Castle jousting events to continue for five years

Jousting events will take place at Warwick Castle between late May until early September

Jousters will continue entertaining visitors at Warwick Castle for the next five years, after councillors granted permission for the event.

A two-year permit for a jousting arena on River Island, within the castle’s grounds, expired this year, with operators Merlin Attractions requesting an extension from Warwick District Council.

The show is now permitted to take place between late May and early September until 2029.

Nine people objected to the plans, but Warwick Town Council backed the designs on the basis of additional footfall and the knock-on benefits for the local economy.

Lucy Hammond, planning officer from Warwick District Council, said that shows were typically 30 minutes long and put on twice per day during the permitted months.

The district council’s report read: “The physical changes to the jousting arena are considered minor in nature and do not increase the level of harm associated with the proposal.”

The plans, which are "almost identical" to those in place over the past two years, were approved unanimously by councillors.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.