History groups brought a riot of activity to the castle, as around 1,500 people enjoyed activities including archery and falconry along with displays and re-enactments.

Organiser Bernie Weston, of Pontefract Heritage Group, said: “It went very well, we didn’t have the numbers we normally have, but everyone had a very good day and I would like to thank everyone who helped.”

Among the attractions were living history camps and displays from Ulfhednar Vikings, the 33rd Regiment of Foot, Wakefield Archers and Ridgeside Falconry.

Members of the Viking group, along with the heritage group, also worked with pupils at Carleton Park J&I School to create Viking standards featuring their names written in runes for the day, with a workshop before the event.

The heritage group is planning a series of other events at the castle during the summer, including a banquet, a Liquorice Festival event, play day and teddy bears’ picnic, along with its ghost walks in the autumn, and a festival at Farmer Copley’s next month.