Normans storming Carrick once more

The smells, sounds and excitement of the era will be recreated around the castle area and town centre.

As part of the BBC Norman Season, the broadcaster, Carrickfergus Borough Council and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency are teaming up with a full programme of activities.

Radio Ulster's Saturday Magazine will be at the heart of the merriment with chat and music. Presenter John Toal will trade his microphone for a bow and arrow to hear the mysterious tales of the Norman knights on a treasure trail around the town's walls and will sample a feast fit for a king.

Pupils from Model Primary School will be singing as part of the celebration.

The castle area and town centre will be alive with walks, music, cookery and characters. Visitors can join in the fun from 10.30am - 4.00pm making candles, marvelling at the jousters, walking the Norman walks or eating from the conquerors' table.

The programme includes the following:

• a special Carrickfergus Normans’ Treasure Trail pack available from the library in the De Courcy Centre

• town wall tours by Ruairi O Baoill begin at the museum shop in the Civic Centre at 10.30am and 12.30pm or hear Ruairi speak in the comfort of the Castle from 1.30pm

• a full itinerary of activities in the castle and town from storytelling to candle making, to weapons displays.

BBC Hands on History - ‘The Normans’ has its own website bbc.co.uk/history/handsonhistory with a map of historical sites to visit, downloadable walks and Hands on History activities for families to try out at home. Teacher’s resources are also available as well as ideas for facilitators and group leaders to run history themed family workshops and events with groups. Activities include creating time capsules, designing family crests and cooking medieval recipes.