FESTIVALS 2027
Colchester History Festival 2027
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 June 2027
Venue: Lower Castle Park, St Peter’s Street entrance (Ryegate), Colchester, Essex, CO1 1HL
Opening times: 2027 opening times to be confirmed
Choose your tickets
Book festival day admission, the Friday Medieval Feast and VIP Group Experiences here. Select the relevant date to see its available tickets.
Saturday 5 or Sunday 6 June
Friday 4 June, 8pm–midnight — £40
Groups of 5–10, covering both festival days
Step into Colchester’s Roman and medieval past
Discover living history in Lower Castle Park, surrounded by the heritage of Britain’s first Roman city. Meet historical re-enactors, explore Roman and medieval life, and enjoy a weekend that brings the past to life for all ages.
Alongside the history, enjoy food and drink traders and time together in the park. The full 2027 programme, demonstration times and participating groups will be announced before the event.
What to enjoy
- Roman and medieval historical recreations
- Re-enactors, historical displays and opportunities to learn about life in the past
- Food and drink traders and family entertainment
- A welcoming outdoor setting for families, friends and history enthusiasts
Friday night medieval feast
Friday 4 June 2027, 8pm–midnight (ending Saturday 5 June at 12am). Join us the night before the festival.
A night of history. A table of friends. A feast to remember. Gather your friends for an atmospheric three-course medieval banquet, with long-table dining, waiter service and live medieval music.
Starter: Soup and oysters
Main: Roast hog or lamb, with a vegetarian option
Pudding: Spotted dick, with a gluten-free option.
£40 per person, plus booking fees. Individual and group bookings welcome. Medieval drinks available. Medieval dress is welcome, but optional.
Only 100 feast places are available. Feast tickets are £40 per person; festival admission is not included and must be booked separately.
VIP Group Experience
Make history together
Celebrate a birthday, mark a special occasion or gather your favourite people for a memorable weekend at Colchester History Festival, 5–6 June 2027.
For groups of 5–10 people, enjoy admission on both festival days, reserved daytime seating and your own personal liaison.
- A welcome meet-and-greet and festival guide.
- Reserved seating, kept available while you explore the festival.
- One £30 drinks voucher for your group’s person of honour, redeemable against beer, wine and standard spirits. Other guests’ drinks and premium spirits are purchased separately. Alcohol is for ages 18+ only, subject to age verification.
- Have-a-go archery, gladiator dress-up and traditional remedy making, subject to availability. Some activities require advance booking.
Dressing up is welcome, but optional. Please arrive by 12 noon each day. Late arrivals and no-shows do not qualify for a refund solely for missing the arrival deadline; statutory rights are unaffected.
Only five VIP group bookings are available for the weekend. Each reserves your group on both days. Minimum five and maximum ten people per group.
Group booking and price
£20 per person, plus Eventbrite booking fees. Choose the VIP Group Experience in the booking area and order between 5 and 10 tickets together for your group.
Your single group order covers everyone named in the booking for admission on both festival days. You do not need separate festival admission tickets for those guests.
Only five VIP group bookings are available. Booking will close when all five groups have been reserved.
The experience takes place during daytime festival opening hours. The Medieval Feast is booked separately; food and other drinks are purchased separately.
Getting here & parking
Free visitor parking is at Kings Meadow, end of Catchpool Road, Colchester, CO1 1XN. Walk along Pavilion View and cross the Lower Castle Park footbridge to reach the festival; allow approximately five minutes. Follow the event signs and ask the team if you need directions.
Disabled parking is available at the Leisure World Sports Centre. Please contact us before your visit if you need help with access.
Frequently asked questions
When is the festival?
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June 2027. Opening times and the detailed programme will be confirmed here.
Where is it held?
Lower Castle Park, Colchester, with access via the St Peter’s Street entrance (Ryegate).
Where can I park?
Free visitor parking is at Kings Meadow, CO1 1XN. The walking route via Pavilion View and the footbridge takes approximately five minutes; see the map above.
Can children attend?
Yes. Under 16s have free admission and must be accompanied by a paying adult aged 18 or over.
Can I bring my dog?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Please keep your dog on a lead, under control, and clean up after them.
How can I book the medieval feast?
The feast is Friday 4 June 2027, 8pm–midnight, with 100 places available at £40 per person. Individual and group bookings are welcome. Festival admission is separate. Select the Friday session in the booking area at the top of this page. Booking fees apply.
Is there a VIP group experience?
Yes. Groups of 5–10 can book the VIP Group Experience at £20 per person, plus Eventbrite booking fees. It includes both festival days, reserved daytime seating and a personal liaison. Order 5–10 VIP tickets together, arrive by noon each day, and use the booking area at the top of this page. The feast is separate.
Can I come in historical costume?
Historical dress is welcome. Please keep costumes and accessories suitable for a family event and follow the event team’s guidance.
Is there accessible parking?
Disabled parking is available at the Leisure World Sports Centre. Contact us beforehand to discuss your access needs.
Are there options for different diets or allergies?
Explore the food traders and ask each trader directly about ingredients, allergens and preparation before ordering.
Need a hand planning your visit?
For event or access enquiries, contact [email protected] or call 07984 358255.