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/
FUNFAIR: Cogger's Nationwide Amusements (operational days Friday-Sundays 18,19 20 & 24-27 September 2026 and 2-4 October 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/
10-15 October 2026 - Baby Loss Awareness Week / Wave of Light Ceremony 15 October at 19:00 hrs
During Baby Loss Awareness Week, the bandstand will serve as a focal point for local commemorations organised by East Herts Sands. Features tied ribbon displays and a gathering for the global Wave of Light ceremony. Wave of Light event will be held on 15 October at 19:00hrs on the Bandstand, battery operated candles can be brought along to switch on in memory of babies lost during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
OKTOBERFEST: 24 October 2026 (EVENT TO BE CONFIRMED)
Oktoberfest is a traditional German beer festival, known for its lively atmosphere, music, food and, of course, beer. This Oktoberfest celebration will bring a taste of the German festival atmosphere to Sworders Field, with music and entertainment taking place in a big top. Further event details to be confirmed.
REINDEER DASH: Grove Cottage fundraising fun run (29th November 2026)
For further details contact Mina at email mina@mencapgrovecottage.org or telephone 01279 651908
2027
FUNFAIR: Cogger's Nationwide Amusements (Operational days: Friday-Sundays May 2027 (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/
CARNIVAL PARADE AND FUN DAY - Saturday 19 June 2027
*** 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 19th June 2027.
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.
RUSTY RUSSELS CIRCUS - Mon 26 April - 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/
CHILDREN'S WORLD - Operational days 3-4 July and 10-11 July 2027
Children’s World fun park, kiddies rides and various inflatables, £14 per wrist band for 3.5 hours. Session times 12:00-15:30 or 15:30-19:00 suitable for children age 2yrs to 10yrs. Adults £1.00 per wrist band to accompany children on rides, all spectators free. For further details email: childrensworldfunpark@gmail.com
BISH BASH - 2027 - times and details to be confirmed
*** NOTE: EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE FIELD IS REQUIRED *** NO PARK RUN
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 - July 2027 and August 2027
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.
UKULELE FESTIVAL - August 2027
This is part of the Live at the Bandstand Event brought to you by our Tourist Information Centre Team. Live ukulele performances. For further information contact: Tourist Information Centre: tic@bishopsstortfordtc.org Telephone: 01279 715001.
ACOUSTIC BASH - August 2027 -hrs (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 (September 2027 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/