Warwick Castle to star in Channel 4 Christmas programme

The programme goes behind-the-scenes to show preparations for this year’s Christmas offerings, following a cast of staff as the castle gets ready to open for the festive season
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Warwick Castle is starring of in a new Channel 4 documentary, which is being shown this week.

“Christmas at Warwick Castle” follows the castle team as they prepare for an unusual Christmas in 2020.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The programme goes behind-the-scenes to show preparations for this year’s Christmas offerings, following a cast of staff as the castle gets ready to open for the festive season.

The elves at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick CastleThe elves at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle
The elves at Warwick Castle. Photo by Warwick Castle

Filmed over six weeks in November and December, the show gives a unique insight into the activity leading up to the launch on December 5, and how the team works together to pull off a Covid-secure Christmas.

Operations director Liam Bartlett oversees the installation of not only the light trail but also the castle’s ice rink - which returned this year after making its debut in 2019.

Meanwhile, head Elf Elle Thomas (aka Twinkletoes) leads the castle’s team of characters who help bring Christmas to life for guests of all ages.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Head of conservation Val Goldman details the work that goes into dressing the castle’s interiors for the festive season including a 20-foot Christmas tree in the Great Hall, with head of historical interpretation Melissa Perry showing off some of the Castle’s historical Christmas collection including a hundred-year old sleigh.

Part of the light trail at Warwick CastlePart of the light trail at Warwick Castle
Part of the light trail at Warwick Castle

Nick Blofeld, divisional director for Warwick Castle, said: “We’re delighted Channel 4 chose to feature Warwick Castle - anyone that has visited the castle knows that we always put on a big show for Christmas, and this year has of course been especially challenging.

"It’s thanks to our fantastic team, and some amazing creativity, that we’ve managed to make Christmas 2020 at the castle into one of the best yet, from the brand new light trail to the bigger-than-ever ice rink, and a winter market for the first time.

"For the time being, we can only welcome local visitors so this documentary is a great opportunity to showcase it to the rest of the country.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

All attractions at Warwick Castle have been organised with guest safety as priority, with compulsory advance booking for timed slots and strict capacity limits to ensure that everyone can socially distance as well as temperature checks on arrival and sanitising stations.

The ice rink at Warwick CastleThe ice rink at Warwick Castle
The ice rink at Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle’s Christmas offering as seen in the show runs until Sunday, January 17 2021. Tickets must be pre-booked in advance at www.warwick-castle.comChristmas at Warwick Castle is made by ITN Productions and airs on Channel 4 on Tuesday (December 22) at 9pm.

Related topics: