- Play Hard
- 8th May 2026
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Alnwick Castle has a brilliant line-up of evening events this summer
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From outdoor cinema under the stars to live theatre and literary talks, Alnwick Castle is pulling out all the stops this summer with a packed programme of evening events.
Whether you fancy a sing-along, a night at the movies with a picnic in hand, or an evening with one of the UK’s most celebrated historians, there’s something here for everyone.
Grab your blankets, pack your camping chairs and get these dates in the diary.
Book Talk with Alison Weir: The Boleyn Secret
When: Thursday 10th July, 6.30pm
Price: £12.50 for general entry, or £32.50 for a book and entry combination ticket
Bestselling historical novelist and leading Tudor historian Alison Weir returns to Alnwick Castle to talk about her latest novel, The Boleyn Secret. With over thirty books and three million copies sold worldwide, Alison is one of the most respected names in historical fiction, and this promises to be a fascinating evening. You’ll also get a rare chance to see documents from the castle archives relevant to the book, which is a pretty special touch.
Outdoor Cinema: Andrea Bocelli (PG)
When: Wednesday 29th July, gates open 6pm, film starts 8pm
Price: £17.37
If you haven’t experienced outdoor cinema at Alnwick Castle yet, this is one seriously impressive way to start. Celebrate 30 years of Andrea Bocelli with a showing of his anniversary concert, filmed at the iconic Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Expect all the greatest hits plus guest appearances from Ed Sheeran, Shania Twain, Brian May, Plácido Domingo and more. Pack a picnic and settle in for an unforgettable evening.
Outdoor Cinema: Dirty Dancing (12)
When: Thursday 30th July, gates open 6pm, film starts 8pm
Price: From £17.37. Premium and Director’s View tickets are also available
Nobody puts Baby in the corner, and nobody should miss the chance to watch this absolute classic on a huge open-air screen within the castle walls. Dirty Dancing under the stars with a picnic and your best mates? That’s a yes from us. Get ready for all the music, the romance and those legendary dance moves.
Queen Outdoor Cinema Celebration (12A)
When: Friday 31st July, gates open 5.30pm, film starts 7.30pm
Price: From £22.97. Premium and Director’s View tickets are also available
This one is part movie night, part party. Watch Bohemian Rhapsody on the big screen, sing along to every iconic anthem, then dance the night away to a Queen and 80s disco afterwards. 80s fancy dress is very much encouraged, so dig out the leather jackets and neon headbands and lean right in.
Wicked Sing-A-Long (PG)
When: Saturday 1st August, gates open 5.30pm, film starts 7.30pm
Price: From £17.37. Premium and Director’s View tickets are also available
Pink really does go good with green. If you fell in love with Wicked at the cinema, imagine experiencing it all over again on a huge outdoor screen at Alnwick Castle, surrounded by fellow fans singing every word. A bewitching night out for all ages.
Star Wars: A New Hope (U)
When: Sunday 2nd August, gates open 5.30pm, film starts 7.30pm
Price: From £17.37. Premium and Director’s View tickets are also available
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… and now, right here within the walls of Alnwick Castle. Watch the original Star Wars on the big screen in one of the most atmospheric outdoor settings you could ask for. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or introducing the next generation, this is an evening you won’t forget.
The HandleBards present Macbeth
When: Wednesday 19th August, 6.30pm
Price: £20.50
Forget everything you think you know about Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy. The HandleBards are bringing their hilariously high-octane take on Macbeth to Alnwick Castle, and it’s packed with mishaps, mayhem and plenty of laughs. This intrepid three-strong troupe tour the UK by electric van, bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the country. Bring a chair, a blanket and a picnic, and dress for the weather.
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ
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