Rock at the Castle

Get ready to rock the Castle at the hugely popular, not to be missed, event of the season, which is back at Hertford Castle on Sunday 3rd August, 12 noon - 7pm, and this year will be celebrating it's 20th anniversary! 

Set within the spectacular grounds of Hertford Castle, performances by local musicians will span across multiple stages featuring a wide range of music genres, suitable for all the family. 

This year, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we're proud to not only honour the rich legacy of live rock and acoustic music that has defined the festival, but also to embrace the future. For the first time, we’re expanding our line-up to feature a broader mix of sounds – including DJ sets, rap and contemporary music – reflecting the ever-evolving tastes and creative energy of Hertford’s music community. 

Music Line Up

As ever, we hope there will be something for everyone at Rock at the Castle and we look forward to an amazing anniversary celebration! 

Chosen Charity

Rock at the Castle is a charity event and whilst entry is free, donations are welcome to a chosen charity. Over the 20 years it has been running, Rock at the Castle has helped raise over £50,000 for local charities, donated generously by those attending. 

We’re proud to announce that this year’s chosen charity for Rock at the Castle is Hearts for Herts who will be fundraising at the gates to support their vital work across Hertfordshire – including the installation of a solar and wind-powered defibrillator at Hartham Common. 

Hearts for Herts provides public defibrillators, bleed control kits and free CPR training through their Heartstart Lifesaver course. 

Hearts for Herts Chair and Community Trainer, Justin Honey-Jones, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to announce that Hearts for Herts has been selected as the chosen charity for this year’s Rock at the Castle event, hosted by Hertford Town Council. This incredible opportunity not only raises vital funds for lifesaving defibrillators and bleed control kits but also shines a spotlight on our mission to save lives across Hertfordshire”. Stop by their stand on the day to learn more and support a lifesaving cause.

Event Alcohol Policy

Licensed bars will be onsite serving alcohol from 12.00pm with last orders at 6.45pm. No alcohol purchased onsite will be allowed out of the grounds. 

Visitors are limited to bringing no more than four cans of beer/cider/pre-mixed drinks or one bottle of wine (750ml max) per person, on entry into the premises. No glass will be allowed on site; therefore any bottled wine or drinks will be decanted on entry. There will be a bag search in operation.

Let’s keep the event safe, fun, and family-friendly - thank you for your cooperation!

Event Sponsors

Hertford Town Council wishes to express its appreciation to McMullen’s Brewery for their generous headline sponsorship and Duffield Harrison for sponsorship of the Island Stage.

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 main event sponsor. 

First established in 1843, Duffield Harrison LLP has been providing a full range of legal services for businesses and individuals for generations. In Hertford, Hoddesdon and Enfield, Duffield Harrison pride themselves on a professional and friendly approach with great service. Their attention to detail, a willingness to understand clients and keep them up-to-date, as well as a patient and understanding approach to sensitive issues, has won them many loyal clients.

For further sponsorship opportunities 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. Please note: entrances at The Wash and St Andrew Street Car Park get really busy, with queues likely. Please consider a short walk around to the other entrance gates for quicker access to the event. Gates open at 11.50am.

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. 

Accessible 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.

SEND area: an area dedicated for visitors with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities will be located on the Main Lawn. 

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.

The nearest Changing Places toilet is located in the foyer area of BEAM, The Wash. There is step free access from the main entrance to the Changing Places. Please be advised that the Changing Places does not have a permanent attendant. For further information please get in touch HERE.