Medieval Hereford Festival 2026
Medieval Hereford Festival - Aims to boost visitor numbers
The first Medieval Hereford Festival event will feature thrilling battle re-enactments, where armoured warriors clash in dramatic displays of medieval combat, alongside a fully interactive “living village” showcasing traditional crafts, trades and daily life from centuries past. Visitors will also be able to step back in time with period entertainment, costumed performers, and historical demonstrations, including the chance to see – and perhaps experience – the medieval stocks.
Medieval Hereford Festival 2026 is taking place from Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th August 2026. Hereford BID, which manages Hereford City Life, is organising the event as part of their annual events programme to help encourage visitors to the city centre and also coincides with the 1,350th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Hereford.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hereford Cathedral and its historic Cathedral Close, which will be transformed to take visitors back in time. The festival will bring the sights, sounds and stories of the medieval period vividly to life, offering residents and visitors an immersive journey into the city’s rich heritage.
There will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about Hereford through the ages and its wonderful historic Cathedral as the centre piece. More details will be provided nearer the event.
A spectacular opening procession will kick off the festival, winding its way through the city streets and culminating at the Cathedral Close. Featuring re-enactors, musicians and colourful medieval characters, the procession will set the tone for a weekend of pageantry, history and family-friendly fun.
Mike Truelove, CEO of Hereford BID, said:
“This festival will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Hereford on a regional and national stage. We expect it to significantly boost visitor numbers over the three days, bringing increased footfall and spend into the city centre. The benefits will be felt right across the business community, from shops and cafés to hotels, restaurants and attractions, helping to drive economic impact while celebrating our city’s unique heritage.”
Jess Stallwood, Events Manager at Hereford Cathedral, added:
“As we mark 1350 years since the foundation of Hereford Diocese in 2026, we are really pleased to be working with Hereford BID on this exciting event. With a varied programme of re-enactment, performance and living history, the Medieval Hereford Festival will be wonderful way to invite visitors to step back in time and explore a significant part of the cathedral’s history.”
The Medieval Hereford Festival will celebrate the city’s past while creating a vibrant, large-scale cultural event for residents and visitors alike. By combining authentic historical re-enactment with the iconic setting of Hereford Cathedral, the festival aims to become a flagship attraction and a highlight in the region’s events calendar.
Further details on the full programme, participants and timings will be announced in the coming months.
Image usage: Please credit ‘Courtesy of the Plantagenets’
