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About the festival
Discover the Hereford Military History Festival, a unique event celebrating the power of storytelling in understanding war, conflict and military heritage. Held in the historic city of Hereford – home to a proud military tradition and the legendary SAS – this festival brings together acclaimed authors, historians and military experts for three days of engaging talks and insightful discussions. Focusing on military literature, memoirs, historical analysis, and war writing, the festival offers a rare opportunity to hear from the leading voices in the field.
Whether you're passionate about military history books, enjoy war memoirs, or are interested in the literary legacy of conflict, the Hereford Military History Festival is an event which you can't afford to miss.
The name Hereford derives from the Anglo-Saxon 'hére' meaning army or body of armed men and 'ford' meaning river crossing. Hereford has played an extraordinary role in Britain's military history, from the Romans, the Mercians, the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans through the Wars of the Roses and English Civil War.
The Festival is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and is committed to supporting the Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre.
Festival Venues
In the 20th century, Hereford again played a critical role in Britain’s military story. The munitions factory at Rotherwas supplied shells to the British army in both world wars and the RAF training base at Credenhill equipped pilots for service in Fighter and Bomber Command.
Today, Stirling Lines in Hereford is the headquarters of 22 SAS Regiment. An estimated 25% of Herefordshire's population has a connection to the armed forces.