Regular Events
Parkrun
Every Saturday – FREE, timed, 5 km run, jog or walk. Meet at the bandstand 8.50am for a briefing. You need to have registered with Parkrun beforehand and receive your barcode!
For further information: Castle Park Parkrun.
Health Walks
FREE, led walks, helping everyone get outdoors, get more active and reap the benefits. Taking place on regular Fridays. Meet at the entrance to Castle Park by the Link Road car park. For further information: Hertfordshire Health Walks.
30 September 2023
Heritage Day at Castle Park
Saturday 30 September sees the return of Castle Park’s Heritage Day, a FREE event for all the family to discover more about the fascinating history of the park.
Joining us for the Heritage Day will be Oxford Archaeology who will present a display of artefacts and the latest findings from the excavations they undertook ahead of the development of the new Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Stortford. The excavations, located either side of Roman Stane Street, uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved Roman settlement with a vast array of finds. The site featured in the tenth series of BBC’s flagship TV programme, Digging for Britain earlier this year. This is a chance to come and see the finds, meet the archaeologists and learn more about Roman Bishop’s Stortford.
The Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) will be running tours of the Castle Mound at 12.30pm 2pm and 3.30pm, giving talks and sharing finds.
We’re bringing back the hugely popular medieval themed have-a-go archery and axe throwing from On Targett Events again. These activities are free of charge and available to everyone aged eight years old and over. Topping off the fantastic array of historical-themed activities on offer is a falconry display from Coda Falconry. Displays will take place at 1pm and 3pm. The Coda team will also be on hand throughout the day to chat about these incredible birds and answer any questions you may have.
Follow our Heritage Trail to discover the history of Waytemore Castle, built after the Norman Invasion – and King John subsequently demolishing it; how the park and Sworders Field were created; how the River Stort was rerouted and how the park has evolved over centuries into a space for all the community to enjoy.
We’ll be joined by Bishop’s Stortford History Society, the Royal British Legion, and Hertfordshire Health Walks. The new community space Markwell Studio will be open and display information about the Castle Park redevelopment project and how it has evolved over the past five years.
We look forward to seeing you!
18 August 2023
Skate Jam – official opening of the skate park!
The new skate park has been enjoyed by many local families for a few months now, and we are delighted to announce the official opening, especially planned for the summer holidays!
Come and celebrate the official opening of the new skate park by the Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford.
FREE event, everyone welcome!
Ride with pro-skaters Daryl Dominguez and Nick Remon, and BMX pro Jack Scott.
12.00 – 13.15 – Skateboard workshop hosted by two of the country’s top professionals Daryl Dominguez and Nick Remon (all equipment provided)
13.15 – 13.20 – Official opening by the Mayor
13.20 – 13.40 – Professional skateboard and BMX demonstration
13.40 – 14.30 – Open practice. Ride with the pro’s
14.30 – 16.30 – Skateboard / BMX Competitions- these will be split into age groups based on the age of those taking part
16.30 – 16.50 – Professional demonstration
17.00- Event finishes
Refreshments and toilets on site.
March 2023
Friends of Castle Park Meeting
Tuesday 7th March, 7:00-8:30pm
The Friends of Castle Park meet every three months to discuss the direction of the group and future opportunities. We welcome everyone who has an interest in their local park and community, so come along and say hello! Meet at Bishops Stortford Town Council Chambers, Windhill, CM23 2ND.
April 2023
Heritage Day
Saturday 15th April, 10:00am – 3:00pm on Sworder’s Field
Join the Friends of Castle Park at their annual Castle Park Heritage Day!
Bishop’s Stortford Natural History Society and the town’s River Group will also be joining the Friends of Castle Park in celebrating the rich heritage of the local area.
There is a packed day of FREE family activities, including:
- Children’s archaeology activities with Museum of London Archaeology
- Arts and crafts with Friends of Castle Park
- Tours of Waytemore Castle (at 10:30am and 1:30pm) with Museum of London Archaeology
- Medieval themed archery and axe throwing with On Targett Events (suitable for age 8+)
- Falconry displays from Coda Falconry (at 11:00am and 2:00pm)
May 2023
Wellbeing Triathlon
Sunday 28th May, 08:45 – 11:15am. Get your tickets here!
The Friends of Castle Park are excited to welcome back the Wellbeing Triathlon on Sworder’s Field.
We’ll be starting off with a 5k run or 2.5k walk, followed by a yoga session, and finishing up with a relaxing meditation. Tickets cost £12 with £2 from each ticket being donated to Herts Mind Network.
The Wellbeing Triathlon will be coached by Lucy Robinson from Trikonasana Training. We also welcome supporting coaches Laurence Foote from Footesteps and Alex Burling from All Being Well..
Huge thank you to our partners: Active East Herts and Herts Mind Network; our sponsors: Everyone Active; and our funders: National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, East Herts District Council, and Bishop’s Stortford Town Council.
June 2023
Wildlife in the Park
Sunday 25th June, 10:00am – 3:00pm on Sworder’s Field
The Friends of Castle Park are running this FREE event celebrating nature and wildlife in Castle Park!
Join us for riverfly monitoring, a bug hunt, a guided nature walk, arts and crafts, and a whole host of local wildlife organisations.
We regularly update our events page and if you see something you are interested in and would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us via our contact page or email us at committee@friendsofcastlepark.net.
Friends of Castle Park 