Hever Castle jousting returns for 40th anniversary

Hever Castle's popular jousting returns this summer for its 40th anniversary season, this year with a new theme: Battle of the Queens.

Taking place on selected weekends in July and August, the long-running jousting tournaments by the Knights of Royal England will feature stunt riding, choreographed medieval combat and

To mark the 40th anniversary, the Battle of the Queens theme was added, a light-hearted story inspired by two of the castle's most famous Tudor connections: Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves.

Duncan Leslie, CEO of Hever Castle, said: "Reaching 40 years of jousting is a fantastic milestone."

He said: "The Battle of the Queens theme adds a fun, creative layer to the experience, while still keeping the authenticity and quality of the historical performance at its core."

There will also be newly redesigned heraldic livery - the colourful costumes and horse decorations used in the arena.

The last time a new costume was introduced at Hever Castle was in 2012, when Sir Sam of Hever was first presented in his own colours.

Over the select weekends, visitors will be able to watch the jousts in the main arena or explore the castle's summer gardens and historic grounds.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.