Castlefest 2024. It was a sunny Sunday in August, when I first stepped onto the magical grounds of Castlefest. An event that literally takes you back in time. In the wooded landscape of Keukenhof Castle in Lisse, it felt as if I had stepped into the Middle Ages. The atmosphere, the people in costumes, and the impressive surroundings made me feel completely immersed in this unique world.
Watch my video here: Castlefest 2024 in Lisse.
What is Castlefest 2024?
Castlefest is an annual Medieval and Fantasy festival that has been held in the gardens of Keukenhof Castle since 2005. Every year, during the first full weekend in August, thousands of visitors gather to enjoy the rich culture and history this event offers. The festival lasts four days, with a special opening concert on Thursday. One of the most memorable moments is the burning of the Wicker on Saturday, a ceremony that visitors are unlikely to forget.
First Impressions of Castlefest 2024
Upon arrival, I thought I had already seen the festival grounds from the outside—a group of white tents in the woods. But when I actually entered the grounds, I realized just how vast and extensive Castlefest really was. It began at Woodland Village, a bustling area full of tents with merchandise, food, and a stage for performances. Here, you could also relax at Village Square, where you could grab a bite to eat or even get a massage at the Lifestyle Plaza.
Costume Party and Photography
What makes Castlefest so special, is the way the visitors dress. All around me, I saw people in the most beautiful costumes. Although I had my camera with me, like many other (hobby) photographers, I noticed that most people were focused on enjoying the moment. It was refreshing to see that the experience itself took center stage, rather than the need to capture everything on camera.
A Forest Full of Adventure
An impressive part of the festival was the LARP Battlefield (Live Action Role Play) in the forest. Here, visitors could participate in improvisational theater and fully immerse themselves in a chosen character. There was also a special LARP Village for children, where they could get acquainted with this fantasy world through play.
Heathen Gang
One of the highlights of my day was my visit to Heathen Gang, a spiritual place within Castlefest. Here, witches, priests and priestesses gathered to celebrate life through rituals, drum circles, and dance. The warmth and hospitality of the people here made it a place where I spent hours, just soaking it all in.
The Castle and Its Domains
When I finally walked further, my path took me to the heart of Castlefest: the castle itself. Here, it was bustling with people sitting on the grass, playing games, or sword fighting. Around the castle, there were plenty of photo opportunities, especially for those in costumes who wanted to have their photo taken. There was also a large stage, the Forest Stage, where performances took place throughout the day.
The Magic of Meadow Fields
Behind the castle I found Meadow Fields, an expansive area filled with market stalls and activities. One of the highlights here was the Body Paint Gathering, where artists showcased stunning creations on the human body. The Castlefest Academy also offered lectures and workshops that delved deeper into topics such as ‘Core Shamanism’ and ‘Fire of Imagination.’
Castlefest 2024 | An Unforgettable Experience
Castlefest exceeded my expectations. The festival is so extensive and there is so much to experience that one day is simply not enough. The atmosphere, the activities, and the people make it an event you don’t want to miss. I definitely plan to attend again next year, to enjoy everything Castlefest has to offer.
For more information about Castlefest, visit the website here: Castlefest.
Address: Castlefest
Kasteel Keukenhof
Keukenhof 1
2161 AN Lisse, The Netherlands
