(cont)

historical re-enactments and lectures from in-house textile, furniture and military experts, to chart topping pop performers and theatre.

“By the time we open to visitors in the spring time it’s important to be able to showcase a programme which has something for everyone.” Says Emma. “We’ve really tried to up the ante year after year – we really want to involve the local community and attract families to our home.”

May will see a packed programme of events at Belvoir Castle, with a particularly historical emphasis; Knights and Squires battle each other during Jousting Festivals on the weekends of 4th and 5th May and 25th & 26th May, whilst a Civil War re-enactment takes place on 11th May and a rather more industrial Steam Festival and Family Show provides a fun day for everyone showcasing the best in vintage steam machinery and agricultural ephemera. A traditional Morris Dancing Festival with folk musicians performing around the castle takes place on May 17th & 18th. Meanwhile, June and July see a series of countryside and family events, whilst August features a huge Civil war re-enactment weekend with over 1,500 horses and artillerymen in what’s believed to be the largest event of its type in Lincolnshire.

In addition to creating the programme of events and overseeing the management of the winter maintenance programme, The Duchess also oversees some of the more substantial restoration projects in and around the Castle – following a terrible 2007 summer and the 2008 earthquake, not to mention the Easter snow just when the finishing touches are being added to the new woodland garden and newly restored five mile woodland walk, to be opened this year by TV Fantasy Garden designer Ivan Hicks.

“We’re custodians of the castle for future generations.” Says Emma. “It’s a constant battle to protect the fabric of the building from harm and to preserve it faithfully. The priority this year, for example, was a £100,000 programme of repair to the leaded roof. We’ve also a veritable army of experts skilled in the restoration of books, carpets and artillery.”

 “The enchanted forest project has been really exciting too... we’re hoping to bring to life the gardens surrounding the castle with a walk