You don’t need to wade through mud at Glastonbury Festival or jet off to foreign lands for some fun, there is an abundance of festivals taking place across Hertfordshire this summer.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Music

For the first time this June (9 to 11), composer James Francis Brown and conductor Tom Hammond present the Hertfordshire Festival of Music. Incorporating the county’s classical music culture, choirs and non-professional orchestras will come together with eclectic performers in a three-day festival.

Jazz hands at the ready, the Big Jive Swing Festival returns to Watford on July 30, featuring internationally acclaimed musicians, bands, orchestras and dancers from the UK. With live cabarets, dance classes for children and adults, and a vintage photo booth - all for free.

Bonnie Tyler, Tony Hadley and Jason Donovan they head to St Albans between August 11 and 13 to headline the brand new, three-day interactive music festival Meraki. Featuring a line-up of live music acts, with special features and creative spaces around the festival.

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Food

A hot date for the diary - the annual Benington Chilli Festival returns to Benington Lordship Gardens in Stevenage. With over 60 pitches of the nation’s best known independent chilli traders selling a huge array of products, entertainment for the kids, and the world famous chilli eating competition, you’ll have a hard time keeping your cool.

At Knebworth House this summer The Great British Food Festival descends, on July 22 and 23. There will be a packed programme of small bites, mouth-watering meals, and tasty treats in over 70 stalls.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Comedy Festival: Raw

Comedy

Hertford Comedy Festival returns to Hertford Theatre between June 17 and 24, with an even bigger line-up of comedians than previous years. Names on the line-up include Adam Hills, Russel Kane and Susan Calman, with plenty of shows and activities for young families as well.

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Wildlife

At Panshanger Park near Hertford, on July 29 and 30, visitors can join in the 2017 Festival of Wildlife celebrations. From walks and talks, to crafts and the chance to meet local conservation organisations, there’s lots of opportunities to get involved.

If you go down to the woods on the July 8, you’re sure of a big surprise. A true family favourite, Heartwood Forest Summer Festival celebrates the forest landscape, community and its dedicated volunteers. Join the teddy bears’ picnic, a session of woodland yoga, or visit the Wildlife Zone and have a peek behind the scenes at Heartwood Forest, finding out which animals and plants call Heartwood their home.

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Family

Storytelling, crafty corners, tasty treats, pilgrimages and puppets will feature along with live music across the county in the scores of family festival. Top picks include:

PERFECT PICNICS

Between June 16 and 25 head outside for a good old fashioned picnic to celebrate National Picnic Week. With hundreds of picturesque picnic spots across the county including Leaveseden Country Park, Aldenham Country Park and Lee Valley Country Park, there’s plenty of places to enjoy a spot of al fresco dining.

For more information about Hertfordshire, visit visitherts.co.uk