Rock at the Castle

Get ready to rock the Castle at the hugely popular, not-to-be-missed, 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. 

Click here to view the 2024 line up

*Programme subject to change

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

Although Rock at the Castle is a free event to attend, this year’s selected charity, East Herts Citizens Advice, will be fundraising on the gates. The charity was selected from many applications by Hertford Town Councillors.

Chief Executive Officer Maxine Bromyard commented: “We are over the moon to be chosen as the charity for Rock at the Castle.  As a charity we must fundraise to run our free advice service and we’re so grateful to have this opportunity to raise awareness of our work as well as much needed funds. We look forward to a marvellous event.”

Donations will be used to run the Contact Centre in Fleming Crescent, Hertford Sele, which is open every Wednesday from 11.00am to 1.00pm. The Contact Centre provides a drop in for people without internet or phone access, those who have health issues or language and learning difficulties, so that they can access support and advice. The Centre is well used by the people of Hertford and surrounding areas, helping hundreds of people with free, impartial and reliable advice. 

Event Sponsors

Hertford Town Council kindly thanks McMullens, Duffield Harrison and NCS 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.

NCS is an established leader in a fast-moving and competitive industry, providing expert plumbing and heating solutions to customers all across the South East. Based in Hertford, NCS expanded into Renewable Energy and other energy efficiency products, enabling them to offer customers a wide range of additional services. 

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.