WANTED: an apprentice to fire Britain’s biggest siege machine when it opens at Warwick Castle next month in a new spectacular show. That’s the prize on offer in an official competition.

Launching, quite literally, on April 1, The Legend of the Trebuchet will see specially trained experts fire 90kg projectiles hundreds of metres through the air at the castle’s Riverside Arena – but it appears they want some help on launch day.

Following months of construction both at a specialist workshop and on-site, the castle is set to take charge of the 18m tall, 22-tonne replica siege warfare machine in the coming days.

The winner of the competition will also win four tickets for their friends and family to support them in their training, and an overnight stay in a cosy Woodland Lodge in the Knight’s Village.

To enter, follow the @warwickcastleofficial account on Instagram, like the post about the Trebuchet Master’s Apprentice, share to your story and tag three friends. You’ll have to hurry, mind. Closing date is midday on Friday March 3, 2023. Entrants must be 18+.

When the new show opens to the public, visitors can join Warwick Castle’s heroic defenders as they battle to save the fortress from attack. Just when it appears all may be lost, the rag-tag band unleash the power of the trebuchet.

Expect the trebuchet show to feature costumed characters, a special soundtrack and tales of derring do suitable for all the family. The show will run twice a day every day until November 5, and I’ll be posting a sneak peek preview later this month.

It joins the castle’s other attractions including The Falconer’s Quest, Horrible Histories maze, The Kingmaker, Castle Dungeon, the Zog Playland and Zog & the Quest for the Golden Star trail.

The Legend of the Trebuchet is included in the price of general admission tickets, which start from £24 per person when booked in advance. For more information, lay siege to warwick-castle.com.