A HISTORIC venue was transformed into a spellbinding sanctuary for budding witches and wizards as a popular event made its return.

During the October half term, Hedingham Castle welcomed hundreds of excited children and their families to Brightworth's School of Magic.

The event, organized by Antony and Carly White, provided an immersive experience packed with spell-casting, potion-making, and encounters with majestic creatures, including a rare Golden Eagle.

The White's, who first envisioned the event as a space for children to explore their magical imaginations, were delighted by its success.

They said: “Brightworth's is such a magical event to run, with not only the children getting involved with everything from potion making to holding a Golden Eagle - but the adults enjoying and embracing their inner child at the event too."

Brightworth's School of Magic offered enchanting lessons led by expert “professors” in spell-casting, potion-brewing, and wand-making.

Children aged three to ten were captivated by the hands-on activities, and they left with custom-decorated wands, a collectible 2024 diary, and an official "School of Magic" certificate to commemorate their training.

Feedback from parents was "overwhelmingly positive", with many applauding the event’s interactive nature and the joy it sparked for both children and adults.

Brightworth’s is due to return for its fifth year with a new annual schedule, adding a February session to bring the magic back sooner.

The event is the latest successful one held at Hedingham Castle this year, with more yet to come before its end.

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company will be presenting a brand-new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ fantastical festive fable A Christmas Carol on December 11.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start.

Late in December, the Beauty and the Beast Christmas pantomime will be showing on December 23.

Three performance times are available at 11am, 2pm and 5pm.

For more information visit hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events.