SOPHIE BROWNSON takes a look at Castle events over the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekends

FAMILY events will be held at Wales’ many castles this May Bank Holiday, as Cadw kick starts the spring season.

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, has announced a series of fun family events that will take place over the extended weekends.

Caerphilly Castle will celebrate the bank holiday in a medieval fashion, as visitors can witness the firing of the Mighty Siege Engines, while visitors at Raglan Castle can have a go at archery.

For the Spring bank holiday, on May 27 visitors can observe authentic 17th century cooking in Tretower Court and Castle or dress up as a knight and fight in a battle at Chepstow Castle.

More than two million people visit Cadw’s 128 sites every year to explore captivating castles, palaces, abbeys, industrial and prehistoric monuments.

The aim of the events is to give visitors the chance to discover the fascinating stories behind the historic sites, combined with a fun day out.

John Griffiths, minister for culture and sport, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our sites over bank holiday weekends. Our sites and events programme offer a great day out for families, keeping visitors entertained as well as giving them an opportunity to learn about Wales’s dramatic stories.”

For more information, visit cadw.wales.gov.uk

May Bank Holiday weekend:

RAGLAN CASTLE-May Day Magic and Mayhem at Raglan Castle Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5.

From 10am to 4pm May Day at Raglan Castle will better than ever before with events catering for fun for all ages.

Events over the bank holiday weekend include have-a-go archery and weapons displays together with the local wise woman’s spells and charms.

There will also be trails, craft activities and quizzes to bring together the elements needed for a truly magical time.

Children are invited to become a knight or princess of the castle with a fancy dress pageant at 2pm.

CAERPHILLY CASTLE – The Mighty Siege Engines at Caerphilly Castle Sunday, May 5, and Monday, May 6.

From 11am to 4pm Visit Caerphilly Castle and see the building brought to life with the sights, sounds and smells of the medieval world.

The highlight of each day will be the firing of the siege engines, the ultimate weapons of war of the time, casting massive stone ball ammunition into the moat.

Spring Bank Holiday weekend:

CAERPHILLY CASTLE Saturday May 25, Sunday May 26 and Monday May 27 From 11.00am to 4.00pm

This bank holiday weekend a band of mercenary archers will defend the mighty Caerphilly Castle.

Find out how the archers lived, ate and fought in the early 1400s by seeing their swords, daggers, shields and armour for yourselves.

For more information, call 02920 883143.

WHITE CASTLE Sunday May 26 and Monday May 27 From 11.00am to 4.00pm

Join the castle’s historical characters as they re-live medieval life. Sword play, archery, arrow fletching, and pole arms will be demonstrated together with the explosive hand gun. Weaving, spinning, butter-making and cookery will show the gentler side of life in medieval Wales.

For more information, call 01600 780380.

CHEPSTOW CASTLE Sunday May 26 and Monday May 27 From 11.00am to 4.00pm

Visitors are invited to explore the castle as it would have been in hundreds of years ago this bank holiday weekend.

Children can have a go at a range of activities, from dressing up as a knight to fighting in a battle.

For more information, call 01291 624065

TREROWER COURTAND CASTLE Sunday May 26 and Monday May 27 From 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Experience life in the 17th century at Trerower Court and Castle.

Meet the Castle’s historical characters as they cook over an open fire, and take part in family activities, such as historical games and expect plenty of noise as the musket is fired.

For more information, call 01874 730279.