Rock at the Castle
Rock at the Castle
Get ready to rock the Castle at the hugely popular annual music festival set within the spectacular grounds of Hertford Castle.
Performances by local musicians will span across three stages featuring a wide range of genres including folk, indie, rock, soul, and pop music, suitable for all the family.
Applications for musicians are now open! If you are a local musician, either in a band or a solo artist, you can now apply to perform at this not to be missed event of the season. Applications have been moved online this year. For further information and instructions on how to apply please contact events@hertford.go.uk.
Event Alcohol Policy
Visitors are limited to bringing no more than four cans of beer/cider/pre-mixed drinks or one bottle of wine (750ml max) on entry per person into the premises before 4 pm. No glass will be allowed on site; therefore any bottled wine or drinks will be decanted on entry.
Chosen Charity
Rock at the Castle is a charity event and whilst entry is free, donations are welcome to the chosen charity. Hertford Town Council is once again offering the opportunity for local charities and organisations to apply to become the Rock at the Castle charity for 2024.
Applicants will need to meet the following criteria:
• Local or national registered charity, or similarly constituted body, with a strong presence in Hertford.
• Ability to demonstrate that its work and initiatives are of benefit to Hertford and the local community.
• The creativity and enthusiasm to maintain fund-raising.
• A sufficient number of volunteers to assist at the event itself to collect donations.
Please click below to view further information, including the charity application form which should be completed and returned to events@hertford.gov.uk by the deadline of Wednesday 1st May.
Event Sponsors
Hertford Town Council kindly thanks McMullens and Duffield Harrison for their support as Rock at the Castle event sponsors.
McMullens was founded in 1827 and since then have continued brewing in Hertford without a break. They have protected the company’s brewing history throughout that time by acquiring and investing in the public houses. To this day, the McMullen family remains firmly committed to their beers because they act as the ‘flag’ for their business. McMullens will be one of the main bar vendors at this year's Rock at the Castle, as well as the sponsor of the main stage.
Duffield Harrison has a forward-looking approach with a firm belief in good old-fashioned values. First established in 1843, Duffield Harrison LLP has been providing a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals for generations. They have offices in Hoddesdon, Enfield and Hertford and pride themselves on their professional and friendly approach based on great service. Their attention to detail, willingness to understand their clients and keep them up-to-date, as well as patient and understanding approach to sensitive issues, has won many loyal clients. Duffield Harrison will be proudly sponsoring the Island Stage at Rock at the Castle 2024. For further information please click here.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event please email events@hertford.gov.uk.
Event Information
Location
Hertford Castle, Castle Street, SG14 1HR
Entry information
The event is FREE of charge to attend. Donations welcome to the chosen charity.
The Castle grounds can be accessed by foot at any of the following pedestrian gates: Castle Street, St Andrew Street Car Park, Main Castle Gate off The Wash or through the Moat Garden on Castle Street.
Travelling to the Event
Hertford Town Council declared a Climate Emergency in July 2023 and has committed to taking action to protect human health and our natural world to the maximum extent its powers allow. We therefore encourage people to come to our events by public or active transport. The two Hertford railway stations, Hertford North and Hertford East, are a short walk from the Castle, and bus services are available to the Wash and Hertford bus station. Please visit National Rail for live train times and Intalink for bus routes.
Parking
Unfortunately, there is no public parking at Hertford Castle (including disabled) but there are a number of car parks close to the Castle. Please click here for more information and map.
Amenities
Toilets are located either side of the main lawn on the footpaths.
Disabled toilets & baby changing facilities are available inside the castle, please speak to a volunteer for access.
First aid will be provided by St John's Ambulance and will be located on the riverbank by the Ashley Webb shelter.
Dogs are welcome, however they must be kept on a lead at all times and we kindly ask that dog waste is picked up and put in the bins provided.