“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – The Hobbit
Indeed, no one on Earth (or in Middle-earth, for that matter) appreciates the joys of life more than a hobbit. JRR Tolkien’s iconic creations’ appreciation for beautiful nature, good food and drink, upbeat music and simple humour, and a slower, gentler pace of life is enviable. Wouldn’t we all be better off following in their footsteps?
Well, now you can! Just on the outskirts of Birmingham, Staffordshire’s Weston Park will let you live out your halfling fantasies for five days at the UK’s very first hobbit festival (September 9 to 13, 2026). Step into the fantasy world of Middle-earth and make merry just like real-life Shire-folk at the Brandywine Festival.
How does it work?
You will arrive at this fully immersive, multi-day festival set in The Shire (less than an hour’s drive from The Shire’s real inspiration), kitted out as your very own hobbit creation. Think of it as a giant LARPing event, where home comforts are swapped out for campfire stories, pipeweed and a community of like-minded halflings.
The heart of Brandywine Festival will centre around The Four Farthing Games—a series of traditional Hobbit folk games contested by players representing their Farthing—while a cast of performers will help to make the fantasy world feel lived in. Plus, dance to folk music, tuck into a bounty of food, take up daily quests, and so much more.
Where will I stay?
In-game camping lets you stay in Middle-earth all festival-long, but you must adhere to the medieval/fantasy aesthetic (either bring your own camping gear or hire some from Brandywine Festival). Otherwise, off-site camping for a more modern set-up is allowed, but will be pitched outside of the main festival grounds.
What else do I need to know about Brandywine Festival?
This is the first-ever UK edition of Brandywine Festival, but the hobbit-themed festival had a successful launch in the United States last year (you can find plenty of reviews for that around), where it will also return to its Kentucky site later in the year (October 1 to 4).
Brandywine Festival will take place in the UK at Weston Park, near Telford, from September 9 to 13. The first batch of tickets is on sale now for £229 per person, but with several waves of releases, prices are expected to rise as high as £350. You can also pick up a junior ticket (7 to 17) for just £60.
To learn more about Brandywine Festival, head here.
