By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Rocket Licensing has secured an experiential licensing partnership to bring Horrible Histories to Leeds Castle.
Taking place from April 5 to 21, the Horrible Histories Easter Escapades: The Knights’ Quest experiential activation is inspired by the Knights of Leeds Castle and the well-known entertainment franchise.
“With its combination of 900 years of heritage, beautiful parkland and fantastic attractions, Leeds Castle is a perfect venue for Horrible Histories fans to experience a bit of (safe) medieval sieging in glorious surroundings,” said Rocket Licensing brand manager, Melissa Satterly. “This is a family event like no other which, I’m sure, will be a big holiday hit!”
The interactive event will take participants on a quest that includes dress up, learning knightly skills, humorous historical facts and a reward of an official Leeds Castle knighthood.
Official merchandise, souvenirs and books from the historical entertainment brand will be available at the Leeds Castle visitor shop throughout the April event.
“Horrible Histories is ideal for the stunning Leeds Castle whose grounds are a perfect venue for an event designed to entertain children of all ages with a combination of games, activities and historical information,” said Scholastic UK licensing publisher, Elizabeth Scoggins. “We’re delighted to be partnering this beloved venue for a quest that will entertain would-be knights of all ages!”
Plans are already underway to continue the licensed missions at Leeds Castle through May 27 to June 1, with new events about life in the measly Middle Ages.
This new event at Leeds Castle follows the long-standing success of the Horrible Histories brand in the experiential licensing sector.
Previous in-person activations for the franchise have included Gorgeous Georgians at Osterley Park, the Terrible Thames boat trip, a Horrible Histories trail with the British Museum’s Legion exhibition, a Horrible Histories Maze at Warwick Castle and more.
Launched as a Scholastic book series by author Terry Deary and illustrator Martin Brown, Horrible Histories has since expanded into a multi-category entertainment franchise.
The brand currently features live stage shows, TV series, experiential partnerships, a feature film and an extensive licensing campaign.
The Horrible Histories licensing program is managed by Rocket Licensing across the UK and Eire regions.
Established in 2007, Rocket Licensing is an independent licensing and brand development company that represents a roster of brands that span the entertainment, preschool, heritage and lifestyle industries.