OKEHAMPTON Castle’s annual Bluebell Sunday celebrations return on Sunday, May 15. Visitors will be able to enjoy free entry to the historic site, music and singing by The Wren Trust, morris dancing, a butterfly hunt, and pond-dipping throughout the day. The team from English Heritage who run the castle will be on hand to share tales of Okehampton’s past – as well as collecting memories of the castle and Bluebell Sunday.

The event marks the changing of the seasons and the coming of the bluebells throughout the castle’s woodlands. It has been a highlight of the Okehampton calendar since 1917 when local benefactor Sydney Simmons gifted the castle to the Okehampton Castle Trust for the inhabitants and visitors of the town to enjoy the Castle in future years, making this the 99th year of celebrations. Ahead of the 100th anniversary in 2017, the castle team are this year asking for residents of Okehampton to share their memories of the day.

Site Manager Rowan van Houben said: ’Bluebell Sunday is such a well-loved tradition in the town, that I am sure there are many people with tales and warm memories of the event – and we would love to hear them. We’re hoping to put together an exhibition of memories, so ask that anyone with stories or photos to share comes and sees us on Sunday, or gets in touch with us here at the castle.’

Alongside the packed programme of activities, the star of the show will of course be the bluebells themselves. Okehampton Castle is surrounded by beautiful woodland and countryside, making it a great place for walks throughout the year. There is an impressive array of flowers and wildlife to spot whatever the season – but the castle is particularly famous for its swathes of bluebells in late spring. Coming into bloom just in time for Bluebell Sunday, they are a delight of Devon not to be missed.

Today a picturesque ruin, Okehampton Castle was once the largest castle in Devon. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives.

After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin. Now in the guardianship of English Heritage, the castle is open daily throughout the summer.

Bluebell Sunday will be held from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, May 15, and entry is free. Anyone with memories to share can visit the castle in person, get in touch on 01837 52844, or by e-mail at [email protected]