Festival of Flight, Shuttleworth, 27-28 June

Watch Shuttleworth’s entire collection of aircraft take to the skies and enjoy free ground attractions from funfair rides to stunt shows. Plus there’ll be parades, interactive Discovery Zones and Shuttleworth House and Swiss Garden to explore. Kids go FREE!

Bedford Summer Sessions, 2-5 July

This annual collection of gigs are always hotly anticipated and feature BIG names. This year’s line-up kicks off with Deacon Blue on 2 July, and ends with the Modfather himself, Paul Weller on 5 July. Other acts include UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, The Lightning Seeds and Miles Kane. Plus there’s an option to book a four day pass to see all the shows. Don’t fancy the mosh pit? Nab yourself a VIP Terrace ticket and enjoy elevated views of the stage, plus access to The Terrace private bar and posh loos.

Chilfest, Tring, 3-4 July

The ultimate retro festival. Acts on the Friday include leading UK tributes to Coldplay, Pulp, The Killers and Amy Winehouse. Then Saturday is the real deal with 80s and 90s throwbacks including Level 42, Eternal, Toploader and more. It’s really family friendly too and doesn’t finish too late for little ones. Want to make a weekend of it? This year, there’s a campsite less than a five minute walk from the festival.

Todd in the Hole, Stevenage, 3-5 July

The super family friendly fest was set up by two local chaps to celebrate the best of the Herts countryside, live music and good fun in the sun. Now it pulls over 80 artists – including tributes and local ones to watch, plus folk and rock acts – over 3 days on 6 stages. Headliners include The Counterfeit Stones, Artic Monkeyz and Rogue Minogue. That’s not all. Look out for the dance den in the woods where DJs will be keeping the party going until late.

WIN TICKETS: Head to our Reader Treats and enter by midnight 6 June.

Buzzstock, Leighton Buzzard, 17 – 18 July

Held in a quiet, hidden meadow between Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, Buzzstock is a family-friendly event welcoming adults and children of all ages. Over the weekend, you can belt your heart out to the best tribute acts in the biz including Artic Monkeys, Green Day, Beyonce and more. Also appearing are MASSAOKE (who smash out all the biggest sing-along hits), Olivia Rodrigo Tribute (who stormed Glasto last year) and Buzzstock fave Rogue Minogue. Vocal chords at the ready! Plus there’ll be stand-up comedy, a Happy Arena for crafting fun for all ages, facepaint and festival glitter plus tasty street food.

Battle Proms, Hatfield House, 18 July

Load the hampers and pop the Champers for this explosive celebration of pomp and ceremony. Once again the glorious grounds of Hatfield House will be filled with a rousing orchestral programme of tunes, accompanied by dramatic Spitfire displays, cavalry, canons and a fireworks finale. Bring your own picnic or pre-book with your tickets.

Folk by the Oak, Hatfield House, 19 July

Folk by the oak festival main stage at night with fireworks in the background — Photo: Tammy Marlar

This easy breezy day festival is all about chilling with a cold bevvy to the sountrack of some of the finest folk acts in the biz. Headline acts this year include Spell Songs, Jessie Reid and Iona Lane. And when you’re not dancing or flip flopping between the stages, you can enjoy creative activities in the craft tent, fish and chips in the food village or a refreshing cocktail in the bar.

Bedford Festival Fringe, 22-26 July

Bedford’s answer to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the concept behind the Bedford Festival Fringe is to come and see not one, but loads of live shows, from performances of new work by household names, to brand new faces cutting their teeth on the circuit. There’s everything from music and dance to comedy and theatre, plus kids’ entertainment and spoken work coming to various venues in and around Bedford.

St Albans Comedy Garden, Verulamium Park, 22 – 26 July

In need of a good laugh? Yes! Head to this fab funny fest and see some of the top comics in the biz. This year’s line up welcomes Jack Dee, Milton Jones, Sara Pascoe and tonnes more! It’s all live and open air with street food, summer cocktails and craft beer. Lovely!

Magic Meadows, Elstree, 25 July

Looking for a summer festival the whole family can enjoy? Head to Magic Meadows in Elstree. Explore the woodland wonderland, get crafting in the tipi, dance to live music and unwind in the wellness yurt. And that’s not all. Little one’s can enjoy the bushcraft and forest school adventures, face painting and glitter stations plus kids’ theatre performances.

WIN TICKETS: Head to our Reader Treats and enter by midnight on 30 May

Big Jiveswing Festival, Cassiobury Park, Watford, 26 July

One for vintage mavens, join one of the UKs largest FREE jazz festivals with world class musicians, cabaret, dance classes (for adults and kids) and a vintage photo booth. There’ll also be family area with a bouncy castle, rides and sweet treats, plus food vans.

Rock at the Castle, Hertford Castle, 2 August

Always a winner for a fun family day out, this annual FREE festival is set against the iconic backdrop of Hertford castle. Expect a line up of music from local rock, indie and folk bands. Roll out the picnic rug, grab a bite and a bevvy from the stalls and let the kids enjoy the activities. Just bear in mind that there’s no parking at the castle itself, and while its free to attend, donations to the annual chosen charity are welcomed so bring some cash for the collection buckets.

Wild Canvas, Turvey, 6 – 31 August

Not your typical festival, Wild Canvas is a pop-up camping experience with a festival vibe that’s returning to the riverside meadow in the grounds of the grand Turvey House this year. There’ll be posh dome tents (plus regular camping if you’d rather BYO tent), activities for the kids (think paddleboarding, nature club and superhero disco), yoga & wellness sessions, a mobile sauna, street food, live music and world class DJs. Count us in!

Goatfest, Codicote, 28 – 30 August

Goatfest has grown from a small, free one-dayer in a pub beer garden to a three-day extravaganza with over 60 acts across four stages, plus a live DJ arena. The line-up includes Artful Dodger, Professor Green, and Los Pacaminos ft Paul Young. It’s also a great chance to discover some new music from up-and-coming performers on the festival circuit, as well as some homegrown talent. And in case you were wondering… no goats were involved in the making of this festival!

Found Festival, Claydon Estate near Bucks, 28-30 Aug

It’s worth hopping over the border for this one. Found Festival is all about head-turning acts, joyful comedy and a good dose of wellness woven in – that includes everything from yoga and sound baths to breathwork and even coaching sessions. Plus there’s a lovely lantern parade on Sunday night which is truly magical.

Twinwood Festival, Bedford, 28 – 31 August

Don the floral headscarfs, up-dos and swing skirts, and slap on the red lippy for this celebration of vintage music, dance and fashion. There’ll be a fab line-up of bands and artists to get you bopping, dance classes where you can perfect your lindy hop, and fashion stalls to up your vintage game, plus the popular Miss and Mr Vintage comp! You can also discover more about times gone by at the museum and memorabilia stands, as well the permanent displays at the Twinwood Airfield site.

Benington Lordship Chilli Festival, Benington, 29 – 31 August

Spice up your bank holiday weekend with a trip to this three-day fest dedicated to the humble chilli. There’ll be over 60 stalls selling everything from chilli plants to fiery chutney and chilli chocolate, international street food, local beers and cocktails with a kick plus entertainment and the not-to-be-missed famous chilli eating comp. Hot stuff.

Amp Rewired, Ampthill, 31 August

Amp Rewired is back at Ampthill Great Park for a low key, chilled out celebration of local music. Go and support if you can!

Sound Bites, St Albans, 4-6 Sept

Tuck into top-level food, restaurant pop-ups, kitchen parties and hidden bars in this plus music from big DJs and live acts all weekend. There’s no need to book for the whole weekend thanks to the range of ticket packages and offers, from One Day to VIP options. Tasty!

Bedford Run Fest, Russell Park, Bedford, 5-6 Sept

A little less lazing about in a field, and a little more action! This one’s calling on sporty types to sign up to the Mini-mile, Bedford 5k, Twilight 10K, Bedford Half Marathon or 20-mile race. Or you could just sit back and soak up the atmosphere in the festival village, where there’ll be live music, comedy, a street food market, mobile bar, health and wellbeing area, funfair and open air cinema. Phew! What’s more, entry to the festival (for non-runners) is FREE!

Your HOT summer festival guide: Book these in Herts & Beds now

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