Birthday bash gets off to a flying start
Jun 29 2009 by Sara Nichol, The Journal
ANORTHUMBERLAND town took a step back in time and came alive with celebrations as two surprise volunteers took to the sky for charity.
The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland both took a zip wire off Alnwick Castle on the last day of the Hotspur Festival and raised cash for HospiceCare yesterday.
The weekend-long celebrations, which marked the 700-year anniversary of the Percy family buying the castle, saw an influx of visitors to the town, who enjoyed concerts, local food and farmers’ markets, historical exhibitions and colourful processions.
On Saturday the streets came alive with sword fighting displays, street artists and music. And local schoolchildren showcased their artistic talents, displaying banners they had created especially for the anniversary.
Alnwick Castle opened its doors free of charge on Sunday as a gesture of goodwill to the community by the Duke and his family, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of a new exhibition, the Kielder Birds of Prey display team and a magician.
The first half of the exhibition paid tribute to the festival’s namesake, Harry Hotspur, with his life story brought to life through shadow puppetry as well as a new audio visual put together by the Duke.
Event organiser Katie Drummond said: “We were delighted the Duke and Duchess decided to take part for this fantastic local charity.
“It’s great to see them get involved with community events and we hope they both enjoyed the experience.”
Welcoming visitors to the festival, the Duke said: “I sometimes wonder if the Percys will still be here in 300 years to reach our own millennium.
“I can only hope that each generation of Percys can maintain the passion and do ‘its bit’ to retain the continuing strong link between the castle, town and family.”
To kick-start the celebrations, The Playhouse opened it doors on Friday night as it hosted the premiere of a special commemorative performance of music commissioned especially fort he festival.
Funding of the festival was made available through the Rural Development Programme, with an added contribution from The Northumberland Estates, Alnwick Town Council, Northumberland County Council, Alnwick Cultural Management Board and other local sponsors.
Carys Thomas, chair of Alnwick Community Development Trust, added: “We were delighted to be behind such a great event for Alnwick.”
