A popular family fundraising festival is set to return to North Hertfordshire this summer, with organisers promising its biggest attraction yet.

Oakfest 2026 will take place at The Cricketers in Weston on Saturday 11 July, bringing together live music, family entertainment, food, crafts, inflatables and a large pop-up market — all in support of three-year-old Oakley and his ongoing therapy journey.

This year's event will feature three performances from Circus Pazaz under a traditional big top, alongside circus workshops and interactive activities throughout the day.

The festival was created to help raise funds for specialist therapies for Oakley, who was diagnosed shortly after birth with Microlissencephaly, a rare and complex brain condition affecting brain development.

Despite being given a challenging prognosis, Oakley has made significant progress through a combination of specialist private therapy, family determination and support from the local community.

His family say that after once being considered blind, he is now learning to read. He is also beginning to take supported steps and is making early attempts at communication through more purposeful sounds.

Funds raised through Oakfest help pay for specialist therapies that are not available through the NHS and which continue to support Oakley's development and quality of life.

More than 1,000 people attended last year's event, helping to raise over £10,000. Organisers hope the addition of the circus will attract even more visitors this summer.

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Oakley's mum, Daryl, said: "When Oakley was diagnosed, we were given an incredibly bleak picture of what his future might look like.

"To now watch him laughing, learning to read, taking supported steps and beginning to find his voice is something we'll never take for granted.

"But we still have a very long road ahead, and Oakfest genuinely helps us continue giving Oakley opportunities we never want to stop fighting for."

Entry to Oakfest remains free, with proceeds from attractions and activities helping to fund Oakley's ongoing therapy programme.

Circus tickets can be purchased in advance online or on the day, subject to availability.

For more information and to book circus tickets, visit Oakiedokie.co.uk.