II history. For Halloween, however, the theme will be Zombies.
Visitors are welcome to watch the demonstrations or join in themselves. The event is included with general castle admission, with no additional cost or booking required.
Demonstrations will run from 11am until 3pm.
No pre-booking is required for the general castle admission or the Tamworth Games Club wargaming event.
For more information and to book tickets for the evening events, visit www.tamworthcastle.co.uk or contact the Castle box office on 01827 709618.
For full event details and to book tickets, visit: Tamworth Castle.