THERE’s no place like home and for the residents of Redbourn there’s much cause for celebration as the village commemorates its 900th birthday.

At the heart of this landmark anniversary is St Mary’s Church, which was founded in 1110. At the time, Redbourn’s population was less than 30 but today it totals more than 5,000. Redbourn’s recipe for success is its vibrant and diverse culture, its peaceful countryside setting and a generous community spirit.

Redbourn was recently named Village of the Year for west Hertfordshire by Campaign for Rural England (CPRE) and last year, the village won the People Category of the competition, which just goes to show what a warm reception you’ll always find there.

Residents have already been toasting their village with a host of events, which have included a family fun and sports day, Redbourn Songs of Praise, a flower festival and open gardens, street parties and barn dance and a music festival, in addition to the annual Rural Day and carnival.

There’s more to come with Music in Praise of Mary on Saturday, September 11, at 7.30pm with St Mary’s Church taking centre stage for a choral concert with chamber choir Canticle under the baton of conductor and Redbourn resident Roderick McPhee. The programme features works that span the 16th to 21st Century.

On Sunday, September 12noon at 11am, the church plays host to The Redbourn 900 Festival finale. Morning worship includes a setting of Haydn’s St Nicholas Mass.

Later in the day, the focus shifts back to the Common, where former England Cricket Captain Mike Brearley will be overseeing a children’s cricket match at what is reputedly one of the oldest grounds in the country.

Then it’s time to put the locals to the test with singing, dancing and variety acts in Redbourn’s Got Talent. Onlookers can don straw hats and take part in a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, celebrating Redbourn’s Brooke Bond Tea Factory heritage.

Then join the villagers in attempting to break a Guinness World Record for dancing in hats on the Common and a balloon release to see in the tenth century.

Details: http://redbourn900.co.uk