Hereford Military History Festival returns
Following a hugely successful first year, the Hereford Military History Festival is back for its second festival, which will take place from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September 2026.
Providing a place for intelligent conversations about conflict, and the lessons the past holds for current moments of geopolitical instability, the 2026 programme will feature internationally renowned writers and thinkers, including Ben Okri, Georgina Godwin, Damien Lewis, Eleanor Anstruther, Steve Crawshaw and Paul Preston.
The full programme provides a thorough exploration of global military history, showcasing key figures, human stories and the often overlooked aspects of war. Events will be staged across some of Hereford’s most historic venues, including the Hereford Cathedral, St Peter’s Church, Green Dragon Hotel, Castle Green Pavilion and College Hall.
The programme boasts events including:
Bestselling historian and TV presenter Dan Jones reveals the pivotal role castles played in medieval warfare, leading us through centuries and across continents, and showing how each castle tells a unique story of power.
Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri and Monocle Radio’s Georgina Godwin celebrate Okri’s latest novel Waking the Warriors and discuss their similar childhood experiences of growing up in African civil wars.
Helen Carr discusses her book Sceptred Isle, which takes us on a journey from the death of Edward I to the fall of Richard II, and a turbulent century of the Plantagenet dynasty – marked by war, revolt and the Black Death.
Author and filmmaker Damien Lewis reveals the untold stories of the war’s most daring and audacious escapes as executed by the world’s most famous fighting force, the SAS.
Festival founder and director Christian Dangerfield said: “We are delighted to welcome some of the world’s best-known military historians, speakers and thinkers to Hereford this year. Between them, they will cover everything from history’s greatest military commanders, through the pivotal role that castles played in medieval warfare; the anniversaries of the American War of Independence and the Spanish Civil War, to the spies of the Cold War and much more.”
Tickets on sale now at: herefordmilitaryhistoryfestival.com.
