Kent's Leeds Castle Opens Major New Eleanor of Castile Exhibition Featuring World’s First Interactive AI Avatar

Leeds Castle has announced the opening of ‘Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile’, a major new exhibition featuring the world’s first interactive historical AI avatar, that is aware of, and responsive to, its environment.

The exhibition explores the life and legacy of Eleanor of Castile (1241–1290), the formidable Queen of England and first female owner of Leeds Castle. 

Through original research, immersive interpretation, and innovative technology, the exhibition sheds new light on one of medieval England’s most remarkable yet overlooked queens, in an unprecedented showcase. 

By foregrounding her life, experiences and character, the exhibition opens up fresh perspectives on her personal narrative, values, and complexities, revealing how her story continues to resonate today.

Dr Dominique Bouchard FRHistS FSA, Heritage and Engagement Director at Leeds Castle told That's Books and More: "What's most exciting about this project is the way it brings people into a more human relationship with the past. 

"We're always striving to help people connect with the Castle's history in ways that feel alive. This new avatar gives visitors a unique chance to meet Eleanor of Castile as a person with depth and personality.

“The technology allows visitors to ask the questions they want to ask, moving beyond the questions we as curators identified and engaging with the scholarship behind the exhibition. It allows us to share a meticulously researched story in a format that feels immediate and personal, inviting visitors to explore Eleanor’s world with curiosity and confidence. That sense of connection has always been at the heart of heritage interpretation, and this exhibition opens up a new way of creating it."

The exhibition, starting in the historic Gloriette built by Eleanor in 1278, explores her politically savvy marriage to King Edward I, extensive travels on crusade, and role as a landowner and businesswoman. This narrative presents Eleanor as a powerful and complex queen in her own right, redefining what it meant to rule as a medieval woman.

Visitors will culminate their experience with An Audience with a Queen, featuring the world’s first AI avatar, developed by SKC Studios, creators of the AI platform 1956 Individuals. Unlike traditional digital interpretation, the avatar is aware of her surroundings and recognises when a visitor approaches. She responds directly to questions, creating a dynamic, unscripted conversation that bridges seven centuries of history and transforms the visitor from observer to participant.

Babita Devi, Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer at SKC Studios, told us: “We're proud to partner with Leeds Castle on a project that fundamentally reshapes how history is accessed and experienced. 

Through 1956 Individuals, information moves beyond static interpretation to become intelligent, responsive and immediate, empowering visitors to ask their own questions and engage with the past in real time. 

"This marks a step change for the cultural sector. It demonstrates what forward-thinking cultural stewardship truly means: safeguarding the integrity of heritage while using pioneering technology to unlock deeper, more dynamic access to knowledge for a new generation.”

Eleanor of Castile transformed Leeds Castle into a royal symbol of refinement and luxury, establishing it as a distinctly ‘queenly’ possession. Her influence directly shaped the royal English court through the introduction of cosmopolitan European culture, including tapestries, carpets, and tableware. Eleanor also significantly enhanced the Castle’s architecture, evolving it from a Norman fortress into the elegant structure we see today.

Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile

• Opens Monday 9 March 2026 at Leeds Castle, Kent

• Included in admission ticket

• Explores the life and legacy of Leeds Castle’s first female owner

• Features the world’s first interactive historical AI avatar

 www.leeds-castle.com

Dare You Read This Before Bed?

If you’re looking for something bold, unsettling, and impossible to put down, “No Lips to Scream With” is exactly what your bookshelf has been missing.

Published through The Rann Street Press and available now on Amazon Kindle, this gripping collection delivers ten unforgettable short stories that cut across genres — from chilling horror and eerie modern ghost tales to sharp mystery and thought-provoking science fiction.

Each story pulls you in fast… and refuses to let go.

And right now? It’s an absolute steal.

For just £0.99, you’re getting a full collection designed to unsettle, intrigue, and keep you turning pages long after you meant to stop.

At the heart of it all is the haunting title story:

“No Lips to Scream With.”

What would you do if you needed to scream…

but suddenly realised your lips were gone?

Disturbing. Original. Impossible to forget.

If you enjoy stories that linger in your mind long after the final line, this is your next read.

Download it. Read it. Try not to think about it afterwards.

You can download it here:- https://amzn.to/3Pgn6oq

Scotland's Oldest Heritage Charity Launches Global £1.5m Campaign Against the Clock

Scotland’s oldest heritage organisation has launched a £1.5 million campaign to secure a permanent home in Edinburgh ahead of its 250th anniversary.  

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland works to ensure Scotland's past is for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect, across the UK.

Yet it currently operates from an inaccessible top-floor flat within the National Museum of Scotland complex, limiting its ability to engage with the public and collaborate across the sector.

The proposed heritage hub would establish Scotland’s first national heritage hub. Here, academics, visitors and anyone curious about Scotland's past can explore their heritage and engage directly with the work of protecting Scotland's history.

The Society is seeking to purchase a building which sits within the historic southern gateway area to Edinburgh, part of a cultural quarter which attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. The building is offered at a fixed price of £2.1 million until January 2027.

Founded in 1780 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783, the Society is Scotland's oldest heritage charity. Its early Fellows contributed collections that formed the foundation of the National Museum of Scotland's Scottish history and archaeology galleries. Today, the Society facilitates research and innovation through grants and awards, advocates as a voice for heritage, and shares knowledge through a multifaceted programme of lectures and resources.

The Society is contributing £600,000 from its own investments and must raise the remaining £1.5 million by January 2027 to secure the opportunity.  

The campaign carries particular significance as the Society approaches its 250th anniversary in 2030, marking a quarter millennium of scholarship and research.    

Diana Murray CBE HonFSAScot, President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, told That's Books and More: "For centuries, this small corner of Edinburgh has been a gateway to Scotland's past.

"We now have a rare and time-sensitive opportunity to secure this building and open our doors properly for the first time in our modern history, ensuring Scotland's past belongs to everyone, at home and across the world." 

Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot, Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland told us: "This is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime alignment of opportunity, affordability and historic significance. 

"The building sits at the very heart of Edinburgh's cultural quarter, beside the National Museum of Scotland, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in an area attracting over ten million visitors a year. We invite everyone who cares about Scotland's past to help us secure it.” 

Professor Elizabeth Ewan FSAScot, Professor Emerita of Scottish Studies and History, University of Guelph, Ontario, who has been a Fellow since 1985, added: "From Canada I have seen first-hand how deeply Scotland's history runs in people across the world. 

"The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has been at the heart of Scottish historical scholarship for nearly 250 years, connecting researchers and heritage enthusiasts across the globe. A permanent home would transform what the Society can offer to that global community." 

How to Support the Campaign 

A Primary Donor giving £1 million or more may name the building, with their name, coat of arms or corporate logo displayed on the exterior. 

Gold Donors giving £200,000 or more will have their name, coat of arms or corporate logo displayed in the boardroom. In doing so, each major donor will be inscribed into Scotland's story and become a part of the nation's history.

Qualifying donors who do not already hold a coat of arms will be supported by the Society in preparing a petition for a grant of arms to the Lord Lyon King of Arms. All petitions are assessed independently by Lord Lyon on their individual merits. 

Donors of £10,000 or more will join the 21st-Century Founding Circle, with access to exclusive events, both in person and online, as well as regular updates regarding the Society's research and projects and will be recognised on a dedicated honour roll within the building. Donors of £2,000 or more will be welcomed into The Antiquaries Circle and also enjoy a tailored programme of events.

All donors will also be recognised in a special edition of the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, the Society’s peer-reviewed journal which has been published since 1851. Gifts of any size are warmly welcomed, and every contribution brings the Society closer to securing this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

To donate or discuss a major gift, visit www.socantscot.org/heritagehub or contact Deborah Roe, Head of Fundraising, at deborah@socantscot.org

The associated illustrations are artist's impressions.

Lacock Scarecrow Trail Back for 2026 with Children’s Books Theme

The popular Lacock Scarecrow Trail will return to the village which is in Wiltshire on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026, bringing a weekend of family fun inspired by the theme “Children’s Books.”

Organised by the Friends of Lacock School, the trail will feature scarecrows created by residents and local businesses based on well known characters from classic and modern children’s stories. Visitors will be invited to explore the village and see how many scarecrows they can spot along the route.

Activities at the school will include tea, coffee and homemade cakes, a tombola, and a raffle with fantastic prizes. A BBQ will be serving burgers and sausages,and ice cream will also be available.

Children can enjoy inflatables and rides from Austin’s Fairground on the school playing field.

A spokesperson for the Friends of Lacock School told That's Books and More: "The Scarecrow Trail is always a wonderful community event. 

"It brings the village together and attracts visitors from across the area while raising funds to support Lacock School."

The event promises a fun family day out while supporting Lacock School and the local village community.

https://www.facebook.com/friendsoflacockschool

International Read to Me Day: Why Reading Aloud Still Matters

Every year, International Read to Me Day celebrates one of the simplest and most powerful ways to share stories, knowledge, and imagination: reading aloud to others. 

Whether it’s a parent reading to a child at bedtime, a teacher sharing a story in the classroom, or a grandparent bringing a favourite book to life, reading aloud is an activity that strengthens bonds while nurturing a lifelong love of books.

In a fast-paced digital world filled with screens and scrolling, taking the time to read to someone can feel wonderfully old-fashioned, and yet it remains one of the most effective ways to support literacy, emotional development, and learning.

Why Reading Aloud Is So Important

Research consistently shows that children who are read to regularly tend to develop stronger language skills and perform better academically. Hearing stories introduces young listeners to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and ideas long before they are able to read independently.

But the benefits go far beyond literacy.

Reading aloud helps children:

Build stronger listening skills

Develop imagination and creativity

Understand emotions and empathy

Strengthen memory and concentration

Associate books with comfort and enjoyment

For very young children, the sound of a familiar voice reading a story can also create a sense of security and closeness. These shared reading moments often become some of the most treasured childhood memories.

It’s Not Just for Young Children

Although International Read to Me Day often focuses on early childhood literacy, reading aloud can benefit people of all ages.

In schools, teachers reading to students can help make literature more engaging and accessible. Hearing a story performed aloud can transform a text from something abstract on a page into a vivid and emotional experience.

Reading aloud also plays a valuable role in supporting:

Older children who may struggle with reading confidence

People learning English as a second language

Adults with visual impairments

Older people in care homes who enjoy storytelling and companionship

In fact, community reading programmes, library storytelling sessions, and intergenerational reading projects are increasingly popular ways to bring people together through books.

Making Time to Read Together

One of the key messages of International Read to Me Day is that reading aloud doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even ten minutes a day can make a meaningful difference.

Simple ways to celebrate the day include:

Reading a bedtime story to a child

Visiting your local library for a storytelling session

Reading a favourite childhood book to family members

Volunteering with a local school or literacy programme

Sharing stories with elderly relatives or neighbours

The most important thing is not which book you choose, but the act of sharing the story.

Stories Build Connections

Books have always been a powerful way to connect people across generations and cultures. When we read to someone else, we are not just sharing words on a page, we are sharing imagination, emotion, and experience.

International Read to Me Day is a gentle reminder that sometimes the most meaningful moments come from the simplest traditions: sitting together, opening a book, and letting a story unfold.

In a noisy and distracted world, reading aloud offers something rare, a quiet space where people can listen, learn, and dream together.

Ram full of fun! The Ram Comedy Festival 2026 Programme Now Complete. It'll set Derbyshire Laughing

The Ram Comedy Festival, Derby's premier independent celebration of live comedy, is excited to announce its 2026 programme is now complete. 

Running from May 28 to June 7, 2026, the festival will feature an impressive lineup of 92 shows, with 57 offering free entry to make laughter accessible to all. 

This year's expanded schedule promises a diverse mix of stand up, improv, podcasts, new act competitions, and family friendly performances across multiple venues in the city of Derby.

Building on the resounding success of the 2025 iteration, which marked the festival's triumphant big return after a five year hiatus, the event saw 72 shows across 6 venues and over 1,600 tickets issued, drawing comedy enthusiasts from near and far.

The 2026 programme continues this momentum, showcasing emerging and established talent.

Attendees can look forward to standout performances from a roster of highly talented comedians. While you may not have seen these people regularly on TV, comedy is like an iceberg, and there's a wealth of talent you don't see that we love to celebrate. Highlights include:

David Eagle, a folk music and comedy legend from Hartlepool, known for his work as a blind comedian, singer, and musician. As a member of the three time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning band The Young'uns, Eagle brings a unique blend of humor and music, with accolades including Best Variety Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2024 and New Comedian of the Year at Leicester Square Theatre.

Dawn Bailey, an original performer and winner of the XS Manchester Radio Comedian of the Year 2016, celebrated for her authentic storytelling, sharp observational humor, and relatable takes on life as a fifty something mum.

Michael McKenzie, a rising stand up star and finalist in the Chortle Student Comedy Award 2023 and BBC New Comedy Awards 2022, known for his sharp, confident delivery and personal stories, including his experiences with a prosthetic leg.

Joe Wells, a neurodivergent comedian, writer, and podcaster acclaimed for his insightful and hilarious explorations of autism, as seen in his full stand up show "King of the Autistics" and popular videos on topics like getting an autism diagnosis.

Key events include the Opening Preview Show on May 28, the New Act of the Year Final on June 3, and the Comedian of the Year Final & Closing Show on June 7. Many shows operate on a pay what you like (PWYL) basis, ensuring high quality comedy is available to audiences of all budgets.

"We've curated an incredible array of talent to showcase Derby as a vibrant comedy hub," James Beckett, Festival Organiser told That's Books and More.

"Following last year's massive success with over 1,600 tickets issued across 72 shows, we're thrilled to expand to 92 performances this year. Whether you're into sharp stand up, interactive improv, or discovering the next big name, there's something for everyone."

Venues include fan favourites like The Old Bell Hotel, The Courtyard, Derby Conference Centre, The Royal Standard, Dubrek Studios & The Greyhound. All helping transform Derby into a laughter filled destination for 11 days.

Tickets and full programme details are available now at https://ramcomedyfestival.co.uk Early booking is recommended, as popular shows are expected to sell out.

The Ram Comedy Festival is an independent event dedicated to promoting live comedy in Derby, UK. Supporting local promoters and talent, it features a mix of free and ticketed shows to foster a thriving comedy scene.

TV Celebrity and Guinness World Record holder take on one of the World's Toughest Arctic Cycling Challenge

TV’s Louise Minchin and record holder Mimi Anderson are to race 300+ miles through Canada's Northwest Territories at temperatures of -40°C, proving age is no barrier to adventure.

In a bold and inspiring celebration of International Women's Day, award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster Louise Minchin and celebrated endurance athlete and multiple Guinness World Record holder Mimi Anderson are joining forces to take part in the inaugural Inuvik Weekend Warrior Fat Bike Race on 18th-21st March - a gruelling 300+ mile fat bike race through some of the coldest, most remote and most spectacular terrain on earth.

Set deep in Canada's Northwest Territories, the Inuvik Weekend Warrior Fat Bike Race is as formidable as it sounds. Louise and Mimi will cycle across frozen rivers, along remote highways and through vast snow-covered wilderness, enduring temperatures as low as -40°C. This is not simply a race for the pair; it is a statement of what women are capable of, at any age and is a celebration of women stepping out, of all ages, on International Women’s Day.

Louise and Mimi are driven by a shared and powerful purpose:

• Demonstrate that age is no barrier to adventure

• Show how building resilience through challenge can transform lives

• Share why keeping fit is vital for women's health and wellbeing

As they dug deep into rigorous training and prepared to face this epic arctic challenge, Louise and Mimi have been proudly fundraising for two outstanding charities: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Marie Curie — causes close to both their hearts that support young people's development and those facing terminal illness.

Says Louise: “This is going to be an epic challenge. It has been 40 years since I went on my first expedition as part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Taking part all those years ago gave me a life-long love of being outdoors and I am hoping that by doing this expedition I can help raise funds for young people who might not be able to afford to take part in expeditions and would otherwise miss out on the opportunity to build confidence, resilience and skills for the future.”

Mimi adds: “I am thrilled and delighted to be taking on this huge challenge with Louise, whilst also raising money for my charity, Marie Curie, which is very close to my heart.

“I know that when the going gets tough — and it will — I will be able to draw on the reasons why I am doing this. It’s not only about the challenge itself, but about supporting an incredible cause, embracing the spirit of true adventure, and showing that age really isn’t a barrier when it comes to pursuing something extraordinary.”

Louise and Mimi are extremely grateful to be supported by a number of outstanding brands who have provided specialist kit and equipment for the challenge. Their product sponsors are:

• Deuter — specialist outdoor packs and equipment

• Findra — premium merino wool active and outdoor clothing

• Restrap — bikepacking bags and carrying solutions

• RAB — high-performance insulation and extreme weather gear

• Darn Tough — guaranteed-for-life merino wool performance socks

• THAW Gear — heated clothing and gear for extreme cold conditions

• The Bike Factory Chester — specialist cycling retailer providing bike support and equipment

• Trek — world-leading bicycle manufacturer providing the bikes for the challenge

FACTFILE:

Louise Minchin is a renowned author, journalist and broadcaster, best known as the former co-anchor of BBC Breakfast, current presenter of Rip Off Britain, and guest host on The One Show. A passionate advocate for women's fitness and wellbeing, Louise is also a committed endurance athlete who has competed in triathlons worldwide and authored books on fitness and resilience, as well as written fiction.

Mimi Anderson is one of the world's most accomplished endurance athletes and a multiple Guinness World Record holder. Over a career spanning decades, Mimi has completed some of the most extreme ultra-endurance events on the planet, cementing her status as a true pioneer of women in adventure sport. The epitome of a stay-at-home mum becoming a multiple Guinness World Record holder, Mimi has written two books and is an inspirational speaker.