Get ready to rock the Castle at the hugely popular, not to be missed, FREE event of the season, which is back at Hertford Castle on Sunday 3rd August, 12.00 noon to 7.00pm. This year is extra special as it’s Rock at the Castle’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.
In celebration of it's 20th anniversary, this year's event will feature acts that have played in previous years, highlighting both the vibrancy and the legacy of the music scene in Hertford over the last twenty years. For 2025, we are also providing opportunities for newer acts to fill the Island Stage, including rap, hip hop and dance acts!
The main lawn will host an inclusive area tailored to provide space for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This year, more than ever, we hope Rock at the Castle has something for everyone to enjoy - we look forward to marking this special anniversary with an unforgettable celebration.
The Chosen Charity
Although Rock at the Castle is a FREE event, this year’s selected charity, Hearts for Herts, will be fundraising at the gates. The charity was selected by Councillors from the many applications made to Hertford Town Council. Hearts for Herts is a Hertfordshire-focused charity dedicated to saving lives through the provision and maintenance of public access 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”.
The funds raised from Rock at the Castle will support the installation of a solar and wind powered defibrillator at Hartham Common. These revolutionary devices require no electrical supply, allowing Hearts for Herts to place them in remote or hard-to-reach areas, making lifesaving equipment more accessible than ever before. As one of the first charities in the UK to pioneer this technology, Hearts for Herts are committed to ensuring that every heart in Hertfordshire has the best chance of survival in an emergency, with access to lifesaving equipment 24/7. Hearts for Herts will have at stand at Rock at the Castle where you can find out more.
Councillor Ann Woodward, Chair of the Development and Leisure Committee commented: “We can’t wait for Rock at the Castle’s 20th anniversary! We are excited to welcome residents and visitors to this epic event, to enjoy different types of music over three stages, all in the beautiful grounds of Hertford Castle. We are delighted that ‘Hearts for Herts’ have been selected as the event beneficiary and are sure that the people of Hertford will be as generous as always, in donating to this most worthy of causes that is literally lifesaving”.
The Line-Up
Visitors can enjoy a dynamic line-up with three stages set across three different areas of the Hertford Castle grounds, including 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.
Main Stage 12.30 - 12.50: Apollo Audio Student Band - Blue Zoo 1.05 - 1.25: EPONINE 1.35 - 2.00: The Trees 2.00 - 2.05: Deputy Mayor of Hertford Welcome Speech 2.20 - 2.50: Trojan Horses 3.05 - 3.25: Cedar & Lola 3.25 - 3.45: Jenny Salmon 3.55 - 4.25: The Real McKoys 4.45 - 5.15: Los Ladrones Ft. King Angry 5.35 - 6.05: Chris Sims 6.25 - 7.00: The Avengers Cover Band and Hertford All Stars | Island Stage 12.30 – 1.15: Ricky Lee Hall 1.15 – 1.35: Lewis Sycamore 1.40 – 2.00: Chayz3r 2.00 – 2.45: Kev Cutts 2.45 – 3.30: Rhodesy - Zero’s Anthems 3.30 – 3.50: Bailezzey 3.55 – 4.15: RaNdOm RaNcE 4.15 – 5.00: Dino Di Zenzo - Club Sky Set 5.00 – 5.45: Si & Sean - 2 BAD MICE - Mad FM Old Skool Set 5.45 – 6.30: Rhodesy & Dan the Drum B2B | Garden Stage 12.30 - 12.50: The Reddingtons 12.55 - 1.15: The Rolling Moss 1.20 - 1.40: Patrick Thorpe 1.45 - 2.05: Geoff Carne 2.10 - 2.30: The Broke and Broken 2.35 - 2.55: So Luna Duo 3.00 - 3.20: Xavier Leret 3.25 - 3.45: Hidden Assets 3.50 - 4.10: Adam Fearn 4.15 - 4.35: Paul Booth 4.40 - 5.00: Dan Thomas 5.05 - 5.25: Amber Lilly 5.30 - 6.00: Nuala O’Halpin |
Please note the line-up is subject to change
The 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.
Tom McMullen commented: “We're proud to support this incredible celebration of live music and community spirit, right in the heart of Hertford. It’s an honour to be part of an event that brings people together for a great cause and an even better time. Investing in Hertford’s People, Beer and Pubs for nearly 200 years, we’re committed to keeping the town’s vibrant culture alive- one pint and one performance at a time”.
Lorna Rooke commented: “We are excited to sponsor the Island Stage at this year’s Rock at the Castle. Hertford is lucky to have this incredible venue to host such special events, and we can’t wait to see the community come together to support Hertford’s musical talent on what is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable day”.
Notes:
Programme subject to change. For updates, please see: www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/rock-at-the-castle-4
This event is part of Hertford Town Council’s long tradition of providing free community events in the Castle Grounds. All event listings can be found at: www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings
Alcohol Policy: Visitors are permitted to bring a maximum of either four cans of beer, cider, or pre-mixed beverages, or one bottle of wine per person. Glass is strictly prohibited on site and will be decanted upon entry.