HArts Fest 2024

A FREE* family event at Hertford Castle to celebrate art and culture in Hertford. 

From 12-4pm, browse art and craft stalls and enjoy a series of art and culture based activities on the main lawn hosted by The Wonder Den, Hertford Library and Tiny T's Theatre. We will also be joined by the Hertford Art Society, Herts BookFest and Hertfordshire Festival of Music. Plus, there will be a live entertainment programme of music, dance and theatre throughout the day and a game of Petanque on the main lawn to take part in.

The Castle will also be open for visitors to explore free of charge where there will be an art exhibition by Hertford Regional College students.

HArts Fest 2024 is all about celebrating art and culture in and around Hertford, and as part of that why not enjoy the following Town Centre activities: 

• Courtyard Arts Art Trail - incorporating a number of venues across Hertford exhibiting the work of local artists. Pick up the FREE trail map from Courtyard Arts or the Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre at The Wash.
• Mudlarks Flower Crown Workshop - on Saturday 13th April, 12-3pm, pop along to the Café on Fore Street to participate. No need to book, just pop in. Donation £4.50.  
• Superhero Easter Trail - In collaboration with The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters, follow the trail and discover the knitted superhero characters hiding in shops around the town. Pick up the FREE trail map from the Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre at the Wash, as download here: Superhero Trail Leaflet.

*Some small charges may apply.

HArts Fest Event Programme

Event Sponsors

For sponsorship opportunities please click here.

Event Information 

Location 

Hertford Castle, Castle Street, SG14 1HR 

Entry information 

The event is FREE of charge to attend, you are however welcome to donate to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal Fund. 

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 to download a map of the local car parks. 

Amenities 

Toilets are located to the side of the main lawn on the footpath by the Ashley Webb Shelter. 

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 main lawn.

Please note that the Castle is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the spiral staircase.

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.