From major planning decisions and community campaigns to unforgettable events, sporting highs and the stories that sparked debate across the town, 2025 has been a busy and memorable year for Hitchin. Over the past 12 months, Hitchin Nub News has reported on the issues that mattered most to residents – celebrating local successes, tracking changes that shape everyday life and giving a platform to the voices that make this town what it is. 

January 2025

A Hitchin man was sentenced for manslaughter following the death of a man in Ickleford in June 2024. Oscar Jackson, aged 21, of Wilshere Crescent in Hitchin, appeared for sentencing at Huntingdon Crown Court on Friday 10 January. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus 300 hours of unpaid work.

Luton will edge closer to Hitchin as councillors approved masterplan to build around 2,100 homes to the east of Luton. North Herts Council agreed on a masterplan for the site at an extraordinary full council meeting on Wednesday (15 January), voting it through by 31 votes to six. The masterplan, which sets out design principles behind the proposed development, will be used to judge future site planning applications.

In early 2025 Hitchin made national headlines when it climbed into the top 50 of Britain's most desirable towns to live in, rising to 48th place in a major property survey. The accolade highlighted Hitchin's strong community spirit, quality of life, and attractive housing stock, putting the town on the map for families and professionals alike.

February 2025

Hitchin's local football club launched a creative competition inviting children to design the club's warm-up shirt for the 2025/26 season. The initiative was aimed at engaging young supporters and local schools, reinforcing the role of sport and community pride in Hitchin.

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, called for national change after 6 industrial fires in Hitchin. Continuing his push for action in Parliament, Strathern called for tougher regulations on recycling plants, and consideration of whether more could be done to enable the relocation of sites that are no longer in suitable areas. Hitchin has witnessed 6 industrial fires in the 12-months previous, caused mostly by the recycling of lithium-ion batteries.

March 2025

Hitchin Crêpeaffaire opened on Shrove Tuesday with a large queue of pancake hungry Hitchiners gathering to welcome the latest addition to the town's shopping scene. In other good news for local businesses, Hitchin's Lucky Penny Weddings was the only recipient of the Wedding Cars and Travel award at that Hitched Wedding Awards 2025.

Churchgate Redevelopment Vision Takes Shape - After extensive local consultation, Hitchin's Churchgate town centre redevelopment project released its consultation results, showing strong community feedback on priorities like revitalising the historic market, improving accessibility, and boosting affordable housing. This marked a major step forward for Hitchin's long-term town centre transformation plans.

April 2025

Progress was made towards the Hitchin Riverside Walk which "remains a Council priority" with an outline proposal for this walkway is being put together by an external firm of consultant engineers. The route will involve the construction of a new footbridge over the Hiz near to the Biggin Lane car park.

With spring in full swing, Hitchin opened applications for the annual Hitchin Festival, offering artists, performers and community groups the opportunity to be part of one of the town's signature cultural events. The festival continues to be a highlight of Hitchin's cultural calendar, drawing visitors from across Hertfordshire.

May 2025

Political Change at Hertfordshire County Council. Local politics saw a shift in May when the Conservatives lost control of Hertfordshire County Council following local elections, reshaping the political landscape affecting Hitchin and the wider district. This change sparked discussions on future county priorities and what it means for local services and investment.

June 2025

New 240 litre blue-lidded bin for cardboard and paper, replacing the lidless blue box, started arriving at people's homes across Hitchin. The bins were delivered with instructions not to use them until the new service starts after 4 August.

The "A-Z of Hitchin" book was released in June. The author, Wendy Turner, lives in Hertfordshire and has written over a hundred articles for a variety of magazines, including This England, Evergreen, People's Friend, The Countryman and Veracity. 

July 2025

A large-scale "deep cleaning" operation rolled out across Hitchin and surrounding areas this month, with North Hertfordshire District Council and their new Veolia contractors launching a targeted clean-up campaign to tackle grime, overgrowth, and general wear on key roads and public spaces.

Todd in the Hole Festival 2025 delivered its most spectacular event yet, welcoming a record-breaking 15,000 music and fun lovers over a sun-soaked weekend at Todds Green, Stevenage. From electrifying performances to family-friendly entertainment and community spirit, the festival solidified its place as a summer highlight in Hertfordshire.

August 2025

Hitchin hosted one of the biggest music events of the Hertfordshire summer, as the Hitchin Priory Summer Series returned for its second year. With space for up to 8,000 people in the historic grounds of Hitchin Priory, the open-air concert series brought world-class acts like Jess Glynne to the town, following its hugely successful debut last year.

Meanwhile the District Council reassured allotment owners that there were no plans to sell off any of the Hitchin site.

September 2025

Hitchin's first ever Soapbox Derby proved a runaway success, with thousands turning out to enjoy a sun-soaked day of racing, food, and community spirit on Windmill Hill.

Hitchin was once again recognised as one of the UK's most picturesque places to live and visit – this time making it onto HELLO! magazine's list of the country's eight prettiest market towns. The lifestyle feature celebrates towns that combine history, charm and accessibility, with Hitchin proudly taking its place alongside some of the nation's most celebrated destinations.

October 2025

Plans to "transform" Ickleford Mill into 56 new homes were laid out. The £33 million site, which has stood vacant for several years, was purchased from a private landowner through Savills Cambridge. Hill intends to bring forward proposals for 56 new homes, with 40% set aside as affordable housing — including one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom houses for affordable rent and shared ownership

November 2025

In November, Hitchin students took centre stage in a Youth Democracy Day, participating in council debates and workshops. The event aimed to give young people firsthand experience of local decision-making, showcasing Hitchin's commitment to engaging future citizens.

December 2025

December's highlight was surely the sight of over 100 festive farm vehicles hitting the Hitchin roads, bringing the magic a few days before Christmas.