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Harpenden Town Council have put together an exciting programme of community events for 2026, including some BRAND NEW events. One major change is that there will be no Harpenden Carnival in June this year, but don't worry, it will be replaced by the Harpenden Festival, which will bring together the best of the carnival and Harpenden Food Festival in one new event in September. And regular favourites such as The Teddy Bear's Picnic, and Music in Lydekker still feature alongside a whole range of new events including a pop-up farm in Rothamsted Park and Friday Sounds on Harpenden Common.
We've added all the events to our website and we'll bring you more information on each nearer the time when we have it, but in the meantime, here's some dates for your diary:
🦋 Nature Day - Saturday 6th June at Batford Springs Nature Reserve
🤝 Batford Community Festival - Sunday 5th July at Porters Hill Park,Batford
🎭 Summer Sessions - Children’s theatre - Friday 31st July at Rothamsted Park
🧸 Teddy Bears’ Picnic - Wednesday 5th August in Rothamsted Park
🎶 Summer Sessions - Friday Sounds - Friday 7th August on Harpenden Common
🎪 Summer Sessions - Street Performer Angie Mack - Saturday 15th August on Church Green
🐑 Summer Sessions - Pop-up Farm - Tuesday 18th August at Rothamsted Park
🎶 Music in Lydekker - Saturday 22nd August in Lydekker Park
🤣 Ha Ha Harpenden Comedy Night - Thursday 27th August in Park Hall (Tickets on sale 1st June - over 18s only)
🎉 Harpenden Festival - Saturday 5th September in the Town Centre andHarpenden Common
🌸 Remembrance Parade and Service - Sunday 8thNovember 26
🎅 Christmas Carnival & Lights Switch On - Sunday 22nd November in the Town Centre and Harpenden Common
🎄Batford Lights Switch On - Thursday 26th November at Batford Corner
🎅 Southdown Lights Switch on - Friday 27th November 26 in Southdown
Harpenden Town Council said "The events plan follows the Town Council’s commitment to inclusivity, support for local businesses and offer of free activities and entertainment suitable for everyone. The refreshed programme will also allow use of more of Harpenden’s neighbourhoods and green spaces."
See you there!
Harpenden Town Council and the Harpenden Arts & Culture Forum have launched a Short Film Competition for young people up to age 25.
Young film-makers are asked to create a short film of no more than 5 minutes, on the theme “What’s important to me?”. It can be made as an individual, or in a group with winning films being premiered at a grand awards ceremony to a specially-invited audience, including dignitaries and industry supporters. Awards will be made to different age groups in several categories: Best soundtrack, Best script, Best group entry, Best film. And prizes of Amazon vouchers ranging from £50 - £500 (depending on age and award category) will be awarded.
So if your young person has a passion for writing, music or filmmaking and they have a story to tell about, let them know! Closing date is Friday 13th March 2026.
Full details on how to enter are on Harpenden Town Council website.
The Little Children's Market
7th February
Katherine Warington School, Harpenden
Page One Book Hour - Chinese New Year
19th February
Harpenden Library, Harpenden
Build a Junk Model Town
20th February
Harpenden Library, Harpenden
K-Pop Party
21st February
The Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden
Harpenden Farmer's Market
(FREE)
22nd February
Lower High Street, Harpenden
The King's School, Harpenden Open Day
(FREE)
3rd March
The King's School, Harpenden
Juegos de Mesa en la Biblioteca
(FREE)
7th March
Harpenden Library, Harpenden
Harpenden Sustainability Market
(FREE)
15th March
Harpenden Common (opp Park Hall), Harpenden
Harpenden Farmer's Market
(FREE)
22nd March
Lower High Street, Harpenden
Muddy Monsters: bike racing fun for u6s to u14s
7th February
Gosling Velodrome, Gosling Sport Park, Welwyn Garden City
The Little Children's Market
7th February
Katherine Warington School, Harpenden
Cirque Enchantment
8th February
Grove Theatre, Dunstable
Romeo + Juliet: A St. Valentine's Day Concert with James Mayhew
8th February
Weston Auditorium, de Havilland Campus
Storytelling for Early Years: February
(FREE)
10th February
Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, Luton
St Albans Gang Show
11th February
- 14th February
The Alban Arena, St Albans
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