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WILD KEEP WEEKEND expands with crafts, wellbeing & live music
WILD KEEP WEEKEND EXPANDS PROGRAMME WITH NEW FAMILY ACTIVITIES, LIVE MUSIC & HANDS-ON CRAFTS
Following strong early interest, Hedingham Castle has unveiled an expanded programme for its brand-new WILD KEEP WEEKEND, taking place this May Day Bank Holiday (Sunday 3rd & Monday 4th May 2026), with an exciting line-up of new activities, live performances and immersive experiences for all ages.
Created in partnership with the Essex Wildlife Trust, this vibrant two-day event celebrates nature, heritage and traditional craft in the spectacular surroundings of the medieval castle and its 160-acre estate.
What’s New?
Visitors can now enjoy an even richer programme included within the Entry Pass, featuring:
Forest School sessions run by Essex Wildlife Trust, offering hands-on outdoor learning experiences for children and families
Guided wildlife walks led by Essex Wildlife Trust experts, exploring the estate’s unique biodiversity
Free castle tours with Hedingham’s in-house historian, bringing 900 years of history to life
Live music from local artists across both days, creating a lively festival atmosphere
Become a Brick Detective with Bulmer Brick & Tile - uncover clues about the history and skill that went into everything from garden walls to Historic Royal Palaces.
WILD KEEP BioBlitz - visitors are invited to record wildlife across the estate using the freeiNaturalist app, to contribute to real conservation data while discovering the incredible variety of species on site
In addition, new bookable activities include:
Solar Panel Houses Workshop (ages 5+) delivered by Colchester Institute (£6 add-on), combining creativity with sustainability in a fun, accessible way
Celebrating Craft
In an increasingly fast-paced and screen-led world, engaging in traditional crafts has been widely recognised for its calming and mindful benefits - encouraging focus, reducing stress and offering a sense of satisfaction that comes from making something real and lasting with your bare hands.
At WILD KEEP WEEKEND, the focus is on endangered and traditional crafts, with an expanded programme of demonstrations and workshops. Visitors can watch skilled makers in action, including Henry Moore (Pot Punk) from the popular TV series, The Great Pottery Throw Down. And for those visitors keen to get stuck in, a range of hands-on craft workshops are available to book for a small additional fee. Current sessions include:
• Introduction to Linocut Printing
• Floral Beadcraft
• Embroidery
• Willow Weaving (including baskets and bird feeders)
The workshops offer a rare opportunity for visitors to access small-group tuition with skilled artisans in a unique setting. Spaces are very limited to ensure participants benefit from a personalised experience, so advance booking is strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment on the day.
A Unique Setting for Nature & Heritage
The Hedingham estate is a micro-biodiversity hotspot, while the 900-year-old Norman Keep - which is effectively the “world’s biggest nesting box” - provides a home to birds of prey, pollinators and other wildlife within its ancient walls.
Alongside the new additions, the weekend also features:
• Conversations with acclaimed local authors including Jules Pretty, James Canton, Michael J. Warren and Richard Negus
• Open-air theatre: The Mushroom Show! by Scratchworks Theatre
• Nature-inspired storytelling with Shane Ibbs
• Family yoga mini-sessions
• Makers’ Market showcasing local artisans and producers, in association with Wonky Wheel Art Gallery
• Wild Encounters Zone with animal handling
• Full access to the Norman Keep and gardens
In a commitment to conservation, a portion of every Entry Pass will be donated to Essex Wildlife Trust to support their vital work across the county.
“We’ve been delighted by the response so far and are excited to expand the programme even further,” says Steffi Dry, Events & Marketing Manager at Hedingham Castle. “This is a weekend designed to inspire curiosity and connection - with nature, with heritage, and with the traditional skills that are at risk of being lost.”
“We’re also really passionate about the craft element of the weekend,” adds Steffi.. “In a world where so much of our time is spent on screens, there’s something incredibly powerful about using your hands to create something real. These workshops give people the chance to slow down, switch off and reconnect - not just with traditional skills, but with that sense of focus and calm that comes from making something tangible. It’s a small but meaningful antidote to the pace of modern life.”
Event Details
Dates: Sunday 3rd May & Monday 4th May 2026
Time: 10am–4pm
Location: Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DJ
Tickets: Entry passes range from £14–£19.50. Under 4s and carers go free. Discounted family tickets available.
Workshops and add-on sessions must be booked separately and are subject to availability.
For more information, to view the full programme or to book tickets, visit:
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/wild-keep-weekend