- Play Hard
- 15th Jul 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
Alnwick Castle after-hours: outdoor cinema, free music nights and live performances this summer
- Advertisement Feature
Alnwick Castle is throwing open its gates after-hours this summer with a jam-packed lineup of evening events.
From open-air cinema under the stars to free live music and a Shakespeare production with a difference, there’s a proper reason to get the diary out.
Whether you fancy a sing-along, a movie night with a picnic in hand, or an evening of folk music echoing round the castle courtyard, there’s something here for everyone.
Grab your blankets, pack your camping chairs and get these dates locked in.
HIGH LIFE NORTH TOP TIP: Why not make a full night of it with dinner at Motte & Bailey across the road beforehand? Their courtyard is a sun trap. Find out more about the spot here.
FREE MUSIC NIGHTS
The castle courtyard is opening its doors for two free evenings of live music this summer, both with food and drink available on-site.
Music Night: The Tides (featuring Alistair Anderson)
Wednesday 22nd July
This newly formed group brings together Paul Gee on guitar, Martin Dunn on flute and Alistair Anderson on English concertina for an evening of melodic folk. Gates open at 5pm with entrance from the iron railings, the first set starts at 5:30pm, followed by an interval and a second set from 6:30pm. Entry closes at 7:30pm and it’s completely free.
Music Night: The Shiremen
Wednesday 12th August
The Shiremen take to the courtyard with acoustic sets and rich vocal harmonies, mixing original songs with much-loved classics. This one is in support of Hospice Care Northumberland, with donations welcome throughout the evening. Gates open at 5pm, first set at 5:30pm, interval, second set from 6:30pm, and entry closes at 7:30pm.
OUTDOOR CINEMA SCREENINGS
Pack a picnic, a camping chair and a blanket, because Alnwick Castle’s outdoor cinema season is back with five brilliant screenings within the castle walls.
Outdoor Cinema: Dirty Dancing (12)
Thursday 30th July
Nobody puts Baby in the corner, and certainly not under an open sky at Alnwick Castle. Pack a picnic and blanket for the ultimate 90s classic. Gates open at 6pm, film starts at 8pm.
Outdoor Cinema: Queen (12A)
Friday 31st July
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. Gates open 5.30pm, film starts 7.30pm.
Outdoor Cinema: Wicked Sing-a-long (PG)
Saturday 1st August
Expect every unforgettable song, a room full of green and pink, and a dazzling night under the stars as this beloved musical comes to life outdoors. Gates open at 5:30pm, film starts at 7:30pm.
Outdoor Cinema: Star Wars – A New Hope (U)
Sunday 2nd August
The one that started it all. George Lucas’s sci-fi classic gets a fittingly cinematic setting at Alnwick Castle. Gates open at 5:30pm, film starts at 7:30pm.
THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
The HandleBards present Macbeth
Wednesday 19th August
For something a little different, catch The HandleBards’ high-octane take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Forget tears and tragedy, this version is full of mishaps, mayhem and mirth from a three-strong troupe touring the UK by electric van.
We all know the story: three witches promise Macbeth the crown, and things spiral rapidly from there as foul deeds are done and mysterious spirits appear. It’s suitable for all ages (and apparitions), and being an outdoor production, you’ll want a chair or blanket, a picnic and weather-appropriate layers. Under-fives go free. Runs from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
Fancy seeing everything else Alnwick Castle has on this year? Take a look at the full 2026 events lineup here.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.