Harpenden Festival celebrates vibrant community

Around 15,000 people attended the inaugural Harpenden Festival last Saturday (5^th September) which took place on Harpenden Common, the High Street and Church Green in Harpenden. Harpenden Town Council, organisers of the event, were delighted that the Festival brought the local community together to enjoy food and drinks, live entertainment, free activities and so many people enjoying themselves.

The Harpenden Common food court, together with the Beer Festival and Main Stage was made even better by fantastic weather on the day. Other highlights included: the Harpenden Stage showcasing talented local artists, a Family Zone on Church Green with free activities which included free Little Gym and Arts and Crafts sessions, a free climbing wall, a free gaming bus and a fabulous 'Birds of Prey' display in the Sensory Garden.

Cllr Kirsti Wenn, Mayor of Harpenden, said “The Harpenden Festival was a huge success and we would like to thank everyone who attended; it was great to see so many people of all ages enjoying themselves. The entertainment was fabulous, free activities very well received and I especially enjoyed the birds of prey and seeing young people have so much fun at the free activities on Church Green. We would like to thank the event sponsors Rayden Solicitors and Harpenden Dental Centre. Support from local organisations means that we are able to make events even better. I’d also like to say congratulations to the Town Council who organised and ran another successful event for our community.”

Nicola Caffery, Partner at Rayden Solicitors Harpenden said “Rayden Solicitors were delighted to continue our support of local community events in Harpenden by sponsoring the inaugural Harpenden Festival. It was a wonderful day, and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting attendees. We are also very grateful to those who stopped at our stall and helped raise funds for our chosen charity Rett UK.”

The Main Stage the line up consisted of:

The Hanging Bandits - The Hanging Bandits are an indie folk and folk-rock band from Hertfordshire, known for an acoustic alt-folk style mixed with unplugged gypsy-punk, Brit-pop, and jangly alt-rock.

No7 - With an extensive setlist covering all genres and decades they are guaranteed to keep you dancing.

Run for Cover - Rock and pop covers band that turns every gig into a greatest hits playlist.

Harpenden Stage Line Up was:

Faces Fall - Steve, Paul, Tony, Helen and guest guitarist James return to the Harpenden Festival with their irresistible blend of original heart-tugging, '80s-tinged indie pop and the classic covers that have inspired them, ahead of the release of their new EP.

Sing with Tim – Thirty members from three choirs with an energizing, uplifting performance.

Imagination Majorettes – A majorettes dance group for ages 5+ that dances to a range of different music, using different dance styles.            

SASA – School of performing arts singing an array of songs.

Katie Ross Dance Company – bringing together an electrifying showcase of talented young dancers.

Halfway - Combining fast paced pop punk with heavier post hardcore riffs and breakdowns, Halfway are a showcase of teenage brilliance who will put on a show you will never forget.

Cara-May - Cara-May performing acoustic covers with heartfelt vocals and her guitar.

Harry Beart – 13 year old singer songwriter with amazing talent.

The Harpenden Beer Festival was situated on Harpenden Common. As in previous years the Beer Festival was open from Friday to Saturday, coinciding with the Harpenden Festival on Saturday. The Beer Festival proudly serves over 50 real ales, perries and ciders.

Read our press release in full here.