Outdoor Cinema is bringing Witchery back to Lancaster Castle

For the first time in over 400 years, witches and wizards will descend upon Lancaster Castle for a spectacular event ‘The School of Wizardry’ over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 25-29^th, with potion classes and charms lessons as well as outdoor cinema screenings from the Harry Potter series.

Formerly the site of the famous Pendle witch trials, the courtyards of Lancaster Castle will once again, be filled with wandering wizards, as actors and the general public (or muggles as they prefer to call them) don their costumes in preparation for a magical extravaganza.

Produced by live cinema experts Sneaky Experience, who specialise in bringing films to life, this is outdoor cinema like you’ve never seen it before with immersive theatrical performances, and a cast of larger than life characters causing chaos at the Castle. Audiences are invited to join in the fun, meeting everyone’s favourite characters and taking part in themed challenges, wizard school classes and games, building on the hosts ethos: Don’t just watch it! Be part of it!

The ticket price includes admittance to both The School of Wizardry and the film screening and audience members are encouraged to come dressed for the occasion. In Charms Class, pupils can make their own wands and learn the correct stance for casting the perfect spells, guests can create crazy concoctions in Potions lessons and then relax after class in The Sneaky Cauldron with a mug of ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butterbeer!’

Daytime events are suitable for all ages with plenty to keep wannabe wizards entertained. Alongside the wizard classes, there’ll be wand making in the craft tent, owl displays, magical performances and a wandering sweet trolley lady.

As darkness falls, evening ticket holders will learn how to mix cocktail potion shots in Potions Class, fight dark wizards and sip magical cocktails and mysterious craft ales in the Sneaky Cauldron, located in Diagonal Avenue Market where they will find spellbinding stalls selling cool crafts and mystical charms.

Sneaky Experience Director Julia Benfield said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring this event to Lancaster Castle as it is the perfect setting for our cast of witches and wizards, given the history and architecture of the venue. Our events are delivered in an unusual, exciting way which really engages audiences of all ages, who immerse themselves in the entertainment and join in, adding to the fun.

“We’ve worked closely with Lancaster Castle to provide local independent food and craft stalls, and really want to make sure we are supporting the local community through this event.”

These outdoor screenings promise to entertain fans of the Harry Potter films of all ages with the majestic backdrop of Lancaster Castle providing a fantastic setting for a magical experience. Tickets are priced from £14.50, which includes a 90-minute wizarding experience with classes, plus a film screening. For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.sneakyexperience.co.uk  or contact Lancaster Visitor Information Centre 01524 582394.

Event Schedule with Film Programme:

• Thursday 25th. 6.30pm: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1)
• Friday 26th, midday: Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone
• Friday 26th, 6.30pm: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Saturday 27th, midday: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Saturday 27th 6.30pm: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
• Sunday 28th, midday: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Sunday 6.30pm: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)
• Monday midday: Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone
• Monday 6.30pm: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2)