Carisbrooke Castle’s Summer Events Line-Up Revealed

Carisbrooke Castle will host a brand-new and high-impact family friendly English Heritage event and tournament.

This month's Pirates! event will offer an action-packed schedule for the family to enjoy.

The flagship event makes its exciting debut at Carisbrooke Castle for 2023 and will take place alongside firm favourites Legendary Jousts and Knights Tournament.

Those setting sail for a trip to the Isle of Wight can continue their nautical adventure at Pirates! from August 8-10 (next Tuesday to Thursday next week).

Visitors will watch some of history’s most famous pirates fight it out at close quarters, and listen to them tell their tales of booty, bounty, and barnacles.

The high seas adventures will continue throughout the castle with demonstrations and hands-on activities for any scallywag or salty sea dog to enjoy.

The next events will transport visitors back to medieval times to the castle’s heyday. The Knights’ Tournament, from August 15-17, will see four rival knights don their armour and battle for glory, ably assisted along the way by their trusty squires.

After four gruelling rounds to test each knight’s strength and skill, the winner will be crowned in a Grand Melee final to the cheers of spectators.

The full Tournament experience will be brought to life with a living history encampment in the castle grounds where the knights’ supporters will welcome visitors to see what life would have been like on the move for medieval soldiers.

Between 22 – 24 Aug the Legendary Joust will return to Carisbrooke.

A firm favourite of the island’s summer events, the Joust is an exhilarating spectacle of speed and courage.

Four legendary riders will charge at each other with lances in the grounds of the castle, all in the hope of securing the support of the crowds.

This is history’s most spectacular sporting content and not one to be missed.

Tom Woodhouse, Events Manager at English Heritage, comments:

“The Isle of Wight is a perfect setting for the Pirates! event which is taking place for the first time on the island this year, and will no doubt prove exceptionally popular.

"We always love seeing how involved our visitors – both locals and tourists – get in our events, by picking their favourite competitor to win the joust or fight and having a go at our activities too.

"The atmosphere in the castle will be fantastic this summer and will really bring history to life for everyone.”

In addition to the entertainment at the summer events, there is so much more to explore at Carisbrooke to enjoy a great value day out.

The quintessential romantic castle boasts panoramic views from its castle walls, the tranquil Princess Beatrice Garden, and its own herd of adorable donkeys.