Help Castle Drogo win Fred

Staff and members of a newly formed youth panel are thrilled that their plan for a ‘Museums at Night’ event at Castle Drogo has been successfully short listed. The race is now on as the public vote opens to win mixed media artist and musician Fred Deakin to host the after-hours event in May 2014, at which local young people will be invited to experience Castle Drogo as never before.

The Castle Drogo youth panel loved Fred Deakin's interactive game show/party idea and, together with staff, worked up a proposal to turn the castle and grounds into a celebration of traditional games with a modern twist.  If Castle Drogo wins the public vote for Fred, he will put his creative spin on the evening with music, projections and lights.

The Connect10 competition matches 10 artists with venues for their event; and the artists choose their four favourite proposals from the many submissions received. The winner of the public vote will not only win Fred Deakin, but also secure £2000 towards delivering the event. 

One member of the Castle Drogo youth panel, Jenny, said: ‘Of all the Connect 10 artists my favourite was Fred Deakin because I like the idea of learning about Castle Drogo through fun, people getting active and enjoying a party!’

The Castle once provided a comfortable family home inside its imposing walls and staff would like Fred to help bring to life the games that would have been played here, focusing on some of the incredible objects in the collections and outdoor areas including the croquet lawn.

The current building project, partly funded by the Heritage Lottery fund and Interreg, a European grant, means that some rooms have temporarily been plunged into darkness. At the event, these will be animated with lighting and activities designed by Fred and the Drogo youth panel – an exciting step in making the castle more accessible and relevant to young people. 

Now we need your help to get as many votes as possible to win Fred in the public vote.

You will be able to vote up until 5pm on Tuesday 28 January when the polls close. Click this link to cast your vote for Castle Drogo.