Hitchin Festival is set to return this July with a month-long programme celebrating the town's rich cultural life, community spirit and creative talent.

The much-loved annual festival, which is marking its 35th anniversary this year, will bring together concerts, exhibitions, theatre productions, comedy, talks, guided walks, family activities and more across a variety of venues throughout Hitchin.

Organisers say the festival remains one of the highlights of the town's cultural calendar, attracting thousands of visitors each year while showcasing both local performers and nationally recognised guests.

This year's programme features performances from groups including the Hitchin Chamber Orchestra, Hitchin Symphony Orchestra, Hitchin Concert Band, Hitchin Band, North Herts Guild of Singers and Caritas Harmony.

History enthusiasts can enjoy talks and tours organised by the Hitchin Historical Society and Triangle Community Gardens, while local authors will also be sharing their work. Comedy fans are catered for with a mini-festival organised by the Mostly Comedy team.

The popular Free Lunchtime Concert series also returns, taking place at St Mary's Church and Walsworth Road Baptist Church throughout the festival.

One of the most anticipated events sees Hitchin-born Dr Nicky Fox, NASA's head of science, visiting St Mary's Church for a special Q&A session. Demand has been so high that the event has already sold out, although organisers say plans are being explored to livestream the discussion.

The Market Theatre in Sun Street will once again host its Fringe Fest, offering a range of one-off comedy, music and children's theatre performances.

advertisement

Meanwhile, the popular Hitchin Creative Art Trail returns, transforming shops across the town into temporary galleries. Visitors can collect maps from the Visit Hitchin office or download them online to explore artwork displayed throughout the town centre, with pieces available to purchase directly from artists.

The festival officially begins with Hitchin Creative Day on Saturday 27 June. The Hitchin Creative team will host a day of music, art, crafts and creative activities in the town centre between 10am and 4pm.

Festival organiser Glyn Doggett from Hitchin Creative said: "Hitchin Festival is all about bringing people together through shared experiences.

"Whether you enjoy live music, visual arts, history, literature, comedy or simply discovering something new, the Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the richness of culture and community in Hitchin.

"We are excited to welcome residents and visitors alike to another memorable month of events."

Mr Doggett also thanked the businesses supporting the event, alongside Hertfordshire County Councillor Chris Lucas, whose locality budget funding will help support publicity and the running of the free lunchtime concert series.

As well as providing entertainment, organisers say the festival plays an important role in promoting local venues, performers, organisations and volunteers who contribute to Hitchin's creative life throughout the year.

Hitchin Festival is sponsored by Consilium Financial Planning and supported by Visit Hitchin.

advertisement

Festival programmes are available from the Visit Hitchin shop opposite St Mary's Church and from locations around the town. Full details can also be found on the Hitchin Festival website.

Did you know? This year's festival programme includes more than 100 events across music, theatre, comedy, history, art and community activities, making it one of the biggest celebrations of culture in Hitchin's calendar.