Hertford truly ‘Rocked the Castle’ on Sunday 3rd August. Hertford Town Council’s Rock at the Castle 2025 welcomed over ten thousand residents and visitors into the spectacular grounds of Hertford Castle, for its epic free community event that celebrated it’s 20th anniversary.
Despite a few spots of rain, spirits were not dampened, and Hertford revelled in listening to amazing musical legends as well as some newer acts. The line-up was dynamic - three stages set across three different areas of the Hertford Castle grounds, included high-energy bands on the Main Stage, electrifying dance and hip-hop acts on the Island Stage and intimate acoustic sets on the Garden Stage.
The Council was delighted to showcase the first act on the main stage, Apollo Audio Student Band – ‘Blue Zoo’ who really hit the right note and got the 20th anniversary party started. So many outstanding acts followed with the culmination of the event - ‘The Avengers Cover Band’ and ‘Hertford All Saints’, who delighted the crowd with a number of rock anthems. Rock at the Castle 2025 was a true celebration, highlighting both the vibrancy and the legacy of the music scene in Hertford today and over the last twenty years.
Councillor Ann Woodward, Chair of the Development and Leisure Committee commented: “Thank you to the thousands of people who joined us at Rock at the Castle’s 20th anniversary! It was the most amazing day and it was truly wonderful to see people of all ages enjoying the different genres of music. It’s no surprise that Hertford was so generous towards the Council’s chosen charity for the event and we will continue to work with the Hearts for Herts to raise awareness of their truly life-saving mission.”
As well as stallholders and a variety of food and drink vendors, the main lawn hosted an inclusive area tailored to provide space for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Once again, Hertford’s generosity did not disappoint; Hearts for Herts was the chosen charity to benefit from Rock at the Castle this year, whose dedicated volunteers raised in the region of £3000 on the day. This will support the installation of a solar and wind powered defibrillator at Hartham Common.
As well as much needed funds, Hearts for Herts also raised significant awareness of their life-saving work, through the event, sharing information about their provision and maintenance of public access defibrillators, bleed control kits and free CPR training.
Thanks go to so many who helped the Council deliver this epic community event, in particular Kev Saunders - Music Co-ordinator and Main Stage MC, Koncept Productions, Appollo Audio, Dandy Security, Hertfordshire Boat Rescue and St. Johns Ambulance.
Hertford Town Council also wishes to express its appreciation to McMullen’s Brewery for their generous headline sponsorship and Duffield Harrison for sponsorship of the Island Stage.
