This will be incredible.
Ireland’s biggest Game of Thrones festival is the rightful place for a king but not just any ruler will do. Winter is coming and so is Mark Addy, aka King Robert Baratheon.
Oh yes, ‘Ours is the Fury’ because the former ruler of the Seven Kingdoms will be attending Winterfell Festival at Castle Ward, Down on Sunday 16 September.
With Game of Thrones recently finished filming in Northern Ireland, Addy’s presence is a lovely way of bringing things full circle because as fans of the show will know, the scene where King Robert’s family meet the members of House Stark in the very first episode was actually filmed in Castle Ward. In fact, it’s the only heritage property that’s used in the show.
Throughout the history of Game of Thrones, Robert Baratheon has been an integral figure in the history of Westeros. After his betrothed, Lyanna Stark, was abducted by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Lords Brandon and Rickard Stark rode to King’s Landing to rescue her. Ultimately, both men were killed.
The Mad King then demanded that Lord Jon Arryn send him the heads of Lord Robert Baratheon of Storm’s End, and Eddard Stark, now the Lord of Winterfell after the deaths of his father and older brother. Rather than hand his wards over to House Targaryen, Jon instead raised his banners in revolt and set in motion the events that would lead to the show we all love so much.
Ultimately, Robert Baratheon killed Prince Rhaegar during the Battle of the Trident but as we learned at the end of Season 7, Robert’s Rebellion was built on a lie.
Rhaegar and Lyanna actually loved each other very much.
Game of Thrones fans will be delighted to know that there will be two intimate Q&A sessions at the Winterfell Festival where an audience of fans will have the opportunity to ask Mark Addy some questions and get an insight on what it is like to be part of one of the biggest televisions shows in the world.
Speaking about this latest addition, Jacqueline Baird, General Manager Castle Ward, has said that “Winterfell Festival continues to be a must-attend event for Game of Thrones fans and we are delighted to welcome Mark Addy, aka King Robert Baratheon back to the home of the Stark family. Tickets to the sessions with Mark are free and will be available through the National Trust ticketing website from Wednesday 5 September at 10am; however visitors must already have purchased a ticket to the festival to attend the Q&A.”
“As places are limited, tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so fans are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Guests attending the session will also receive an exclusive signed photograph of Mark.”
Aside from this Q&A, there’s also going to be plenty of incredible activities to explore throughout the day. The King’s Tournament Games offers fans thrilling displays of sword fighting, falconry and jousting. Fans will also get the chance to ‘take the black’ by joining the Night’s Watch in their battle against the White Walkers.
Armourer Boyd Rankin, who played blacksmith Mikken in Game of Thrones, will also be available to showcase a selection of the swords he forged for the show, and two of the original Stark family direwolves, Grey Wind and Summer, are also making a special appearance.
Day tickets for Winterfell Festival event will cost £25 (around €28) with access to a full programme of events and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased in person at Visit Belfast, or online here.
It should be noted that tickets for the sessions with Mark Addy are only available through the website but a limited number of tickets will also be available to purchase at Castle Ward on the day.
Winter is here.
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