Christmas Gala Nights in Herefordshire
Every December, Lyde Court opens its 17th-century barn for a series of Christmas Gala Nights — ticketed evenings of festive dining, live entertainment and dancing in one of Herefordshire’s most atmospheric settings. Whether you are coming as a couple, a table of colleagues, a group of friends or a family gathering, you book your seats and we take care of everything else.
Each evening includes a two-course festive carvery served in the candlelit barn, followed by live entertainment or a DJ set that keeps the party going late into the night.
2026 Dates and Entertainment
Six Gala Nights across December 2026. Two formats — choose by date or by entertainment:
4 & 5 December — All About ABBA Tribute Christmas Party
Kick off the festive season with the ultimate ABBA Christmas party night. All About ABBA bring the timeless hits of one of the world’s most loved bands to the Lyde Court stage — high energy, singalongs, a packed dancefloor, and enough sequins to light up the barn. After the live set, the house DJ keeps the party going with festive favourites and classic anthems.
Flares, glitter and festive fancy dress warmly welcomed.
Tickets from £74.50pp (early bird) or £20pp deposit + £59.50 balance
11, 12, 18 & 19 December — Christmas Party Nights with DJ Roddy Hankins
Four more nights of festive celebration, hosted by DJ Roddy Hankins. Expect a dancefloor-filling mix of classic party anthems, feel-good singalong hits and modern chart favourites from the moment dinner ends until late. A brilliant option if your group wants a lively Christmas night out without the live band price tag.
Tickets from £69.50pp (early bird) or £20pp deposit + £54.50 balance
Ticket Prices
£74.50 pp – Pay in full — saves £5 vs standard price
£20 pp now – Balance of £59.50 due one month before
Tickets from £69.50pp (early bird) or £20pp deposit + £54.50 balance – Dinner + DJ. Great value party nights
The Festive Carvery Menu
Every Gala Night begins with a prosecco on arrival, followed by a two-course festive carvery served inside the barn. All dishes are freshly prepared using locally sourced Herefordshire ingredients. Dietary requirements are catered for — please note your requirements when booking.
The Setting
Lyde Court is a 17th-century stone barn on the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, set in a private valley two miles from Hereford city centre. The barn has been minimally changed in 400 years — elm beams, vaulted ceilings, stone walls and arrow-slit windows. In December, it is lit almost entirely by candles and fairy lights, with seasonal greenery and a roaring fire adding to the atmosphere.
The L-shaped barn has a dedicated stage and dance-floor at one end and a quieter seating area at the other — so the party can run at full volume while guests who want a break from the music have somewhere comfortable to sit. Doors open onto the courtyard and walled garden for fresh air between dances.
Who Books a Christmas Gala Night
Office and work Christmas parties
No minimum group size and no room hire fee makes Gala Nights a practical option for teams of any size.
Groups of friends
A two-course dinner, a live act or DJ, a dancefloor and a proper bar in a 17th-century barn — a Gala Night is a considerably more interesting Christmas night out than a restaurant with a party menu. Book a table for your group and the evening is arranged around you.
Couples and smaller groups
There is no minimum booking size. Two tickets, four tickets, or a single table for a group. The ABBA nights in particular attract couples and smaller groups who want a guaranteed dancefloor and a festive occasion without the cost of hiring a venue.
Families
The barn has space to suit a range of ages — a lively dancefloor end and a quieter seating area at the other. Children are welcome. If your group includes guests who want to stay the night rather than arrange late transport, on-site accommodation is available.
Stay the Night
One of the practical advantages of Lyde Court over a town-centre venue is that guests can stay on site. The Oast House and a number of en-suite rooms are available within the grounds.
Accommodation must be booked separately. Contact us when you enquire about tickets and we will advise on availability for your chosen date.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Christmas Gala Night at Lyde Court is a ticketed festive evening — Prosecco on Arrival, followed by a two-course carvery, with live entertainment or a DJ set, held in our 17th-century barn. Multiple groups and tables attend the same evening, which creates a lively, full-barn atmosphere. You book your table, we arrange the rest: the decoration, the food, the bar and the entertainment.
No minimum. You can book from one ticket upwards. Tables are pre-allocated and we do our best to accommodate seating requests — let us know your preferences when booking. For groups of 40 or more wanting exclusive use of the barn, our private Christmas party hire is a better fit.
ABBA Gala Nights (4 & 5 December): £74.50pp early bird (pay in full), or £20pp deposit with £59.50 balance due one month before the event. DJ Roddy Hankins nights (11, 12, 18 & 19 December): £69.50pp.
Your ticket covers the a prosecco on arrival, two-course festive carvery dinner and the evening’s entertainment (live act or DJ). The bar is not included — drinks are purchased at the bar throughout the evening at standard prices.
Tables are pre-allocated. We take seating preferences into account where possible — if you want to sit near the dancefloor, in a quieter area, or alongside another group you know, let us know when booking.
There is no formal dress code. Most guests take the opportunity to dress up — smart, festive or glamorous all fit the occasion. The ABBA nights particularly attract those who enjoy festive fancy dress. Come however makes you and your group comfortable.
Yes — ample free on-site parking for all guests. Overnight parking is also available for those staying in the accommodation.
Yes. On-site accommodation is available — book separately when you enquire about tickets. Staying over removes the need for taxis or a designated driver and is popular with groups coming from further afield.
Yes. The carvery menu includes gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options across meats, accompaniments and desserts. Pre-orders are taken in advance so every guest’s requirements are met. See the full menu above, or contact us to discuss specific needs.
For groups of 50 or more wanting the barn to themselves, our private Christmas party hire gives you exclusive use for the evening. See the Christmas party hire page for full details.
Book Your Tickets for December 2026
Six nights of festive dining, live entertainment and dancing in Herefordshire’s most atmospheric barn. ABBA tribute on 4 and 5 December. DJ Roddy Hankins on 11, 12, 18 and 19 December. Early bird tickets and deposit options available now.
Dates sell out from September onwards. Book early for the best choice of seats.