Tickets on sale now for History Alive: Knights, Queens and Time Machines living history event Sunday 3 and Monday 4 May 2026
History will burst into life at Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire this May Bank Holiday with an immersive living history spectacular spanning almost 2,000 years. On Sunday 3 and Monday 4 May 2026, visitors are invited to step through the centuries at ‘History Alive! Knights, Queens and Time Machines’, which will feature more than 200 re-enactors, storytellers, enthusiasts and performers who will transform the Castle grounds into a vibrant timeline of British history.
Kimbolton Castle is set within the grounds of Kimbolton School and is best known as the final home of Katherine of Aragon – providing a powerful backdrop for a weekend dedicated to the sights, sounds and stories of the past.
At the two-day event, which is being organised by the Kimbolton School Parents’ Association, visitors will be able to explore authentic living history camps representing the Romans, the Medieval period, Tudor court life, the English Civil War, Williamite pageantry, and the First and Second World Wars. Offering an up-close look at how people lived, worked and fought throughout history, the event will see specialist groups, covering multiple eras, demonstrate battlefield tactics alongside domestic crafts.
Attendees can expect thrilling displays and dramatic demonstrations including:
- A spectacular Elizabethan four-horse Tudor joust
- A War of the Roses late Medieval grand battle
- Skirmishes featuring muskets and cannons
- Sword and pike drills
- An array of incredible WWII vehicles.
Tudor households and Elizabethan performers will share the stage with late Medieval combat displays and English Civil War living history. The Williamites and Georgians – reflecting the Castle’s Vanbrugh era – will be represented with a horse and cannon display in the main battle arena.
Twentieth-century history will also be strongly represented, with the British Army, American Forces and the 8th USAAF taking part in a large display area. This will feature vehicles and enactors from The Matlock Pals, the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) and the 82nd Airborne infantry division. There will be a full display including desert jeeps as seen in the hit TV show ‘Rogue Heroes’. Local heritage groups connected to former WWII airbases including Podington and Kimbolton will also be participating, alongside others who will help show what base life and wartime Britain was like.
David Prew, a representative of Kimbolton School Parents’ Association, commented:
“Knights, Queens and Time Machines brings history out of the textbooks and into real life. With its rich royal associations and centuries of history, Kimbolton Castle provides an unforgettable setting for this large-scale celebration of Britain’s past. There is something truly powerful about seeing nearly two thousand years of history unfold where Katherine of Aragon spent her final days. We’re delighted to welcome so many talented re-enactors to Kimbolton Castle and look forward to visitors of all ages experiencing this unforgettable celebration of Britain’s past.”
Will Chuter, Headteacher at Kimbolton School, added:
“Kimbolton Castle lies at the very heart of our school – not just geographically, but as the living embodiment of our heritage and identity. Our pupils learn each day in the shadow of centuries of history, and this event celebrates the extraordinary story that surrounds and inspires our community. To see the Castle and its grounds transformed into a vibrant journey through time is incredibly special for the school, and we are proud to share this unique setting with the wider community for what promises to be a truly memorable May Bank Holiday.”
Alongside the living history experiences, visitors can browse around 30 traditional period and craft stalls, with more to be announced shortly. On-site live crafting will include copper work, glass work, painting and other heritage skills, offering a rare opportunity to see traditional techniques in action. A range of food concessions will also be available throughout the weekend, including classic cream teas and other refreshments – perfect for making a full day of the event.
