Winter is coming ……. and so is Mark Addy, Aka King Robert Baratheon to the highly acclaimed Winterfell Festival at Castle Ward on Sunday 16 September.

Special guests and entertainment will transform this historic National Trust estate, into Winterfell, home of House Stark in the world–famous HBO production Game of Thrones.  King Robert, played by Mark who has a central role in series one, will be making a special guest appearance at Castle Ward, the only heritage property used in the hit drama.

Mark, an award–winning actor and BAFTA nominee will host two intimate Q&A sessions at the Winterfell Festival where an audience of fans will have the opportunity to ask questions and get an insight on what it is like to be part of one of the biggest televisions shows in the world. 

Jacqueline Baird, General Manager Castle Ward comments; “Winterfell Festival continues to be a must–attend event for Game of Thrones fans and we are delighted to welcome Mark Addy, Aka King Robert Baratheon back to the home of the Stark family.

“Tickets to the sessions with Mark are free and will be available through the National Trust ticketing website from Wednesday 5 September at 10am; however visitors must already have purchased a ticket to the festival to attend the Q&A.  As places are limited, tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so fans are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Guests attending the session will also receive an exclusive signed photograph of Mark.

“For those who aren’t lucky enough to get their hands on a ticket to the sessions, there is still plenty of interesting and exciting activities to explore throughout the day across this unique site.  The King’s Tournament Games offers fans thrilling displays of Sword fighting, falconry and jousting from the Devils Horsemen.  Journey along the Kings Road to the Inn at the Crossroads, where characters from the show await; ‘Take the black’ with the Night’s Watch and spot the White Walkers near the barrows of the first men.

Armourer Boyd Rankin, who played blacksmith Mikken in Game of Thrones, will showcase a selection of the swords he forged for the show, and two of the original Stark family Direwolf Dogs, Grey Wind and Summer, will be making a special appearance. It really is an unmissable day out for all Game of Thrones fans.”

Day tickets for Winterfell Festival event, which is proudly supported by Tourism NI and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, cost £25 with access to a full programme of events and entertainment, and can be purchased in person at Visit Belfast, or online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winterfell.  Tickets for the sessions with Mark Addy are only available through the website. A limited number of tickets will also be available to purchase at Castle Ward on the day. 

For more information on Winterfell Festival 2018, tickets, and how to get there, head to The National Trust website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winterfell  

This event is independently operated by the National Trust and is not sponsored, endorsed or affiliated with HBO or anyone associated with Game of Thrones.

Supported by –

ENDS

For further information, please contact Louise Carson or Susan Jackson on 02890 663 000 or firstname@aikenpr.com

Notes to editors:

About the National Trust

The National Trust is a conservation charity founded in 1895 by three people who saw the importance of our nation’s heritage and open spaces and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy.  More than 120 years later, these values are still at the heart of everything the charity does.

Entirely independent of Government, the National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 778 miles of coastline and hundreds of special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

More than 24 million people visit every year, and together with 5 million members and over 65,000 volunteers, they help to support the charity in its work to care for special places for ever, for everyone.

For more information and ideas for great seasonal days out go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk