‘Rock at the Castle’ has become a well-established and very popular part of Hertford Town Council’s annual events programme and this year marks its 20^th anniversary! Over the 20 years it has been running, the event has raised over £50,000 for local charities, which is generously donated by the residents and visitors who come to hear some great music across the beautiful grounds of Hertford Castle.

Hertford Town Council is once again offering the opportunity for local charities and organisations to apply to become the Rock at the Castle charity beneficiary. This year, the music festival will take place on Sunday 3^rd August 2025, in the grounds of Hertford Castle, from 12.00 noon to 7.00pm.

Charity/organisation applicants will need to meet the following criteria:

• A local or national registered charity, or similarly constituted body, with a strong presence in Hertford
• The ability to demonstrate that its work and initiatives are of benefit to Hertford
   and the local community
• The creativity and enthusiasm to maintain fund-raising
• A sufficient number of volunteers to assist at the event itself, to collect donations.

In 2024, the charity beneficiary was Citizens Advice East Herts, whose dedicated volunteers raised over £3,885.00 at the event. A Council spokesperson commented: “Rock at the Castle presents a unique opportunity for a local charity or community organisation to raise both funds and awareness. If you’re involved in an organisation that’s making a difference in Hertford, please do apply to be the beneficiary of this year’s event, which promises to be bigger and better than ever, as we celebrate its epic 20^th anniversary!”   

The deadline for applications to become the nominated charity is 1st May 2025. The Town Council’s Development and Leisure Committee will then consider all the applications and decide which organisation will be the beneficiary of the event.

To obtain a copy of the criteria and application form please visit www.hertford.gov.uk/events. Alternatively, please contact Hertford Town Council’s Events team on 01992 552885, or email events@hertford.gov.uk.