Special Events
The Shire of Heyford promises many Special Events for the entrepid Traveller. Each Themed Weekend promises new and unique experiences. Those thirsty for a challenge can join the daily Pub Crawl or one of the various tastings the Shire’s distilleries have to offer. Check back frequently as our list of Special Events expands.
Goats and Wine
Join our Pygmy Goat friends from DK Farms for a flight of fine wine! Admission to Goats and Wine gives you a wine sampler flight and access to the cutest Pygmy Goats in all the land! Goats and Wine is available from Open to Close, and is a seperate ticketed event. Tickets can only be purchased from the Goats and Wine Tent.
Pub Crawl
Raise a tankard and join Shakespeare’s own acting company for an hour of laughter, mischief, and fine ale. This separate ticket event takes you on a lively tour of the faire’s main pubs, where you’ll enjoy three refreshing beers and plenty of theatrical antics along the way. The crawl departs from The Boar’s Head Inn at 1:00 PM, and tickets sell out fast. Don’t delay—secure your spot before they’re gone!
Sugar Stroll
Calling all young lords and ladies with a taste for adventure—and a sweet tooth to match! The Sugar Stroll is a delightful, guided tour through the faire, where children will sample an array of treats, fizzy drinks, and candies while enjoying lively entertainment along the way. This separate ticketed event departs from the front gate at 3:15, and spots are limited. Don’t miss out on this enchanting journey through the land of sweets!
Easter Keg Hunt
Easter Weekend ONLY
This Easter weekend, trade the egg hunt for something a little more… spirited. Grab a map from the info booth or any pub and embark on the Easter Keg Hunt, open to those 21 and over only. Purchase five delicious drinks from the alehouses of the shire, collecting a stamp at each stop. Once your map is complete, claim a special free prize worthy of a true adventurer. This event runs only on Easter weekend, so gather your fellow hunters and let the merriment begin!
Treasure Hunt
Swashbuckler Weekend ONLY
Wealth, fame, power—every pirate sets sail in search of the ultimate prize. Now, it’s your turn to embark on a grand adventure through the shire, hunting for the one piece of treasure hidden in Heyford. This free treasure hunt will test your cunning and skill. Seek out four ancient tablets, gather evidence, and solve riddles that will lead you to fortune and glory. Do you have what it takes to claim the prize and etch your name into legend? The hunt is on!
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Weekend ONLY
Little adventurers, get ready for a magical Easter weekend. Join the free Easter Egg Hunt and search the shire for vendors displaying the Easter Egg flag. Each stop holds a special surprise—treats, prizes, and a bit of holiday cheer. This festive quest is only happening on Easter weekend, so grab a basket, follow the flags, and let the hunt begin.
Talk Like a Pirate Contest
Swashbuckler Weekend ONLY
Hoist the Jolly Roger and let fly yer finest pirate chatter. Enter the Talk Like a Pirate Contest and show off yer best sea-worthy slang, thunderous threats, and salty shanties. Whether ye be a scallywag, a buccaneer, or the dread captain of the high seas, only the most convincing corsair will claim the prize. This contest takes place only during Swashbuckler Weekend, so step up, speak up, and may the best pirate win—lest ye be forced to walk the plank.
2025 Themed Weekends
Easter Weekend - April 19, 20
Bring the whole family for an Easter Celebration you won’t soon forget. Break your lenten fast on a juicy Turkey Legg whilst your wee nippers scour the shire for Easter Eggs. For families and friends bereft of heirs, you are invited to join us on our Keg Hunt – a tour of the various and sundry Ale Houses ending in a secret prize for those well in their cups.
Swashbuckler Weekend - April 26, 27
Calling all Seadogs, Swashbucklers, and Sailors. This weekend only Het Majesty will grant amnesty to all rule breaking ruffians and grace upon them Letters of Marque for the war with Philip of Spain. Impress friends and family at the Talk Like A Pirate Contest, or just enjoy a refreshing Rum Runner ‘neath the shade of a palm tree brought from the New World.
May Day Weekend - May 3, 4
Don your finest flower garland and join us for the welcoming of May. Learn Morris Dancing with our Villagers, or join the Shire in crowning the May Queen. This weekend is for those olde souls that feast not only on wine and honey, but dance and song.
Gnomecore Weekend - May 10, 11
We say farewell for the season with a spectacular adventure filled with whimsy. Dress in your best pointy hat, and prepare for a fantastic journey over the garden wall where the grass is green and the tea parties have mushroom chairs.
FAQs
The traveller’s guide to all that there is to know about an upcoming visit to the Shire of Heyford.
Plan Thy Day
With hundreds of villagers, artisans, and entertainers, the savvy traveller would do well to prepare in advance.
Find Us
Her Majesty’s finest mapmakers, explorers, and navigators have charted safe passage to the Shire of Heyford.
Get It Here!
These Special Tees, Water Bottles, Coffee Mugs, and Tanks are only available online and will not be at the Rememberance Shoppe.