School community project launched to celebrate Castle in Bloom

School children in County Durham have been invited to take part in a creative art project to celebrate gardens, flowers and nature.

Following the launch of Castle in Bloom, a floral installation which has seen Raby Castle and the visitor buildings throughout its grounds transformed with breathtaking arrangements inspired by nature, Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is encouraging children at over 15 schools to design and create a canvas inspired by their own interpretation of the installation.

With all key stages able to participate, Raby is welcoming a wide range of ideas and creative approaches, with designs reflecting the gardens, nature, seasonal colour, wildlife, history, or what Raby means to the children personally.

Completed canvases, which need to be submitted before Friday 22^nd May, will be displayed in the Servants’ Hall at Raby Castle, where they will be visible to visitors until Monday 31^st August when the Castle in Bloom installation ends.

Emma Chalder, groups and schools coordinator at Raby Estates said:

“We hope this creative art project will give pupils the chance to explore creativity, place-based inspiration, and community involvement in a meaningful and memorable way.

“This is also a wonderful opportunity for pupils to see their artwork exhibited in a historic setting and to feel part of a large-scale community celebration.”

One of the highlights of Castle in Bloom can be found in the Entrance Hall and up into the Baron’s Hall, showcasing contemporary designs created by renowned florist Anna Potter from Swallows and Damsons, as her installation explores the contrast between dark and light.

Several local suppliers and creators have also contributed to Castle in Bloom, both inside the Castle and throughout the wider experience at Raby, including Periwinkle Barn, Opulence and the Beetle, and Blooms by Samuel Baker.

For the May bank holiday weekend from Saturday 23^rd to Monday 25^th May, the celebration of the great outdoors and nature continues with the return of Raby’s popular Spring Garden Fair.

A major highlight in the lifestyle destination’s calendar, the three-day event at the start of the May half term will see Raby’s team of expert gardeners lead tours and talks with additional talks and horticultural and floristry demonstrations hosted by prominent figures in the industry, alongside a live drawing class in the Walled Gardens and live music in the amphitheatre.

Stalls brimming with inspiration for outdoor living will be in the Riding School, with further plant stalls in the Walled Gardens and for families, there are hands-on and creative activities including making flower crowns and seed planting in the gardens, as well as hopping on a tractor ride through the scenic Deer Park.

Families can also head to the woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest, which will be hosting Cyril the Squirrel’s Plotters’ Party for the May half term. Little explorers need to hunt high and low to collect party items as the other woodland animals are throwing a party to welcome Cyril to the playground.

Another creature-inspired trail awaits at High Force Waterfall, as families will get to stomp into a pre-historic world of fun during the half term and keep their eyes peeled for friendly dinosaurs hiding along the way.

Raby’s family explorer ticket, which provides access to everything at the lifestyle destination, will also include entry to Castle in Bloom and the Spring Garden Fair and is £60 for two adults and two children when booked online in advance.

For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-in-bloom/