ARUNDEL Castle has announced a bumper calendar of events in time for its re-opening on March 30.

The castle, which this year is celebrating the 950th anniversary of its initial construction, will have a schedule of 13 historical events.

Opening the season is firm family favourite Normans and Crusaders, which takes place over the Easter Weekend.

The event, set within a tented encampment, will give visitors a glimpse of life in the 12th century.

There will be combat and falconry displays across the weekend.

The Jousting and Medieval Tournament from July 24 to 29 is the jewel in the crown of the events calendar and 2018’s contest marks the tenth anniversary of the joust at Arundel Castle.

Competitors will fly in from around the world to compete in full armour on specially trained horses, some of which have appeared in Peaky Blinders and Poldark. As well as the excitement of the tilt rail, there will be hand-to-hand combat challenges and a host of crafts, displays and entertainment,.

For history enthusiasts, 12,000 Years of Combat takes place from August 25 to 27.

There will be five groups of re-enactors hosting time travelling combat displays which will take visitors all the way from the Stone Age through to the Victorian era.

Visitors should also take time to visit the breathtaking gardens at the castle, including stunning seasonal displays, the highlight of which is the Annual Tulip Festival in April.

Arundel Castle will re-open to visitors on March 30.

For more information, visit www.arundelcastle.org