Turbine has announced that they are holdiong a welcome back weekend from March 26 to 31, where former LOTRO players will be able to play for free and gain experience bonuses.

To help celebrate our latest free update for LOTRO gold we'd like to welcome you back for an extended weekend of free gameplay from March 26-31, 2009*. In addition, there is a +25% bonus experience boost on mob kills for everyone playing on those days!

The latest free update for THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE, BOOK 7: LEAVES OF LÓRIEN is now available. It includes some great features we think you'll enjoy. Here are some things waiting for you when you come back to LOTRO gold for these free play days:

GAIN FREE LEVELS! – Recent game enhancements will let your existing characters gain free levels the first time they earn any XP!

PLAY YOUR OLD CHARACTERS - They're Waiting Right Where You Left Them!

NEW REPUTATION FACTION - The Elves of Lothlórien

NEW 12-MAN RAID - Head to the Waterworks of Moria!

NEW BEGINNER EXPERIENCE - Level Faster, New Quests & Tutorials

QUEST GUIDE FEATURE (Beta) - Track Active Quests on World Maps

THE SPRING FESTIVAL RETURNS - Enjoy New Tasks and Activities