We’re teetering on the edge of festival season and with so many fantastic events lined up for Hertfordshire in 2023, it’s the perfect time to start planning your festival calendar.
Whether you’re looking for the soundtrack to your summer at one Hertfordshire’s many music festivals, or a sprinkling of culture at an arts festival, it’s time to start booking, planning and hunting down those wellies!
@eddymaynard
27th May
Rock lovers, this is the one for you. The Slam Dunk Festival returns this year in Hatfield Park with a jaw-dropping line up. Come along and see the likes of Offspring, Enter Shikari, The Hunna, Billy Talent, and many more icons from the world of rock. As it’s suitable for all ages, you’ll want to start teaching the little ones those best air guitar moves…
21st to 22nd May
All aboard, the Ricksmansworth Aqua-themed festival is back for 2023! Come and marvel at a wonderful array of over 100 canal boats across the county around the Aquadrome and Batchworth Lock. Get your sailors hat on and seek out boats and traders, or simply enjoy the music and performing arts displays for a truly Herts day on the water.
June - September
We're in for a summer of celebrating At Home Farm Live, with a sensational line-up of events, musicians, chefs and comedians all making an appearance in the gorgeous Hertfordshire countryside this summer. Picture long grass, fairy-lit woodlands, a secret stage and picturesque setting, whether you choose to grab tickets to see top chefs or top musicians.
11th June
With a theme this year around arts and culture focus on the Coronation, Stevenage Day is a free day out for everyone. Giving a truly festival vibe there'll be plenty of activities for all ages including a storytelling and craft tent, a carnival, a plethora of food vendors and over 200 stalls that are dedicated to local organisations and charities - and don't miss the Rock in the Park with its twin stages of local bands and performers.
9th - 11th June
This fun family festival is one feel good weekend of music, with 50 DJs, acts and bands, open air stages and a big top tent. There's even a kids zone with a bouncy castle and plenty more entertainment. Plus kids big and small can enjoy the fairground rides to top off the ultimate weekend of fun.
Alfie Bruce, Neil Ferry & Coast to Coast Photography
16th -17th June
Get the full festival experience, without having to travel far and wide, at the Sign of the Times Festival. Enjoy a range of amazing artists spanning all genres, from rock and blues to folk-punk and new wave. Set across an indoor and outdoor stage, you can spend the weekend dancing between the two, taking in the fantastic atmosphere and even staying the night in their picturesque campsite.
15th - 16th July
One for those who need a celebration of all things food. Staged at the great Knebworth House, the Great British Food Festival is ready to bring you a full palette of street food, chef and baking demonstrations right through to foraging lessons. If you're there to simply eat the stunning array of food on offer, there'll be plenty of street food, bars and artisan markets for you to enjoy and sample and to top it all off, the festival vibe to Hertfordshire will be provided by plenty of live music. Equally, don't have any worries about bringing the little ones as there's kids cookery courses, and of course your four-legged friends are free to come along!
15th July
While it might only be one day, the Hatfield House Battle Proms are a festival for those looking to royally honour the summertime. Taking place in the Queen Elizabeth Oak Field, the evening will be full of celebration - kicking off with a cavalry display, followed up by a gun salute and a spitfire fly past, there'll be a full musical programme for no less than three hours! Be sure to also pre-order your delicious picnic hamper!
20th - 23rd July
With a full lineup that includes a huge variety of music genres - from Rick Astley and Anastacia to Melanie C and KT Tunstall, this boutique festival in the countryside offers big names and the very best in emerging talent all in one. Complete with a touch of luxury accommodation that ranges from yurts to cosy bell tents and space for those bringing their own tents or campervans, it’s safe to say this is not your average music festival!
30th July
Get your saxophones at the ready because we're swinging it way back this summer. Watford Borough Council's Big JiveSwing Festival is returning once again to Cassiobury Park. With performances taking place at the Band Stand from many internationally reclaimed jazz musicians, bands and dancers, you’d be mad to miss out. This afternoon extravaganza will also put on family dance classes so the little ones can stay smiling and shimmying throughout the day. Get your toes tapping in the sunshine and boogie on down to the Big JiveSwing festival...
5th August
A beautiful setting in the heart of Hitchin, this is THE most exclusive house music festival around. From 2pm to 1am, this fab boutique fest will be welcoming some of house music's fines selectors and party animals to the decks. Dance into the night and soak up the beats.
26th - 28th August
Hot heads, this is the festival for you. 60 stalls of independent chilli traders, sensationally spiced food and cocktails, chilli plants and plenty of entertainment is all set for this year’s festival, perfect for the spice aficionados. For the real heat-seekers, it’s time to test your mettle in the infamous chilli eating competition, but get in there quick, because only a select few will have the honour of burning their taste buds...
9th-10th September
Prepare for one paw-some event as Knebworth throws upon the doors to your friends with four paws. This ultimate dog's day out, offers the chance to win Best in Show, take a group dog walk with many, many other furry friends around the grounds of Knebworth, and even see some sensational displays from some lead-ing dogs. What's more, there's even the chance to speak to the experts, and tuck into some delicious festival food and drink.
Summer can't come quick enough!
