Pull on a costume, take a Hobbit name, and step fully into a living Middle-earth — a day of feasting, music, games and firelit dancing where you're part of the story. Never done it before? Perfect — we'll show you how.
Strictly limited · Once they're gone, they're gone
The Brandywine Festival is a five-day immersive Hobbit gathering at the magnificent Weston Park. For 2026 we're throwing open the gates for one Saturday only — so you can step inside, breathe the woodsmoke, share the laughter, and discover for yourself why people travel from across the world to be here.
Brandywine isn't a festival you watch from the sidelines — it's a fully immersive LARP (live-action roleplay). For the day, everyone arrives in costume and in character as a Hobbit. That shared make-believe is exactly what makes the world feel real — and we promise it's far easier (and far more fun) than it sounds.
Earthy layers, a simple waistcoat or skirt, maybe a flower in your hair — that's a Hobbit. Our free Costume Guide walks you from a quick first outfit to a full Shire wardrobe.
Pick a Hobbit name and a few cosy details about your life in The Shire. No script and no acting skills needed — you're simply yourself, in a kinder, greener world. Our Character Builder makes it a five-minute joy.
For the day, leave phones and modern chatter at the gate and let yourself believe. Everyone's in it together — and quiet Out-of-Character areas are always there whenever you fancy a breather.
🌿 Never done anything like this before? You're in the very best company — most of our first-time guests hadn't either. There are no lines to learn and no wrong way to be a Hobbit. Come curious, and The Shire will do the rest.
From the moment you pass through the gates, the day is yours to wander. Here's what fills a Brandywine Saturday — all included with your ticket.
Tug-of-war on the green, skittles, ninepins and good-natured contests where strangers become teammates in minutes. Roaming games-masters keep the fun rolling all afternoon — just wander up and join in.
Hearty pies, slow-roasted fare, fresh-baked pastries and warming broths from our in-world vendors. Pull up a hay bale or spread a blanket on the meadow, raise a locally-brewed ale or cider, and feast like a proper Hobbit.
From mid-morning until the stars come out, folk, fiddle and pipe drift across the fields. Catch curated stage sets, stumble on wandering players in the lanes, then settle in for an intimate hearthside session as dusk falls.
Sit down with our makers and try a traditional craft with your own hands, then browse the Artisan Market for candles, leatherwork, trinkets and treasures. Take home a keepsake — and the quiet pride of having made it yourself.
Join a friendly beginner folk-dance class — no partner, no experience and no nerves required. Every step is taught on the day, and within minutes you'll be reeling and laughing your way around a circle of brand-new friends.
You're not a spectator here — you're a Hobbit living in it. Wandering characters strike up conversation, proclamations ring out in the square, and little moments of magic find you all day long, wherever you choose to look.
"I came on my own, not knowing a single person. By the end of the evening I had a group of friends and a Hobbit name I'll probably keep forever."
There's no fixed itinerary to follow — wander as you please — but here's the rhythm of a Brandywine Saturday.
The gates open at 10 AM. Cross into The Shire and feel the world shift — markets are stirring, kettles are on, and the first notes of music carry across the meadow. Ticket Arrival Check-In booth closes at 4 PM.
Gather food from the vendors, find a sunny spot on the grass, and settle in. Good food, good company, no hurry — the very heart of a Hobbit's day.
Throw yourself into the lawn games, try a craft at the market, catch a performance, or join the dance class. Roam wherever curiosity takes you.
The light turns golden, lanterns are lit one by one, and the whole festival begins to glow — the most magical hour of the day.
The bands strike up and the dancefloor fills. Lose yourself in the music beneath the stars before you carry the magic home with you.
Your day doesn't end at sunset — that's when it turns truly magical. As the lanterns flicker to life, the whole festival begins to glow.
Take up a lantern and join the glowing procession as it winds, singing, through the heart of The Shire.
Browse the lamplit stalls and swap mathoms — those curious little Hobbit treasures — long into the evening.
Let the fire roar and the fiddles fly as the whole village reels and spins beneath the stars.
Bands and balladeers play on into the night — from foot-stomping reels to soft songs by the embers.
Raise a tankard of ale, cider or mead in the warm glow of the tavern — the beating social heart of the night.
There's no curfew on magic. Linger by the firelight for as long as the night cares to hold you.
We want you to love your day — so here's the honest picture. Your Saturday ticket is the celebration; the deeper story belongs to the full five days.
A day ticket doesn't include the running storylines, quests or camping of the full event — but it's the perfect way to experience the magic for the very first time.
We're making our final call for heritage artisans, acoustic Irish folk performers, and food & product vendors to join us at Weston Park this September. If that's you, we'd love to hear from you.
See the Three Calls →Saturday 12 September 2026. Gates open at 10 AM and the day rolls on late into the evening.
A simple Hobbit outfit is required — it's what makes the world feel real. Our free Costume Guide makes it easy, even for first-timers.
This is a LARP — everyone attends as a Hobbit and stays in the world. No acting skills needed, beginners are welcome, and quiet break areas are always nearby.
Comfortable shoes, a picnic blanket, a layer for the evening, and a card or cash for the vendors and Artisan Market.
A wonderfully family-friendly day out for all ages. See the main FAQ for ticket details for younger guests.
The festival grounds are accessible to mobility scooters and wheelchairs, so you can make your way around The Shire with ease. Accessible toilets are available on-site too.
One Saturday, one beautiful setting in the English countryside — here's where you're headed, and how to claim your place.
Weston-under-Lizard, Shifnal,
Shropshire · TF11 8LE
You'll be taken to Burgschneider.com to complete your purchase · Instant e-ticket
Junior day tickets are just £24 for ages 7–17, and children aged 6 & under come along free. The same ticket terms apply as our standard tickets.
All-day entry to the festival on Saturday 12 September 2026 — the live music, the games, hands-on crafting, the beginner dance class, the markets, the living in-character world, and the bands and dancing in the evening. Food and drink are available to buy on-site from our in-world vendors.
Yes — a simple Hobbit costume is required, and it's the shared magic that makes The Shire feel real for everyone. Don't worry, it needn't be elaborate or expensive: earthy colours, natural fabrics, and a waistcoat or skirt are plenty for a first visit. Our free Costume Guide shows you exactly how, and you'll find costume pieces for sale at the market too.
It is — Brandywine is a fully immersive LARP (live-action roleplay), and everyone takes part as a Hobbit rather than watching from the sidelines. But "in character" simply means being a friendly, curious Hobbit version of yourself: there are no scripts to learn and no performance required. We just ask that you keep modern talk and phones tucked away while you're in the world — and you can step into a quiet Out-of-Character area for a breather any time you like.
Absolutely, and you'll be in the very best company — most first-time guests feel exactly the same before the gates open, then never look back. We provide a Beginner's Guide and on-the-day orientation to help you settle in, and you certainly don't need to be a "main character" to be part of the world. Come curious; that's all it takes.
It's encouraged but wonderfully simple — just choose a Hobbit name and a few homely details about your life in The Shire. All guests play their own original Hobbits (named Lord of the Rings characters aren't played at the event). Our Character Builder helps you dream one up in minutes.
No worries at all! If it's a small slip, just smile and carry on. Immersion is a big part of the joy, so please do your best to help keep the world alive — and if you need to properly switch off, the Out-of-Character areas are there whenever you need them.
No — day tickets are online only and capped at just 1,200 places for Saturday. Once they sell out there are no tickets at the gate, so we strongly recommend booking early.
The day ticket is for Saturday daytime and evening only and doesn't include camping. If you'd like to stay and wake up inside the world, take a look at our full weekend tickets.
In the Hobbit spirit, safe foam props such as rolling pins, frying pans and the like are welcome — but there's no player combat at this event, so leave the swords at home. (No real weapons of any kind, please.)
The festival is held at Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, near Telford — easily reached from Birmingham, the Midlands and the North West, with parking on-site. Full travel and arrival details are sent to ticket holders before the event.
Please park your car, then make your way to the Event Check-In Booth, where our team will welcome you and get you ready to step into The Shire.
Check-in opens at 10 AM and closes at 4 PM, so please arrive in good time to make the most of your day.
There's no rush — you're free to stay as late as you'd like and enjoy the music and dancing well into the evening.
Yes — Saturday is a wonderfully family-friendly day out. Please see the main FAQ for ticketing details for younger guests.
Yes — the festival grounds are accessible to mobility scooters and wheelchairs, so you can make your way around The Shire with ease. Accessible toilets are available on-site too.
Only 1,200 day places, available online only. When they're gone, they're gone — claim your Saturday in The Shire before someone else takes your spot at the fire.
Buy Your £68 Saturday Ticket →Secure checkout via Burgschneider.com · Instant e-ticket