Todd in the Hole Defies Festival Closures to Remain One of the UK’s Last Affordable Family Festivals
By Penny Joyner-Platt 11th Feb 2026
As rising costs and economic pressures force many UK festivals to cancel or close, one Hertfordshire event is proving that family-friendly festivals can still thrive.
Todd in the Hole Festival, set in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside near Hitchin and Stevenage, is celebrating its sixth year as one of the UK's remaining affordable and truly family-focused festivals – with weekend tickets priced at under £100.
Founded by catering entrepreneur David Nye and, local farmer Mark Watts Todd in the Hole was born from a shared vision: to create a boutique, community-led festival offering quality live music, amazing street food, camping and glamping, and a welcoming atmosphere for families of all ages.
"We started Todd in the Hole because we felt families were being priced out of festivals," said David Nye, Co-Founder of Todd in the Hole.
"We wanted to create something special here in Hertfordshire — a festival with brilliant music, amazing food and a really warm, inclusive feel, without the huge price tag. Seeing families come back year after year and grow up with the festival has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey."
Despite the challenges facing the festival industry, Todd in the Hole has gone from strength to strength, building a loyal audience that returns year on year. Children who attended in its early days are now teenagers, and early bird tickets consistently sell out the day after each festival ends.
The festival offers a wide range of music and entertainment designed to appeal across generations, all set against the backdrop of the Hertfordshire countryside — while still only minutes from Hitchin and Stevenage. With shuttle buses, ample parking and an onsite taxi rank, Todd in the Hole is designed to be as accessible as it is memorable.
Community support sits at the heart of the festival. Most suppliers — from marquees and stages to toilets — are Hertfordshire-based, and two of the festival's stages showcase local artists. This year, Todd in the Hole will also be supporting Garden House Hospice Care in Letchworth and the East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity at The Lister Hospital.
Adult weekend tickets are priced at £99, with children's tickets at £36, making Todd in the Hole one of the best-value multi-day festivals in the UK. Payment plans are also available, allowing families to spread the cost over five months.
Support for the festival has come from across the local community, including Stevenage FC.
" Todd in the Hole has proven itself over many years – delivering a safe, friendly and family-orientated event with fantastic acts. Stevenage FC is very proud to be a partner as we continue to develop our own community projects and grow our fanbase on matchdays!"
Stuart Dinsey, Director, Stevenage FC
With many family festivals disappearing from the UK calendar, Todd in the Hole stands as a rare success story — showing that independent, values-driven events can still offer unforgettable experiences without premium price tags.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via the official website at: https://toddinthehole.co.uk/
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