A two-day special celebration to mark the opening of Stirling Castle's refurbished Renaissance royal palace. Around 60 costumed performers will offer tours of the castle’s palace block, giving people a glimpse into life as it would have been in the royal court of the 1540s.
Numbers are being limited, and all tickets to the event must be bought in advance, to avoid overcrowding.
Weekend opening hours will, though, be specially extended so those without tickets will still be able to get into the castle and palace from 4pm, with the castle closing at 7pm. Stirling Castle Presents – a Palace Fit for a Queen will take place between noon and 4pm on both days.
The provisional programme includes:
- Royal procession – 11.45am, Saturday only: The arrival of the royal party to take up residence at the palace could be an impressive occasion – on the Saturday we will provide an idea of what it would have been like in the 1540s. The celebrations will begin with the horeseback arrival on the esplanade of Mary of Guise, dowager queen, and an outrider. They will be accompanied by a colourful royal party on foot. Alms will be dispensed to the crowd and a cannon fired from the parapets to announce their entry to the castle.
- Palace apartments: the refurbished royal apartments that were once the majestic residence of Mary of Guise and her young daughter, Mary Queen of Scots. A team of costumed interpreters will enable visitors to step back into court life of the 1540s, meeting the nobles, officials and servants who lived and worked in this wonderful building.
- Image Makers for the King: See the original Stirling Heads in a specially-created gallery and find out more about Renaissance Scotland.
- All the Queen’s Men – Great Hall: Mary of Guise and her daughter the ‘Llittle Queen’ will meet her courtiers and seek advice on important royal matters of the day.
- Military – Queen Anne Garden: Living history encampment, pike drill, musket firing, cannon firing and a challenge of combat by knights in armour.
- The Royal Feast – North Gate: See cooks and their assistants prepare a right royal feast – from sweets and sugar fancies to a boar’s head.
- Music and Dance – Great Hall: Dancers and musicians will perform the popular hits of the era – watch them strut their Renaissance stuff, and learn about the delights of a masqued ball.
Tickets
Stirling Castle Presents … A Palace Fit for a Queen will be by pre-ordered ticket only, with normal opening from Monday. Visiting hours have been specially extended so people without pre-booked tickets can come into the castle and palace from 4pm to 7pm (last entry at 6.15pm) on the Saturday and Sunday.
Event prices
Event tickets will cost £13 for adults, £10 for concessions and £6.50 for children. Buy tickets online (see link above).