Tickets for this weekend’s grand opening of our Renaissance royal palace are in hot demand.  Hundreds of people have been visiting our website in the last few weeks to book advance tickets for our launch event Stirling Palace Presents – A Palace Fit For A Queen.

Most of the families who’ll be joining us for our fantastic celebrations on Saturday and Sunday are from the Stirling area and Central Scotland region, but we’re also looking forward to welcoming people from right across the country – including some from Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point of the British mainland.  And in addition to visitors from throughout the UK, we’re expecting attendees at the palace launch from all over Europe and as far away as Canada and the USA.

All of our ticket holders have taken up our suggestion of booking in advance to avoid disappointment.  Priced at £13 for adults, £6.50 for children, and £10 concessions, our launch tickets offer fantastic value for money as we’ve a superb programme of entertainments lined up for our big event.

A huge cast of costumed performers including jesters, musicians, dancers, swordsmen, cooks, nobles - and, of course, two 16th century queens – will be putting on a great show with lots of fun for all ages.  There really will be something for everyone – from sword fights and cannon firing to fashion, cookery demonstrations and dancing.

And of course the star attraction at our launch event is the palace itself, as we unveil its six magnificently refurbished royal appointments which are presented in the opulent splendour of their 1540s heyday when they were home to dowager queen, Mary of Guise, and her young daughter Mary Queen of Scots.

Whilst there will be some tickets available at the castle gate on Saturday and Sunday, don’t risk missing out on experiencing everything and do book now!

And when you come along at the weekend, do take advantage of the special park and ride arrangements which will be in place.  As it will be very full, we’re having to close the castle esplanade to parking for our opening weekend.  Buses will therefore run regularly from the Castle View Park and Ride off Junction 10 of the M9 – just follow the signs for Stirling Castle Weekend Event. The buses will take passengers up to the esplanade, with the last trip back to the business park at 7.20pm.  See you there!

Ellen Drummond Ferroni, Stirling Castle Communications