Diwali - the Festival of Lights at Corfe Castle
Celebrate Diwali - the Festival of Lights - with performances, storytelling, crafts and food stalls. The evening format is designed specifically for Diwali, which is authentically a festival experienced after dark.
- Booking essential
Visitors will arrive through a ceremonially decorated entrance featuring rangoli, floral installations, and ambient lighting. A marketplace of regional Indian food stalls will be complemented by a central performance stage hosting traditional and contemporary dance, live music, and storytelling with themes exploring the meaning of Diwali: light over darkness, hope, and community.
A dedicated children's activity zone will offer hands-on rangoli-making, arts and crafts, and storytelling workshops. The event will culminate in a diya-lighting ceremony, a shared symbolic moment in which all visitors are invited to participate, with site-wide illumination using the castle's ruined silhouette.
This event is co-created with the BPC Indian Community, a long-standing South Asian community partner in Purbeck.
Please note this is a ticketed event and booking is essential, there will be no tickets available on the day.
Adult tickets (18+): £10 Child tickets (5-17): £5 Under 5s: free entry
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult 18 years + | £10.00 |
| Child 5 - 17 years old (0 - 4 years old free entry) | £5.00 |
The basics
- Booking number
Call 0344 249 1895
- Accessibility
The Diwali event takes place in the Outer Bailey with step free access. Beyond the Outer Bailey (to get to the castle Keep at the top of the hill) involves steep slopes and steps. Please note there is a 10 - 15 minute walk from The NT Welcome Centre car park. For any further accessibility information please email corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01929 481294.
- Meeting point
At Corfe Castle's Ticket Office, The Square, Corfe Castle, Near Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
- Suitability for children
This is a family friendly event.
- What to bring and wear
Wear clothing appropriate for an outdoor event, including exploring castle ruins on a cold October night: Warm clothes and sensible footwear for outdoor uneven ground surfaces.
- Other
Please note this is a ticketed event and booking is essential, there will be no tickets available on the day.
Upcoming events
Home and Hearth: Archaeological finds exhibition
Delve into the past and discover more about everyday life at Corfe Castle. This exhibition, hosted in Castle View Welcome Centre, showcases fascinating small finds from archaeological excavations.
Summer of Play at Corfe Castle
Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle this summer with games and activities for all the family.
The New Famous Five and the Forgotten Treasure
Think like a detective and explore Corfe Castle on a trail of clues and puzzles inspired by The New Famous Five by Chris Smith, inspired by Enid Blyton.
Outdoor Theatre: As You Like It
Illyria returns to Corfe Castle this summer with Shakespeare's As You Like It.