Rock at The Castle line-up announced

The line-up for this year's Rock at The Castle on Sunday 2nd August has been announced.

The annual free music festival, staged by Hertford Town Council, will feature 3 stages presenting a variety of musical genres

Following its popularity last year, the Island Stage DJ line-up will return for 2026, showcasing rap and dance acts, alongside a dynamic programme of emerging and established local talent.

The main lawn will host an inclusive area to provide space for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Across the site, organisers are continuing to build on the event’s reputation for showcasing local music and providing opportunities for both new and returning performers.

This year's selected charity, Home-Start Hertfordshire, will be fundraising at the gates. The charity was chosen by Councillors from the many applications made to Hertford Town Council. Home-Start provides volunteer-led emotional and practical support to families with young children across the county. By offering one-to-one home visiting and family groups, the charity helps parents facing challenges such as poor mental health, isolation and postnatal depression, giving children the best possible start in life.

Councillor Ann Woodward, Chair of the Development and Leisure Committee, commented: "Over 20 years and still going strong, Rock at the Castle is the most spectacular highlight of Hertford's calendar of events. This year’s event is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet and Hertford Town Council can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors to enjoy live music over three stages, all within the beautiful grounds of Hertford Castle. We are delighted that Home-Start Hertfordshire have been selected as the event beneficiary and know that the people of Hertford will be as generous as always, donating to this most worthy of causes that does so much for families locally".

Gates open at 11.30am, with live music from 12 noon until 7.30pm.

Main Stage

12.00 - 12.20 Never Too Late (Apollo Audio Band)
12.25 - 12.45 Seven Car Pile Up (Apollo Audio Band)
1.00 - 1.20 FO1
1.25 - 1.45 Amber Lilly
1.50 - 2.10 Dan Thomas & The Altogether
2.20 - 2.40 Strtles
2.40 - 2.45 The Mayor of Hertford Welcome
3.00 - 3.20 HDOS - We Will Rock You Cast
3.35 - 4.00 Neil Gowans & The Winos
4.15 - 4.40 The Fishmongers
4.55 - 5.20 The Hardcore Hippies
5.35 - 6.00 The Real McKoys
6.15 - 6.45 Steve Young & The Real Time Players
7.00 - FINISH The Bleedin' Business

Island Stage

12.30 - 12.50 Bailezzey
12.50 - 1.10 Lewis Sycamore
1.15 - 1.45 Dave Hodges
1.45 - 2.30 Neil Bricktop
2.30 - 3.15 Ricky Lee B2B Luke Shropshire
3.15 - 4.00 House Of Saya
4.00 - 4.45 Rhodesy
4.45 - 5.35 Lindsay Wesker
5.35 - 6.30 Barrington

Garden Stage

12.15 - 12.30 Naty Giachino
12.35 - 12.55 The Reddingtons
1.00 - 1.15 Emma Lynne
1.20 - 1.40 Skye & Wilson
1.45 - 2.00 The Broke and Broken
2.05 - 2.25 Adam Fearn
2.30 - 2.50 Millionth Chance
2.55 - 3.15 Robbie Herrick
3.20 - 3.40 Pien
3.45 - 4.05 bearboy
4.10 - 4.30 Why Not
4.35 - 4.55 Geoff Carne
5.00 - 5.20 SummerGeorgie
5.25 – 6.00 Paul Booth

The event is sponsored by McMullen’s Brewery and Duffield Harrison.

Tom McMullen commented: "We're proud to be back supporting Rock at the Castle for another year - Hertford's incredible celebration of live music and community spirit, right in the heart of town. There's nothing quite like seeing the castle grounds come alive again 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!"

David White commented: "We are very excited to sponsor 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 once more to support Hertford’s musical talent and have an absolutely brilliant time. It is always such a thoroughly enjoyable day. Many thanks to Hertford Town Council and their Events Team for all their hard work organising it."