Free Events
You don’t have to be a paid-up attendee or Tolkien Society member to enjoy The Return of the Ring. We have a selection of free events for members of the public to enjoy.
Thursday 16th August
2pm - 5pm, Middle-earth Camp next to Edward Herbert Building
The Fellowship of the Green Dragon has travelled from France to recreate Middle-earth life for us. All their equipment and resources are based on historical research and are painstakingly crafted using traditional methods. Freeform activities and demonstrations take place throughout the day: archery, cookery, crafts, sword-fighting, games, music, re-enactments and more in an ever changing array. The camp is open so be sure to go right inside and don’t be shy to interact! Just drop in and out as you please during opening times.
5.15pm - 6pm, James France Building
Exhibition preview and Opening Ceremony. Come and join us for a glass of something nice and your first chance to admire the goodies in our stunning art and dealers' exhibition. We have some surprises lined up too and several news crew are joining us.
7pm - 9pm; Barrow Hall, Edward Herbert Builing
Film Premiere: The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers. First public screening of this independently made feature film, described as “a buddy-comedy written in honour of online gamers and The Lord of the Rings. Full of Tolkien-references and good-hearted parody, The Fellows Hip will appeal to Tolkien-fans and gamers alike, as well as anyone who’s never been part of the in-crowd”.
Opening party with live music, fun, games and surprises.
Friday 17th August
9am - 5pm, James France Building
Art and Dealers’ Exhibition. Simply gaze in wonder and admiration or buy some of the goodies on offer.
11am - 7pm, Middle-earth Camp next to Edward Herbert Building
The Fellowship of the Green Dragon has travelled from France to recreate Middle-earth life for us. All their equipment and resources are based on historical research and are painstakingly crafted using traditional methods. Freeform activities and demonstrations take place throughout the day: archery, cookery, crafts, sword-fighting, games, music, re-enactments and more in an ever changing array. The camp is open so be sure to go right inside and don’t be shy to interact! Just drop in and out as you please during opening times.
Saturday 18th August
9am - 5pm, James France Building
Art and Dealers’ Exhibition. Simply gaze in wonder and admiration or buy some of the goodies on offer.
2.45pm - 3.45pm; Lecture Room 1, James France Building
Storytelling session suitable for all ages: ‘Agent Green: Masterclass in the Care & Training of Dragons’. Trained in early childhood by Cambridge academics and having personal contact with dragons since her teens, Agent Green is on a lifelong quest to find and save the world’s last dragons. Despite a growing reputation as something of a firebreather herself, Agent Green’s Q&A sessions are not to be missed! This is a spoof lecture featuring Chloë of the Midnight Storytellers and is open to the public.
11am - 7pm, Middle-earth Camp next to Edward Herbert Building
The Fellowship of the Green Dragon has travelled from France to recreate Middle-earth life for us. All their equipment and resources are based on historical research and are painstakingly crafted using traditional methods. Freeform activities and demonstrations take place throughout the day: archery, cookery, crafts, sword-fighting, games, music, re-enactments and more in an ever changing array. The camp is open so be sure to go right inside and don’t be shy to interact! Just drop in and out as you please during opening times.
Sunday 19th August
9am - 4pm, James France Building
Art and Dealers’ Exhibition. Simply gaze in wonder and admiration or buy some of the goodies on offer.
11am - 7pm, Middle-earth Camp next to Edward Herbert Building
The Fellowship of the Green Dragon has travelled from France to recreate Middle-earth life for us. All their equipment and resources are based on historical research and are painstakingly crafted using traditional methods. Freeform activities and demonstrations take place throughout the day: archery, cookery, crafts, sword-fighting, games, music, re-enactments and more in an ever changing array. The camp is open so be sure to go right inside and don’t be shy to interact! Just drop in and out as you please during opening times.
7.30pm - 9.30pm, Edward Herbert Building
The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers. Another chance to see the film in advance of the Q&A session. The Fellows Hip is a buddy-comedy written in honour of online gamers and The Lord of the Rings. Full of Tolkien-references and good-hearted parody, The Fellows Hip will appeal to Tolkien-fans and gamers alike, as well as anyone who’s never been part of the in-crowd.
9.30pm - 10.30pm, Edward Herbert Building
The Fellows Hip Q&A session: Join actors and crew from The Fellows Hip to find out the fun and secrets they shared while filming.
