Sarehole Festival

Sarehole Festival The Festival returns to Sarehole, the area that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's the Shire. 30-31 May 2026.

As the sun sets on Sarehole Festival, we would like to offer our warmest thanks to everyone who joined us on this unexpe...
31/05/2026

As the sun sets on Sarehole Festival, we would like to offer our warmest thanks to everyone who joined us on this unexpected journey, you all brought the true spirit of fellowship to Sarehole Festival.

Through stories shared, friendships formed, and a mutual love of Tolkien’s works, you helped transform a gathering into something magical.

In the words of Tolkien,
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
and we are grateful that you chose to spend some of that time with us.

Thank you to our visitors, guest speakers, performers, traders and storytellers. Every one of you played a part in making our first festival a memorable chapter in our tale.

A special thank you our fantastic volunteers, we could not have done this without you all.

We'll see you all for Sarehole Festival 2027! 🧝🏻‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️

The Tolkien Society

We had a fantastic first day at Sarehole Festival yesterday! Thank you to everyone who visited, attended talks and activ...
31/05/2026

We had a fantastic first day at Sarehole Festival yesterday!

Thank you to everyone who visited, attended talks and activities, and helped create such a welcoming, vibrant and hobbity atmosphere. It's been wonderful to share our enthusiasm for Tolkien and his world with so many people. We look forward to another great day today!

We have new activities and guest talks, as well as the costume competition, plus the unmissable prize for our Tolkien Quiz!

For those who missed yesterday's Tolkien walking tour, at Sarehole Mill, they will also be on today so get to the Mill early to book in!

Here's some of the highlights from yesterday. See you all at 10am! 🧝🏻‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️

We're back for day 2!We have a packed schedule here at the Sarehole Recreation Ground, B13 0BD. Come on down and learn a...
31/05/2026

We're back for day 2!

We have a packed schedule here at the Sarehole Recreation Ground, B13 0BD. Come on down and learn about J.R.R. Tolkien's links with the area, and have some fun!

Tickets at www.sareholefestival.org and on the door.

COME AND JOIN IN WITH THE FESTIVAL BUSINESS!
30/05/2026

COME AND JOIN IN WITH THE FESTIVAL BUSINESS!

It's been a busy day but we're super excited to Welcome you all to Sarehole Festival at 10am tomorrow!
29/05/2026

It's been a busy day but we're super excited to Welcome you all to Sarehole Festival at 10am tomorrow!

Sarehole Mill will be opening for the weekend with a fantastic tour starting at 9.45am! Join a guided walk introducing t...
29/05/2026

Sarehole Mill will be opening for the weekend with a fantastic tour starting at 9.45am!

Join a guided walk introducing the scenery that inspired J.R.R Tolkien when he lived near Sarehole Mill as a child.
The tour begins at the Mill and takes us to Moseley Bog, passing Tolkien’s childhood home. The route is around 2 miles in length, involves steps and a boardwalk that could be slippery when wet. Good walking shoes are recommended.
This route is not accessible to wheelchair users or pushchairs. Please arrive in good time as the walk will start on time.
The walk will last approx. one hour

BOOK HERE: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/events/origins-of-middle-earth-j-r-r-tolkien-and-sarehole-guided-walk

AND THEN YOU CAN JOIN IN WITH THE FESTIVITIES!

🧙🏼‍♂️✨ COSTUME COMPETITIONS AT SAREHOLE FESTIVAL ✨ 🧝🏻‍♀️Calling all Hobbits, Elves, Wizards, Dwarves, Rangers, Ents, Dra...
28/05/2026

🧙🏼‍♂️✨ COSTUME COMPETITIONS AT SAREHOLE FESTIVAL ✨ 🧝🏻‍♀️

Calling all Hobbits, Elves, Wizards, Dwarves, Rangers, Ents, Dragons, and creatures of Middle Earth!

Join us at Sarehole Festival 2026 ✨ for our Tolkien-inspired Costume Competition — whether your outfit is handmade, carefully crafted, gloriously chaotic, or straight from the halls of Rivendell, we want to see it!

🏆 Prizes, bragging rights, and admiration from fellow adventurers await!

There will be an Adult and Kids Competition on both days in the Stage Marquee. Check the schedule for timing's.

Mini Frodo: Apollo.

Gollum: Jack Jinks, photographed by our official festival photographer Kris Askey

The fires are lit, the banners are (almost) raised, and the road to the 2026 Sarehole Festival awaits! From tales of Beo...
28/05/2026

The fires are lit, the banners are (almost) raised, and the road to the 2026 Sarehole Festival awaits! From tales of Beowulf and Tolkien lore to music, crafts and contests — there is adventure for every traveller.

Highlights from the weekend include:

• Talks from renowned Tolkien scholars and storytellers

• Live performances from The Kate Gee Band, Weathered Earth, and more

• Middle Earth crafting, weaving, calligraphy & gaming

• Costume competitions and a Middle Earth Quiz

• Family-friendly activities and free play throughout the day

Whether you come as Hobbit, Ranger, Elf, or Dwarf, the path leads to fellowship, creativity, and the magic of Tolkien’s world here at Sarehole Festival.

Everything listed on our schedule is included in your ticket price along with lots of other free activities to see and do across the weekend!

🌿 “Not all those who wander are lost…” 🌿

Ever wanted to learn apothecary? Join the wonderful OLIVE O’CLOIGLIGH in the Crafts & Gaming Marquee over the weekend. ...
27/05/2026

Ever wanted to learn apothecary? Join the wonderful OLIVE O’CLOIGLIGH in the Crafts & Gaming Marquee over the weekend. Sign up on the day for one of the FREE classes below:

The rangers forage – walking with the land – 10.30am
Sensing into Elf wisdom – hedgerow tea tasting – 2.30am
Tea blending for the free people – 2.30pm
Ancient traveller remedies – 4pm

*SPECIAL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT*DO YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TOLKIEN ABOUT? Then enter our Middle Earth Quiz! The in...
26/05/2026

*SPECIAL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT*

DO YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TOLKIEN ABOUT?
Then enter our Middle Earth Quiz!

The incrediblely talented Morgan, who is the creator behind Green Dragon Book Nooks, has gifted us this wonderful creation for our Middle Earth Quiz prize on Sunday at 3pm!

May your knowledge of Middle Earth be as deep as the mines of Moria, your memory as sharp as the eyes of Legolas, and your courage as steadfast as Samwise Gamgee.

Good Luck to those who enter and in the mean time check out Green Dragon Book Nooks.

Address

Cole Bank Road
Birmingham
B130BD

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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