Tickets are now on sale for The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle’s 2026 season.
Following a successful opening weekend, Hever Castle & Gardens is delighted to announce the return of another spectacular season at The Festival Theatre, as they mark a very special milestone – their 45th anniversary year!
Since first opening, The Festival Theatre has become a much-loved tradition for audiences across Kent and beyond. Set within the breathtaking grounds of Hever Castle, The Festival Theatre has welcomed an extraordinary range of performers over the years – from touring theatre companies and classical musicians to comedy acts, family favourites, and some of the UK’s best-loved tribute shows. Today, it continues to be a place where audiences return year after year for high-quality live entertainment in a relaxed, open-air setting.
At the heart of the festival is the purpose-built Two Sisters’ Theatre, a truly unique open-air venue designed to bring audiences closer to the magic of live performance. With its fully covered seating and transparent roof, guests can enjoy the atmosphere of an outdoor theatre experience while remaining sheltered from the elements – watching the stars above while the performers shine on stage.
The 2026 season is packed with excitement, offering a vibrant mix of music, theatre, and entertainment for all ages. Audiences can look forward to a carefully curated programme of live shows, including chart-topping tribute acts and unforgettable themed performances.
The season features a rich and varied line-up of open-air entertainment, including acclaimed music tributes, family adventure theatre, and operatic highlights set within the stunning grounds of Hever Castle & Gardens.
Among the season’s highlights is the much-anticipated The Last Night of the Hever Proms, a spectacular evening of music, celebration, and atmosphere, bringing together orchestral favourites, uplifting classics, and a rousing finale under the night sky.
One of the major highlights is Motown & More with Natalie Williams’ Soul Family, a feel-good celebration of iconic soul classics, delivering powerhouse vocals and timeless hits from artists such as Stevie Wonder and The Supremes.
Another standout is The Ed Sheeran Experience, a live tribute show capturing the sound, energy, and storytelling of the global superstar, complete with live looping, acoustic favourites, and chart-topping anthems that define his career.
For families and adventure lovers, Treasure Island brings Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale to life in a swashbuckling stage adaptation filled with pirates, sword fights, sea shanties, and high-seas drama – perfect for an open-air theatre evening.
Audiences can also look forward to the dramatic and powerful Mary Queen of Rock, a bold new rock musical that reimagines the story and spirit of Mary Queen of Scots through an electrifying soundtrack of iconic rock anthems.
Adding a further dimension to the season is the return of the Hever Castle History Fest, a celebration of storytelling, heritage, and living history within the Castle grounds. This special event includes engaging talks and appearances from historians and presenters, including Hever’s Kate McCaffrey and Dr Owen Emmerson, who bring fascinating insights into the people, stories and events that have shaped Hever’s remarkable past.
Together, these shows reflect the spirit of the Festival Theatre: a diverse, high-quality programme that blends music, storytelling, and live performance in one of the most atmospheric outdoor venues in the country.
Beyond the performances themselves, a visit to The Festival Theatre is about the full experience. Guests are invited to arrive early, enjoy picnics in the castle grounds, and explore the stunning gardens before taking their seats for an evening of unforgettable entertainment. With food, atmosphere and fantastic performances combined, every visit becomes a complete summer occasion.
As we celebrate 45 years of The Festival Theatre, we would like to thank our audiences – past, present, and future – for being part of this incredible journey. Your continued support has helped shape the festival into what it is today: a cherished summer tradition filled with joy, creativity, and shared memories.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Hever Castle for another unforgettable season of live performance under the stars.
Box office: 07379 488477, or see the booking page.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
