Summer’s here, which means the start of the festival season and Herefordshire has plenty to offer - from the UK’s biggest poetry festival to celebrations of real ale, cider, live music, local produce .... and flying!

June 21 to 23
Gillow Cider Festival
St Owens Cross

Three days of cider and more than 20 live music acts, including an appearance by 60s legend Dave Berry. Also on the line-up are Frontrunner, The Whipjacks and Call of the Kraken. And the Panic Family Circus provides entertainment for all ages as Professor Panic keeps the kids entertained while the grown-ups enjoy the cider and music.


June 29
Rock the Barn, Chilstone
Taking over Chilstone, Herefordshire for the second year and rocking the roof off the famous Collins Barn, Rock the Barn brings together some of the county’s finest bands and local food and drink. Organised by Hereford Round Table in aid of local charities and individuals.


July 5 to 7
Beer on the Wye
Herefordshire’s biggest beer and cider festival returns to the banks of the River Wye at the city’s rowing club. Featuring over 135 different beers from the length and breadth of the nation at the main Beer Bar - a leviathan of barrels stretching for over 120 feet. Included is the ever-popular Herefordshire Brewers’ Bar sponsored this year by Swan Brewery, where you can try some of the very best from the county’s brewers.


July 5 -14
Ledbury Poetry Festival
Hear celebrated poets including Margaret Atwood, Carol Ann Duffy, Roger McGough, Owen Sheers, Simon Armitage, Andrew Motion, FionaSampson and Ishion Hutchinson alongside dazzling new voices – Hannah Sullivan and Shivanee Ramlochan among many others – at the UK’s biggest and best poetry festival. 
As it continues to shine a light on translation, the festival also welcomes poets from China, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Trinidad, Lithuania … and more. Poetry-festival.co.uk/01531 636232

July 18-21
Nozstock - The Hidden Garden
Nozstock transcends the classic festival experience, creating its own sense of community and escapism for a few precious day, with a huge focus on keeping families entertained in the Little Wonderland Kids’ Area. This year’s theme across the whole site is The Wizard of Noz, so everyone can get really creative! Nozstock.com

July 5-7
El Dorado in Eastnor Deer Park

The first of the summer’s two festivals in Eastnor’s deer park. Jam-packed with music – headliners Kool and the Gang - and an eclectic selection of activities – from Disney Karaoke to Reggae Yoga, and from Bingo Lingo to the Kruftz-style obstacle course. Eldoradofestival.com

July 6 and 7
Shobdon Food and Flying Festival

Combining the best local gastronomy, a host of aviation attractions, arts and crafts, live music and lots more. Browse an incredible collection of static aircraft and sample and buy from over 70 local food and drink producers.
shobdonfoodandflyingfestival.co.uk

August 8-11
Lakefest in Eastnor Deer Park
The Kaiser Chiefs, Happy Mondays and James headline the three-day festival. New this year is the Imaginate artspace dedicated to creative workshops – from arm knitting to macramé and bronze jewellery. Lakefest.co.uk


July 26 to August 3
Three Choirs Festival

This year’s festival sees the week long programme of choral and orchestral concerts, cathedral services, solo and chamber music recitals, masterclasses, talks, theatre, exhibitions and walks taking place in Gloucester. 3choirs.org


August 9-11
Brecon Jazz Festival

The Festival opens at noon on Friday, August 9, with Brecon Town Concert Band and offers concerts in venues large and small, music in the streets and activities, with a Carnival ‘Frazz’ parade on Saturday.
breconjazz.org

August 15-18
Green Man Festival, Usk
Headlined by Father John Misty, Wales’ largest music festival, also presentsTalking Shop, a curated panel of bold and brilliant speakers, including the multi-award-winning journalist, bestselling author, screenwriter and all-round national treasure Caitlin Moran. 

August 16-18
Prosecco in the Park

A new summer boutique drink, food and film festival launches at Bishop’s Meadow with eight film screenings including Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is Born, and an array of Prosecco, Champagne, Cocktail, Gin and Craft Beer bars accompanying tasty street food. Proseccointhepark.co.uk

August 23 to 27
Presteigne Festival

This year’s programme features an American strand throughout, and two exciting composers-in-residence – from the UK, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, and from the USA, composer and virtuoso harpist Hannah Lash; also included is a mini-feature of works by iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Aaron Copland.
https://presteignefestival.com/

September 5 to September 8
Bromyard Folk Festival

Attended by thousands every year, with performances from local acts, award-winning national performers and international folk legends. For details of this year’s line-up, go to bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk.

July 26 to 29
LOOKfest, Barton Farm

The first ever VI-accessible summer festival for families with a visually impaired parent or child. Designed by VI people, for VI people! LOOKfest! is run by LOOK UK, a charity that aims to empower young visually impaired (VI) people to thrive. LOOKfest! is a unique event, entirely created with VI people in mind. Enjoy performances from visually impaired creatives and get involved in sport, dance, crafts, creative music sessions and more! lookfest.org