A new county-wide initiative celebrating Hertfordshire's diversity and shared future will be officially launched next month – and residents in Hitchin are being encouraged to get involved.

Herts Together, a year-long programme built around the message "One County. Many Voices. Shared Future", will be launched on Monday 10 February at 6.30pm at St Albans Cathedral.

The initiative aims to bring communities together across Hertfordshire, celebrating the people, places and partnerships that make the county vibrant, welcoming and inclusive.

Welcoming the launch, Andy Prophet, Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "Together we are stronger. As Chief Constable, I am proud to stand alongside our community and faith leaders as we unite to support this wonderful initiative."

Seven themes shaping a year of activity

Following the launch, Herts Together will run a programme of events, projects and collaborations throughout 2026, structured around seven themes that reflect everyday life across the county:

• Sport and wellbeing
• Music and arts
• Food and culinary heritage
• Business and commerce
• Family, young people and education
• Faith, culture and worship
• Nature and environment

Organisers say these themes will shape community festivals, youth activities, cultural celebrations, business forums and local partnerships, many of which are expected to take place in towns such as Hitchin as well as across North Hertfordshire.

"A shared purpose"

Robert Voss, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, described the campaign as a celebration of compassion and community spirit. "Herts Together reminds us that the strength of our communities is found in the compassion we show one another," he said.

"Let the year-long activities be a shining example of what can be achieved when people join hands in a shared purpose."

How Hitchin residents can get involved

Everyone across Hertfordshire is invited to take part, including residents, schools, businesses, community groups and faith organisations. Local organisers hope the initiative will inspire new collaborations, encourage volunteering and highlight the positive work already happening in communities like Hitchin.

More information about upcoming events and how to get involved can be found on the Herts Together website at www.hertstogether.org.uk.