Have you ever wanted to attend a real-life school of witchcraft and wizardry? Bothwell School of Witchcraft, East Sussex’s real-life answer to Hogwarts, has just completed its first over-18s LARP (Live-Action Role Play) event.
Visitors had the chance to learn magic skills and cast spells in the spellbinding surroundings of the 15th-century moated Herstmonceux Castle.
Stuart Munnich from organisers Rogue Events Limited said the historic and pictureseque venue helped heighten the excitement. Talking of the first time they visited the Castle: “When we arrived at Herstmonceux for the first time we knew immediately that it was the right place. It just felt magical.”
The event, described as being in the style of a murder mystery with charms, curses and potions, took place at the castle from 11-13 August. Each person had their own character to play – which they were able to develop throughout the event – and can be sorted into any one of four houses.
Of the experience, Ann Glasgow Towers on Facebook wrote: “I had a ball! The organizers and the players put so much work into making this a fantastic weekend. It was well organized, there was a great deal of attention to detail, and everyone was so nice. It was a dream come true.” Another Facebook review, Gina Hooper wrote: “I had a fantastic experience over the weekend, and I’m one hundred percent going to another. The amount of love that went into making this school into a reality genuinely shines and it’s almost palpable in the community pre and post event. Fantastic work guys.”
Tickets were sold for around £400-500 each for the three days and two nights, with accommodation at the castle and meals included in the price.
Robes supplied – but the wand had to be self-supplied. After all, the wand chooses the wizard!
This event was being run with other magic schools from the United States and Poland, which have already attracted massive interest in both nations.
For more information on this truly magical experience, which hopes to be back next year, check out the Bothwell School website.
