This month Tamworth Castle will host a Festival of Stories weekend interpreting the theme ‘If these walls could talk’, exploring Tamworth’s heritage and historical landmarks.

Taking place from Friday 10 March to Sunday 12 March, the packed programme will see award winning authors, poets, dancers, theatre groups, storytellers, re-enactors and visual artists. From family-friendly storytelling to adults only performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A range of creative workshops plus a group debate with established writers and poets, will give visitors the opportunity to find out more about Tamworth’s rich heritage and the events the castle walls have overseen through the centuries. These workshops are ideal for students or people interesting in improving their skills and knowledge of creative writing and history.

A special light projection will celebrate the unique motte and bailey castle ahead of major restoration works to the curtain wall which will commence in March 2023.

During the weekend all admission tickets are half price and many workshops and performances are included in the admission price. Evening performances are charged at a reduced rate.

Writers and special guests will include Dawn Jutton - Staffordshire Poet Laureate with a performance of a bespoke poem; Maria Credali - storyteller, whose recent work includes commissions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and storytelling festivals across the UK, Marrakech, Ireland and Canada; Rosa Brown - artist presenting work through visual art; Shoebox Theatre; Kerry Featherstone; Sarah Reed; Sophie Draper - storyteller, plus Fired Up Theatre and Ami Radcliffe.

Professional storytellers will host two special unique evenings of storytelling and folklore in an atmospheric space. The first adult only evening is on Friday 10 March at 7pm - 9pm with renowed storyteller Maria Credali as she explores the story of ‘Seven Years a Wolf’ - a tale of witchcraft, wonder and wolves from the days of King Arthur. The second adult only performance evening is on Saturday 11 March, when another award-winning author, Sophie Draper will perform her storytelling of ‘Dead Man's Knock’ - a tale about Tom, a rash young thief, as he languishes deep within the walls of Tamworth Castle, scratching each day into the stone.

Guests are invited to come to the Castle from 6pm on both evenings to enjoy a self-guided tour of the castle at dusk. From 7pm guests will enjoy the storytelling in the Great Hall. Tickets are priced at £5 each and refreshments will be available to purchase.

For further information about any of the activities, please contact the castle on 01827 709626 or visit: tamworthcastle.co.uk.