Belvoir Castle is marking the long awaited re-opening of the castle and gardens with a celebratory 1940s knees up weekend reminiscent of a street party as the country re-emerges into a more hopeful future.

Swing bands, an aerial Skirmish display, re-enactments, historic vehicles and tanks, tales from veterans, live music, dancing and a Vintage Fairground with Swing Boats, Chair-o planes and hook-a-duck will take place on the lawn and cannonades in front of the Leicestershire castle on 22 and 23 May.

Belvoir Castle rises like a fairy palace over the plains of the Vale of Belvoir and is one of the finest regency homes in England, boasting a treasure trove of stunning binge-worthy interiors, and re-opens on Monday 17 May.

With its new Regency tearoom - The Avery - in the Castle serving afternoon tea, a visit this season will be a must for those wanting a real-life Bridgerton experience. The revamped tearoom is a confection of pale blue and white with gorgeous globe chandeliers, bird themed murals and decorative flower arches, with dainty dishes served on beautiful china.

Among the highlights of the upcoming season will be the chance to go behind the scenes of England's finest Regency castle as a personal guest of the Duchess of Rutland and hear about the parties and balls thrown by the 5th Duchess of Rutland at the height of the Regency era as well as 'the nuts and bolts of living in England's most romantic and most impractical castle.'

Emma, Duchess of Rutland, said: "We are so excited to be throwing open the doors of our castle once again. We have lots planned for the new season, so I do hope to see both our valued regular visitors and some new faces coming to discover this special place."

Advance online timed tickets for morning and afternoon slots can now be booked for the Castle and Garden from 17 May, with prices starting from £9 for child, £18 adult. Friends of Belvoir enjoy free entry and no need to pre-book.

Season highlights include:

Duchess Days

25 June and 24 September

Be a personal guest of the Duchess for a behind the scenes tour of just about all there is to see: the Castle's State Rooms including the glorious Regent's Gallery and Elizabeth Saloon (both inspired by Versailles), the Ballroom, the Old Kitchen and of course the magnificent gardens and a 'tour on wheels' of Capability Brown's extensive park, plus lunch or afternoon tea with Her Grace.

www.belvoircastle.com/product/duchess-days

The Great Gatsby Outdoor Theatre

Thursday 8 & Friday 9 July 2021

Be transported back to the 1920s and join Heartbreak Productions and the Nick Carraway quartet for an evening of jazz, prohibition style. Everyone is encouraged to get their glad rags on, work on their best Charleston, and have a cocktail glass at the ready! Served up with a twist of iconic Heartbreak style, this outdoor adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is the perfect way to mark 100 years since prohibition.

www.belvoircastle.com/product/the-great-gatsby-2

Belvoir Castle Flower & Garden Show

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 July

A weekend of colour and inspiration for those with a love of gardening, some of the UK's finest nurseries and growers provide plenty of opportunities to purchase something special while wonderful show gardens and borders provide inspiration with their design and planting combinations. New for 2021 include The CED Stone Group 'Design a Show Garden' competition, the Jonathan Mosley Challenge Trophy, a landscaping demonstration and a Willow sculpture demonstration, all set in the stunning Capability Brown parkland.

www.belvoircastleflowerandgardenshow.co.uk

Summer Concert

Saturday 21 August

Listen to tribute bands in a beautiful lakeside setting.

Tickets on sale soon.

Festival of the Horse

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 September 2021

A brand new event at Belvoir to celebrate all things equestrian with thrilling displays, demos, competitions along with a shopping village and fun for all the family.

More details to be announced.

Halloween Activities

Saturday 16 – Sunday 31 October 2021

Regency Christmas

15 November – 23 December

27 December – 5 January 2022

Keep an eye out for exciting news of Belvoir's biggest ever Christmas season.

For more information on the season ahead and to book tickets for a Castle and Garden visit and the 1940s Weekend, visit www.belvoircastle.com

Located in rural Leicestershire's Vale of Belvoir, Belvoir Castle has been the home to the Duke of Rutland's family since 1067. Pronounced 'beaver', its name derives from the meaning 'beautiful view' in French and dates back to Norman times.

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