Film fans across Hitchin and Hertfordshire will have the chance to discover the magic behind some of the world's biggest films and television programmes when a brand-new festival launches next summer.

The inaugural Hertfordshire Film & TV Festival will take place from 2–4 July 2027, celebrating the county's starring role in the global film and television industry.

The three-day event will feature film screenings, special events, industry discussions, immersive experiences and opportunities for people interested in pursuing careers in film and television.

Based in south-west Hertfordshire, the festival will showcase the creativity, innovation and talent that have helped establish the county as one of the UK's leading centres for screen production.

Hertfordshire is already home to internationally renowned production facilities, including Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and Elstree Studios, with films and television programmes produced in the county watched by millions of people around the world.

Organisers hope the festival will not only celebrate that success but also inspire the next generation of filmmakers, actors and production professionals.

Councillor Steve Jarvis, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said:

"Hertfordshire has a fantastic film and TV heritage, and today it's home to a thriving creative industry.

"I'd encourage local filmmakers and avid movie-buffs to get involved in the Hertfordshire Film & TV Festival. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a new generation in film and TV."

The festival has already attracted support from a range of major organisations, including Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, West Herts College, Oaklands College and the University of Hertfordshire.

Heart FM has been announced as the festival's media partner, while Watford FC's Community Sports & Education Trust will be its charity partner.

Several local authorities are also supporting the initiative, including Watford Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, Hertsmere Borough Council and Stevenage Borough Council.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said:

"Whether you've always dreamed of working in film and television or simply love great stories, this festival is for you.

"We want to throw open the doors to an industry that many people know exists here, but few get the chance to experience up close."

Opportunities for aspiring filmmakers

One of the festival's highlights will be a short film competition, giving aspiring filmmakers and content creators from across Hertfordshire, including Hitchin, the chance to showcase their work.

Entries of up to 15 minutes will be accepted in three categories: Drama, Documentary and Animation.

Submissions will open in January 2027 and close in March 2027.

The festival is also working with Creative Forces UK to help make careers in the screen industries more accessible to veterans and members of the armed forces community.

Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Elstree Studios, said:

"For over a century, Elstree Studios has been at the heart of British film and television production, helping to create stories enjoyed by audiences around the world.

"The Hertfordshire Film & TV Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the region's extraordinary contribution to the screen industries, while inspiring the next generation of creative talent."

Gill Worgan CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of West Herts College, which is supporting the festival as a headline sponsor and venue partner, said the event would help young people recognise the career opportunities available on their doorstep.

"Our students are training for careers in that industry right here on its doorstep. This event shows young people that a future in film and television is within their reach," she said.

Further details about the festival's programme, venues, special guests and events will be announced over the coming months.

The Hertfordshire Film & TV Festival takes place from Friday 2 July to Sunday 4 July 2027.