Festive Events in Britain's Stately Homes
What
to do at the weekend, What's on at the weekend?
As the festive season
begins, many of England’s stately homes and castles open
their doors for traditional Christmas festivities.
Blenheim Palace,
the Duke of Marlborough’s stately home near Oxford, will
be decorated for Christmas from November 11 – December
10 . Experience the beauty and majesty of a great Palace at
Christmas. Christmas trees, decorations, choirs, organists
and bands bring the Palace alive.Visitors can purchase festive
gifts during the Living Crafts for Christmas event (Nov. 18-20).
Website: www.blenheimpalace.com
The Complete Working
Historic Estate of Shugborough in Staffordshire –ancestral
home of the Earl of Lichfield – will be hosting Candlelit
Christmas Evenings (Nov. 29-Dec. 2) and Festive Christmas
Days (Dec. 3-11). The Mansion House and Servants’ Quarters
will be decorated and candlelit, as costumed characters prepare
for a traditional 19th-century Christmas. Outside, a large
marquee will house stalls selling unusual Christmas gifts.
Website: www.shugborough.org.uk
The Christmas event
at Knebworth House near Stevenage – What a great idea
for that special Christmas gift and a great day out for the
family! Firstly choose one of the finest stately homes that
Hertfordshire has to offer and then invite some of the Country's
most gifted Craftsmen, Artists and Designers to attend. Add
lot's of Christmas music, food and drink to get you in the
mood and then let those who appreciate handcrafted unique
gifts and ideas visit. Finally complete the recipe with specialist
demonstration areas and plenty for the children to enjoy,
including free puppet shows, and you won't find a better event
to visit in the run up to Christmas. Saturday 2nd & Sunday
3rd December. Website: www.knebworthhouse.com
From early December,
Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire – the home of the Duke
and Duchess of Rutland – will open for special Christmas
events. During ‘Belvoir Decorated for Christmas’
(Dec. 4-9), visitors will shop for festive gifts and meet
Father Christmas. ‘Belvoir by Candlelight’ (Dec.
6-9) celebrates Christmas at the castle with choirs and carols.
Log fires and candles will illuminate the numerous performances
taking place throughout the castle. Come to Belvoir Castle
for your Christmas Shopping. The Castle will be superbly decorated
for Christmas and will have a truly festive air.
Sunday, December 03, 2006 to Friday, December 08, 2006 Website:
www.belvoircastle.com
Press contacts:
Blenheim Palace - Laura Harvey, Leader (Tel: 01564 796200,
e-mail: lh@leader.co.uk).
Shugborough – Russ Gethings, Staffordshire County Council
(Tel: 01889 881388, e-mail: russel.gethings@staffordshire.gov.uk).
Knebworth House – Christine Smith, Marketing, Knebworth
House (Tel: 01438 810931, e-mail: csmith@knebworthhouse.com).
Belvoir Castle – Amy Puttick, Hopwood (Tel: 0116 254
4472, e-mail: enquiries@hopwood.co.uk).
Images are available.
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