The organisers of a major new Tolkien-inspired festival in the UK are to release up to 1,200 day tickets - after a heartfelt plea from a ten-year-old girl.

The youngster, from Dudley, wrote to the organisers of the five-day Brandywine Festival at Weston Park, telling them of her love for the world of Middle-earth and how much she wanted to attend the new event in September 2026.

But the young fan – whose birthday falls on the opening day – said she could not go because her family was unable to camp and asked if day tickets could be made available.

Now organiser Burgschneider has confirmed they are releasing up to 1,200 day tickets for Saturday 12 September, giving her the chance to go.

They have also made a last call for more food vendors, folk musicians and heritage craftspeople to come forward to help bring the atmosphere of the Shire alive at the festival, which takes place on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border from 9–13 September 2026.

Beol Miller, chief creative officer at Burgschneider, said the letter had touched all their hearts.

"When we read what she had to say we were so moved we simply had to make day tickets available for the Saturday. The letter reminded us of how much we loved the world of Middle-earth when we were her age.

"It would have been a real loss if she and superfans like her could not attend for at least one day. Places are limited and tickets will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we would urge people to move fast to make sure they don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to be part of a truly immersive event."

In her letter, the young fan wrote: "The Lord of the Rings is my passion. I have dreamed of going to the festival. But we can't go because it is camping only at the moment. I would be over the moon if I could go with a day ticket if you could make them."

She also included a drawing and apologised for spilling glue on the letter.

Day tickets go on sale today (July 30) and are priced at £68 for adults, with junior tickets available at £24 for ages 7–17 and free entry for children aged six and under. Tickets are available online only.

Organisers are also making a final call for food vendors, acoustic Irish folk musicians and heritage artisans and craftspeople to join them at the event.

Beol added: "Food vendors do not need to be themed or medieval in style and it could be a wonderful opportunity for local farm shops, bakeries and mobile caterers.

"We would love to also hear from musical acts, particularly traditional Irish folk musicians, and practitioners of traditional and endangered crafts in keeping with the Hobbit-inspired theme of the event.

“Examples of skills that would fit our festival include blacksmithing, tinsmithing, basket weaving, leatherwork, bookbinding, wood carving, fibre arts and storytelling."

The Brandywine Festival offers Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fans the chance to step into the world of Middle-earth, dressing and living as a Hobbit or other character from the Shire across Weston's rolling parkland.

The event is a fully immersive live-action roleplay (LARP) experience, though no acting skills or prior LARP experience are needed – beginners are very much welcome.

A sister event is already held in the United States, but organisers wanted to bring the immersive experience closer to Birmingham and the wider area where Tolkien grew up and drew inspiration for his celebrated works.

The event promises themed workshops, live music, folk dancing and themed meals, as well as the Four Farthing Games – described by Burgschneider as "a series of traditional Hobbit folk games contested across the full festival by players representing their Farthing".

For more information and to book day tickets visit thebrandywinefestival.com/day-ticket-uk.To register an interest in attending as a musician, food vendor or crafter visit thebrandywinefestival.com/get-involved