Hitchin has been entered into a national competition celebrating thriving high streets – with the town in the running to win £20,000.

Visit Hitchin has entered the town into the Let's Celebrate Towns 2026 competition, organised by Visa in partnership with Nationwide.

Hitchin will compete in the Community Pride category, which recognises the people, businesses and initiatives helping to strengthen their local communities and high streets.

The competition aims to highlight local innovators, community leaders and businesses that are helping to renew high streets and build pride in their towns.

Since launching in 2023, Let's Celebrate Towns has recognised more than 30 towns across more than a dozen counties, with funding provided for community projects across the country.

Visit Hitchin said it had put the town forward because it believes Hitchin provides a strong example of the people and initiatives that can make a town centre successful.

Announcing the entry, Visit Hitchin said: "We have entered Visit Hitchin in the Community Pride category, as we believe it is a fantastic showcase of the great people and initiatives making our town such a special place."

If Hitchin's entry is successful, the town could receive £20,000 to invest in the local area and develop Visit Hitchin's work further.

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Successful entries are due to be recognised at an awards ceremony at Parliament on 14 December.

Visit Hitchin represents and promotes the town centre, working with local businesses and organising initiatives and events aimed at supporting Hitchin's high street.