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Summer in (and around) Harpenden - Family events not to miss!

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We’re incredibly lucky to have so many great local family events laid on for us each year.  So, here’s our guide to enjoying a fun and vibrant summer …

  1. Harpenden Carnival has been a highlight in the Harpenden summer calendar for over 50 years, but since celebrating its Golden Anniversary a few years ago, when it moved venue to the Common, joined forces with the Harpenden Town Council’s Discovery Day and became a free event, it has just got bigger and better. With music, stalls, food, entertainment and activities for all the family plus raising money for good causes at the same time it’s a must!
    harpendencarnival.com

  2. There’s more community fun to be had at Larks in the Park, a free event at Marquis Lane Open Space featuring fun activities for the children, music from local bands and choirs, refreshments, fun fair rides and the famous Batford Duck Race on the River Lea. Will yours be the winner?
    www.larksinthepark.com

  3. Classics on the Common – This annual feature of the Harpenden calendar creates quite a spectacle on Harpenden Common as enthusiasts bring over 1000 classic cars and around 250 classic motorbikes to show them off at Britain’s biggest mid-week classic car show. Entry is free but donations are welcome as all proceeds go to charity.
    classicsonthecommon.com

  4. For the very little ones the Teddy Bear’s Picnic invites you to bring your teddy and a picnic for some fun in Lydekker Park including the bouncy castle, face painting and kids’ entertainer. 
    www.harpenden.gov.uk

  5. Where would you expect to find one of the largest Highland Gatherings outside of Scotland? Why Harpenden of course!  Every year the Harpenden Lions organise this festival of everything Scottish in aid of charity, complete with pipe bands, highland dancing and highland games. 
    www.harpenden-lions.co.uk/fundraising/highland-gathering

  6. Following the success of the first Emergency Services Open Day in 2018, the event has become a regular feature, usually taking place on the same day as Harpenden Carnival. Join local First Responders at Harpenden Fire Station for a day of activities, demonstrations and to find out more about the work they do.
    www.harpenden.gov.uk
  7. A recent addition to the annual community calendar is Music in Lydekker in the late summer -  an afternoon of live music in Harpenden's "hidden gem".  Take your picnic and enjoy a lazy afternoon soaking up the atmosphere.
    www.harpenden.gov.uk

  8. And there are several funfairs that visit the Common over the bank holidays from Easter to September.
    www.harpenden.gov.uk 

    Harpenden isn’t the only place to enjoy the fun…
  9. Wheathampstead Village Weekend brings the village together for two days of fun with a parade, live music, “Wheathampstead’s Got Talent” and activities for all the family.
    www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk

  10. Redbourn has it's Redbourn Festival - two days of family fun, including the Fete du Velo.
    redbournfestival.org.uk 

  11. The Alban Weekend is a celebration of 2000 years of history. On the Saturday enjoy the spectacle of the Alban Pilgrimage, a parade of giant puppets through the city centre telling the story of St Alban.  And on the Sunday, join in the free fun and activities at the Alban Street Festival with music, entertainment, food, sport and other activities.
    www.enjoystalbans.com/whats-on/

  12. The Herts County Show has been running for over 130 years and takes place every May on the county showground just outside Redbourn. It showcases the best of Hertfordshire agriculture with stalls, displays, shows and parades, combined with entertainment and activities to make a fun day out for all the family.
    www.hertsshow.com

  13. Every year in the August the residents of Flamstead raise money for charity by creating and displaying an imaginative array of scarecrows around the village. With over 100 scarecrows on display Flamstead Scarecrow Festival is quite a sight and visitors are encouraged to purchase a voting form vote for their favourite. Other activities also take place over the weekend in the village.
    www.flamstead-herts.co.uk

That should keep you and the family busy over the summer! You can find full details of all these events and much more on our What's On page.


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