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What Events are on in Watford and nearby 2023

Fully funded holiday activity camps have returned for the summer holidays, providing eligible children and young people with the chance to meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food. Families who are eligible should get their booking code from their school or email haf@herts.ac.uk.

The Big Sports which will be heading to the Town Centre on 9th September, 11am to 5pm.

Sunday 10th September from 12pm-3pm a free festival celebrating nature and sustainability at Knutsford Playing Fields.

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For family and children to experience the beauty of the River Colne and meet some of the groups who are working to protect the river for generations to come. Stalls will include Herts and Middlesex wildlife Trust, Groundwork East, and Veolia. There will also be a bouncy castle and face-painting stand. This event has been made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out more about the event at https://fb.me/e/SHQFsToj

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For more information and to book tickets see their website: https://www.watfringe.co.uk/

We visited the Chiltern Open Air Museum which has rescued 37 threatened historic buildings from the Chilterns and preserved them for future generations. The buildings span 2,000 years of Chilterns architecture.
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Herts Pride at Cassiobury Park 19th August

Hemel Hempstead for a pop-up velodrome!

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Date: 10 to 13 August 2023
Time: 10am to 4pm

Calling all cycling enthusiasts and sports lovers. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled extravaganza as we bring you the most exciting event of the summer – the pop-up velodrome.

Street Velodrome is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the thrill of cycling. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner biker, we guarantee an experience that will leave you inspired and eager to get pedaling this summer.

Bikes and safety equipment will be provided, free of charge.

Watford Cultural Music Carnival is back scheduled for Saturday 29th July 2023, in Radlett Road Playing Field

Movies in the Park

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King George Park Bushey. 3pm

LARK IN THE PARK – 23rd July

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Watford Town

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This year’s exciting lineup of cultural experiences and events funded by Watford Borough Council and most are FREE

Film fanatics can enjoy the magic of the silver screen with multiple screenings taking place in Watford. From 24 July to 30 July, the Big Screen in the town centre will showcase a diverse range of films, offering an immersive cinematic experience for all. Additionally, from 31 July to 6 August, the Big Screen at Woodside Playing Fields will continue to delight movie lovers.

For those longing for a beach experience, The Parade in the Town Centre will be transformed into “Big Beach” from 12 August to 27 August. Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a seaside getaway, with the sand between your toes, beach activities, and a relaxing ambiance. This event provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the summer vibes without traveling to the coast.

Cassiobury Park Bandstand

The Big Jiveswing Festival is Sunday 30 July from 12pm – 6:15pm

Jive Swing, swing Aces, Cassiobury, musicians, man, woman, Watford,
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Festival in the Park – King George Recreation Ground – 8 – 9 July

BAJE Band SUNDAY, 9 JULY

Grimsdyke Brass SUNDAY, 2 JULY

Tony Oliver Jazz Days 25th June

June Open Day at The Forties Experience – 25th June

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Bovingdon second annual Classic Car Show on Sunday 9 July.
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Special Wildfest event to celebrate local wildlife in Cassiobury Park

Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24 June 2023

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Gadebridge Park from 11am – 3:30pm.

Clean Air Day this year is on Thursday 15 June, and HCC are encouraging as many people, community groups and businesses as possible to get involved as part of their ‘Let’s clear the air’ campaign.

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The Lorax – FREE film screening 10 Jun 2023

Come along to Watford Borough Council’s free screening of The Lorax, a family-friendly movie that will mark the beginning of Great Big Green Week 2023, encouraging us to care for our natural environment.

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Arrive at 3pm, for a 3:15pm start. The screening will end at 5pm.

Swap your clothes this week

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The Great Big Green Week begins on Saturday! To celebrate the UK’s biggest ever community action to tackle climate change and protect nature, we are once again holding sessions of clothes swaps on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 June.

Stevens Fun Fair returns for 2023.

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Open between 1pm-9.30pm.

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Stevens Fun Fair has operated in the town for 70 years.

The Rickmansworth Festival takes place on the third weekend of May every year and celebrates canals, the community and the environment.

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The Rickmansworth Canal Festival is a celebration of canals, the community, and the environment. It takes place on the third weekend of May every year, and attracts over 20,000 people.

The festival features a wide range of activities and attractions, including:

  • A display of canal boats from across the country
  • Music and performing arts
  • Displays and presentations on canal history and culture
  • Traders selling canal-related goods and services
  • Food and drink stalls

The festival is a great opportunity to learn about canals, meet other canal enthusiasts, and enjoy a day of fun and entertainment.

Here are some additional details about the festival:

  • The festival is free to attend.
  • It is held on the towpath between Stockers Lock and Batchworth, and Music at Batchworth Lock and on the Aquadrome.
  • The festival is open from 10:30am to 10:30pm on Saturday and from 10:30am to 5:30pm on Sunday.

Download a festival map | 2023 Festival Programme | Festival website | Our 2022 coverage

Coronation Weekend

Sunday 7th The Big Coronation Lunch’ at the iconic bandstand in Cassiobury Park 12pm – 4pm

  • 12:20 – The Out of Handers – Jazz & Swing band
  • 13:05 – Joe Farry – singing hits from the 60s/70s
  • 13:40 – Union Jacqui – contact juggling and 50s fun flavour!
  • 14:05 – Lizzy Hardingham – folk singer
  • 14:30 – Gospel Manna Choir
  • 14:55 – Union Jacqui
  • 15:15 – Joe Farry
  • 15:40 – Alex Williams
  • END – The artists will perform a rousing rendition of God Save the King!

Starting Thursday 27 April…

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Saturday April 22nd 11am-1pm and other dates: Bike Happy Watford. Join the Beryl Women’s Tour for “Bike Happy”, a chance for you to take the handlebars on a confidence-boosting, road cycling session near you! It’s free to attend. And you’ll receive an extra 200 free minutes to enjoy a ride on Beryl! Location: Watford Cycle Hub Chaffinch Lane Watford WD18 9QD.


eggstra special Easter holiday treat. Children will make new friends, play innovative games and try a wide range of different activities. Monday 3 – Friday 14 April at Yorke Mead School.


Leavesden Hospitals History Association have released dates for their annual heritage walks in the park, which start on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April. £6.50 per person.

bird box building

Build a bird box Some of our birds are declining in numbers, so by giving them a nest site we can all help towards their conservation.  Join us this Easter as we build our own bird boxes for you to take home. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult at the session. Tuesday 11 April 10am – 12pm at The HIVE, Leavesden Country Park. Click here to book…


Free film screening in Rickmansworth to mark Global Recycling Day

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Free film screening in Rickmansworth to mark Global Recycling Day

Alice In Wonderland Watford

For one day only, the streets of Watford will turn into a giant, escape-room-style experience on Saturday the 25th of March, 2023. Don’t be late!

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Alice In Wonderland Watford, Event date: 25th March 2023 Discounted price £30

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enter a virtual world of adventure, intrigue and impossible things at this immersive Alice in Wonderland event.


The Royal Air Force Museum London

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Book your tickets today to secure your spot!

Get ready to soar! Experience the thrill of free entry to the RAF Museum London this March. Explore 100 years of history and marvel at the legendary aircraft including the Harrier, Sunderland Flying Boat, Vulcan, and Spitfire.

St Clement Danes School Basketball – Wednesday 8-9pm .. Every Back to Netball session is fun with a mix of games, skills and fitness incorporated into every class.