Book tickets now for the Hereford Military History Festival
We're excited to be supporting the Hereford Military History Festival, make sure to come along!
Following a hugely successful first year, the Hereford Military History Festival has announced a further 10 events for its second festival, which will take place from Friday 25th - 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.
Steeped in history, Hereford is the perfect setting for the festival, having been a military stronghold for over two millennia — from Roman legions to the SAS. 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.
Events include:
• 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.
• Paul Preston, the preeminent historian of modern Spain, will discuss the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War, and his latest book Downfall of a King: Juan Carlos of Spain with Chris Hall.
• Acclaimed author Eleanor Anstruther takes us to a protest camp at RAF Greenham Common in her new novel, Fallout: The Women of Greenham Common, and what she finds isn’t just a camp but a rewriting of every story she’s ever been told.
• 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.
• Authors Kevin J. Weddle (The Compleat Victory) and Tom Cutterham (Empire Ablaze) discuss their new books to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
• Krishna Thapa, also known as Warrior Monk, led the largest ever UKSF and Ghurka summit team up Everest. Join us for a special evening with the ex-SAS mountain leader, world-class climber, and spiritual guide.
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.”
For further information and to book please visit: https://www.herefordmilitaryhistoryfestival.com/
