Sworders Field
Sworders Field is a large, open field immediately adjacent to the Town Centre suitable for major public events (concerts, festivals, carnival, fairs etc) or smaller activities.
Our objective for events on Sworders Field is to provide, throughout the year, a variety of entertainment for a wide demographic, and encourage event promotors to come forward with booking requests. When approached by an event promoter, Bishop's Stortford Town Council will endeavour to provide a picture of other events that are booked, or likely to be booked, so they can reserve the field at the optimum time for their own event. We may refuse proposed bookings or suggest alternative timings if a proposed event is similar in nature and audience to another occurring within 4 weeks, should we consider that the conflict will be detrimental to the overall objectives for Sworders Field.
Please Note: The use of paper lanterns and helium balloons are not permitted on Sworders Field.
To hire, contact Tracey Gaynor on 01279 715004 (tracey.gaynor@bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk)
| 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Operational Day | £240 |
| Non-Operational Day | £120 |
| Charity & Non Charity (payable for exclusive use only) | £50.00 |
| Hourly Hire (no equipment/vehicles) | £50.00 |
| Hourly rate - Fitness, Yoga, Pilates | £15.00 |
Sworders Field Bishop's Stortford Herts
CASTLE PARK RUN: will take place every Saturday at 09:00hrs unless otherwise specified on event dates below: (see exceptions marked ** below) - NOTE NO PARK RUN ON SWORDERS FIELD DAY OF CARNIVAL (participants should meet at the Bandstand where the event will start unless otherwise specified- please check with event organisers).
PARK RUN EVENTS: (Saturdays 09:00-10:00) for further details contact simondewhurst@aol.com
Castle Park Parkrun. The course is 5000m (5K) long and is run on a mixture of tarmac paths and trail paths. Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain. Dependent on availability, marshals will be at key sections of the course, or signs will be in place. Please remember that the parkrun uses shared paths. For the continued success of the event, please give way to other park users. This won't hurt your time, it won't stop you from getting a PB and it will make sure everyone continues to enjoy the event. Please, wherever possible walk, jog, cycle or use public transport when attending the event. If you do have to drive, please consider car-sharing to reduce our impact on both the environment and other park users. Please also watch out for other park users when arriving and leaving. Parking may be limited so try to arrive early. For further details please refer to website: http://www.parkrun.org.uk/castlepark/
REINDEER DASH: Grove Cottage fundraising fun run (2025 date- to be confirmed)
For further details contact Mina at email mina@mencapgrovecottage.org or telephone 01279 651908
FUNFAIR: Cogger's Nationwide Amusements (Operational days: Friday-Sundays 8-10 May and 15-17 May 2026
Family Funfair: Free entry to funfair, rides usually only 2 tokens (buy 10 tokens for £10 or £1.70 each). For further details contact: coggers@funfair-carnivals.co.uk or Telephone Landline: 01452 306635 or Mobile: 07899841833 website: https://www.funfair-carnivals.co.uk/
Funfair for further details contact: coggers@funfair-carnivals.co.uk or Telephone Landline: 01452 306635 or Mobile: 07899841833 website: https://www.funfair-carnivals.co.uk/
CARNIVAL PARADE AND FUN DAY - 20 June 2026
*** NOTE: EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE FIELD IS REQUIRED *** NO PARK RUN
Bishop's Stortford Town Council welcomes the Annual Parade and Fun Day on Saturday 20th June 2026.
The Carnival Parade departs from South Mill Arts (CM23 3JG) at 11.15am, processes through South Street, Potter Street, Market Square, North Street and Northgate End, finishing on Link Road at approximately 12.20pm.
The Carnival Fun Day on Sworders Field (CM23 2EL) is from 12pm – 5pm; visit over 100 stalls at the Fun Day including a bar as well as delicious food from around the world. Be sure to visit The Carnival Cruise, a special array of decorated working and pleasure boats, moored along the river between the Registry Office (CM23 2DL) and Station Road. The whole event promises to be a fantastic experience for all the family.
CHILDREN'S WORLD - 4-5 July and 11-12 July 2026
Children’s world fun park 6 kiddies and 5 various inflatables charging one price for endless rides suitable for children age 2yrs to 10yrs. For further details email: childrensworldfunpark@gmail.com
BISH BASH - FRI 17TH JULY AND SATURDAY 18TH JULY 2026 - times and details to be confirmed
*** NOTE: EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE FIELD IS REQUIRED *** THERE MAY BE NO PARK RUN ON THIS DAY CHECK WITH PARK RUN ORGANISERS
Bish Bash has returned to Sworder's Field and Bandstand for a weekend of live music and entertainment. Details to follow.
LIVE AT THE BANDSTAND - 25-26 July 2026 and 1-2 August 2026
Join us for Live at the Bandstand, a fantastic celebration of music brought to you by our Tourist Information Centre Team. Enjoy live performances in a vibrant outdoor setting and soak up the summer vibes with friends and family! For further information contact: Tourist Information Centre: tic@bishopsstortfordtc.org Telephone: 01279 715001.
ACOUSTIC BASH - 15-16 August 2026 - 13:00-20:00hrs (times to be confirmed)
Bishop's Stortford Music Festival have once again joined forces with Bishop's Stortford Acoustic Club and Circadian FX to bring some of the town's favourite artists to The Bandstand in Castle Park. Over the weekend they will be raising funds for charity. There will be a licenced bar selling local beers, hot and cold beverages will also be available. For further details email info@acousticclub.co.uk
FUNFAIR: Cogger's Nationwide Amusements (2/3 weeks in September dates to be confirmed)
Family Funfair: Free entry to funfair, rides usually only 2 tokens (buy 10 tokens for £10 or £1.70 each). For further details contact: coggers@funfair-carnivals.co.uk or Telephone Landline: 01452 306635 or Mobile: 07899841833 website: https://www.funfair-carnivals.co.uk/
Funfair for further details contact: coggers@funfair-carnivals.co.uk or Telephone Landline: 01452 306635 or Mobile: 07899841833 website: https://www.funfair-carnivals.co.uk/
2027
RUSTY RUSSELLS CIRUS - MON 26 APRIL - MON 3 MAY 2027 (OPERATING DAYS TO BE CONFIRMED)
Roll up, roll up, as Russells International Circus voted Britain's Best Circus 5 years in succession, make a special visit to Sworders Field. The breathtaking performance is jam-packed with mesmerising aerial displays, jaw-dropping stunts, world-class comedy and much more. Russells International Circus are proud member of the Association of Circus Proprietors of Great Britain (ACT) - to find out more visit their website.https://www.russellscircus.co.uk/tour-dates-venues/ For further details contact info@russellscircus.co.uk or telephone 07752 218805 website: https://www.russellscircus.co.uk/tour-dates-venues/