DANCEFEST’S spectacular dance and heritage production – Forbidden: a tale of love and war – is in the final stages of rehearsals at Goodrich Castle.

Inspired by the true story of Alice Birch and Charles Clifford, lovers from opposing sides of the Civil War who escaped on horseback from the besieged castle only to meet a tragic end, Forbidden runs for five performances from Thursday, July 10 to Saturday, July 12.

A cast of more than 150, including professional dancers, aerialists and community performers, have been working for months to bring the tale to life in a unique dance theatre performance.

Forbidden has involved months of extensive education work involving dancers, artists and heritage experts in schools around Herefordshire and will result in the production of an education pack in December.

Booking is essential and tickets are available from 0870 3331183 or visit english- heritage.org.uk