Tudors on Tour

Over the May bank holiday weekend, 2 – 4 May 2015, King Henry VIII and his courtiers will take up residence at Tatton Park, Cheshire, as part of Tudors on Tour; an outdoor family festival staged for the very first time by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for six royal palaces including the Tower of London and Hampton Court, the Tudor monarch's famous pleasure palace.

Festival goers will be transported back to the year 1526 where they will be regaled with authentic stories and experience all the excitement of the Tudor court on Royal Progress. In Tudor times, the monarch and the royal court would embark on a royal progress, traveling around the realm whilst staying in the castles and manor houses of nobility. The local population would be expected to receive the king or queen and host elaborate events in their honour with great displays of pageantry taking place alongside music and delicious foods. Tatton Park is one of the country's most complete historic estates, celebrated for its Tudor Old Hall, making it an ideal setting for this family festival.

Tudors on Tour will recreate some of the most spectacular celebrations that would have been enjoyed by Henry VIII, bringing the Royal Progress to life in the 21 ^st century. Visitors will get a chance to join the court and meet costumed interpreters portraying key characters from Henry's reign. A bustling marketplace will showcase traditional crafts including wood carving, stone masonry and blacksmithing, with an armourer and leather worker also displaying their skills. A spectacular jousting tournament will also be staged for His Majesty's pleasure. Visitors will be able to explore Hampton Court Palace through the cutting edge 360 degree Pop Up Palace. The weekend promises to offer a unique opportunity to experience all the splendour of the Tudor royal court on tour.

Tickets can be purchased at www.hrp.org.uk/tudorsontour and include access to the festival and all the royal activities taking place, including jousting, performances and workshops. You may even meet the King (if you prove worthy)!