First look at Bamburgh Castle's magical Christmas Kingdom attraction featuring enchanted creatures

Glittering forests and sparkling pools are among the settings for worlds of fairies, mermaids and selkies in the new festive visitor attraction opening at Bamburgh Castle this weekend.

For months, work has has been under way behind the scenes at the Northumberland fortress on the new theme for its annual Christmas Kingdom treat. At a preview on Friday, the results were unveiled and, as families will be able to find out for themselves at the official launch day on Saturday, it's a stunning transformation of the castle state rooms which are filled with Christmas trees, fairylights, floral displays and huge garlands.

This year's theme is The Enchanted Myths and Legends of Northumbria and theatrical designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber, who has created the last two Christmas Kingdoms with her team, has once again worked her magic - with the help of local sculptor and prop-maker Mandy Bryson. The castle was closed this week for finishing touches to be made to the displays ahead of the big reveal and Mandy, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, completed some key pieces which make up the immersive trail linking the state rooms.

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Among them is a Fairy Queen and - Mandy's favourite - a seal head for a selkie which rises from a beautiful fountain-like display in the castle's King's Hall. Elsewhere, visitors will be able to spot the likes of dancing fairies, tiny settings for fairy-size homely scenes and toadstools and woodland creatures.

Each of the rooms has a different look and music adds to the journey through the Christmas Kingdom. From November 11, it will be open from 10am-4pm daily until January 7. To book, see here.