A summer of festivals & events

The season starts with Hay Festival, 22 May to 1 June, offering over 600 events in 11 days including conversations, debates, workshops and performances. Star turns this year include Michael Sheen, Jameela Jamil, Robert Harris, Paloma Faith, plus Gavin and Stacey creators Ruth Jones and James Cordon. 

HowTheLightGetsIn, also in Hay-on-Wye from 23 - 26 May, is billed as the world's principal philosophy and music festival. Dive into mind-expanding debates, energetic musical performances and catch some comedy too.

Lying on the Welsh border, accommodation in the pretty market town can be hard to come by when these festivals are on, but there are many convenient options nearby in Herefordshire.

Moving into the summer, Ledbury Poetry Festival runs 27 June - 6 July and promises an uplifting celebration of the written and spoken word. Expect lively readings, thought-provoking discussions and expert writing workshops. Remember, this is cider country and what goes better with poetry than a pint of Herefordshire's finest?

Looking further ahead to September (6 - 14), artists right across the county open up their studios for H-Art (aka Herefordshire Art Week). It's a fantastic opportunity to browse and buy a wide range of affordable arts and crafts from skilled local makers in the intimacy of their own spaces.

2025 also marks the inaugural year of the Hereford Military History Festival (September 26 - 28), the first of its kind to take place in the UK. What better setting than our garrison city steeped in history and a military stronghold for over two millennia — from Roman legions to the SAS. Explore a rich program of talks, lively panel discussions, engaging school events, historical trails, music and more – it’s a must for history buffs everywhere. Tickets to the first five headline events are already on sale and include internationally renowned writers such as Sir Antony Beevor and Ben Macintyre, as well as Nicholas Soames (Winston Churchill's grandson). 

The prestigious Three Choirs Festival is a must for classical music fans and this year runs from 26 July to 2 August, with performances centred around Hereford Cathedral. In case you’re planning a few days away either side of concerts, check out our curated itineraries for a truly memorable getaway. 

In the summer, Lakefest (6 - 10 August) is a family-friendly affair, with this year's headliners including the Groove Armada, Busted and Faithless. Down On The Farm Festival is rocking back onto the scene this year (8 - 10 August) showcasing a host of up and coming bands, as well as some mega tribute acts - ACDC anyone? YFest (22 - 24 August) caters for all musical tastes and has loads of brilliant stuff on offer for all generations too - the big star this year is Dave Pearce. Meanwhile, Bromyard Folk Festival is a lively autumn weekend (11 to 14 September) of live concerts, ceilidhs, storytelling, family entertainment and workshops. 

Herefordshire is home to the most fabulous produce as well as legendary beef and craft ciders. It's also foodie heaven thanks to our glorious gastropubs and thriving restaurant scene, including the miniature Michelin-starred 33 The Homend in Ledbury (the quaintest restaurant that seats 14).

So we love to indulge in a celebration of all things foodie whenever we can. Herefordshire’s Family Food and Drink Festival on 31 May promises unforgettable food, over 35 cask ales and ciders, live music and family friendly entertainment, all with a local twist.

Meanwhile, Hereford's Indie Food Festival returns this year as The Fallow, a slightly pared-back event in homage to its roots, ahead of a mega 10-year anniversary celebration in 2026. Expect the usual fantastic street food (local, naturally), incredible music, great booze, and delicious food all August bank holiday weekend.

For fans of our favourite thirst-quencher, Ross Cider Festival returns 28 - 31 August. It's a weekend of delicious food, excellent music, wide ranging beer and of course, incredible cider. And you can even book to camp beneath the apple trees.

The Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair is a brilliant family day out and will be of particular interest to automotive aficionado with a wide range of vehicles on show including classic cars, engines, motorbikes and tractors. There’s also heaps more on offer from clay pigeon shooting, to archery, farm animals to ferret world, morris dancing and a range of country stalls selling products and crafts. Something for everyone, surely!

Embracing an international theme for 2025 (so not strictly traditional), the Leominster Festival (2-15 June) deserves a shout out! Run by local businesses and volunteers since 1984, it grows every year, promising a Colour Run, outdoor cinema, Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra performance, big street quiz and a host of other community events bringing locals and visitors alike together.

Kington Show on 13 September is one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the county and blends the traditional agricultural feel of livestock with horticultural competitions, lively family entertainment, such as the Bolddog FMX Motorbike Team who will be performing radical airborne aerobatics this year. There's also shearing and dog competitions throughout the day, a wonderful display of vintage vehicles and over 100 trade stands.