10:41pm Saturday 26th June 2010
By Adam Binnie
Redbourn held a summer carnival today, as part of the 900th anniversary celebration calendar.
St Mary’s Church in the Hemel Hempstead road was built in 1110, a time when only 27 families lived in the area. Now more than 5,000 residents live in Redbourn.
The anniversary is being celebrated with a programme of events throughout the year under the banner of Redbourn 900.
Today's carnival was opened with a procession down Redbourn High Street, led by the Enfield District Scout Band, with the mayor and the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.
Keith McAdam, chairman of the organising committee, said: “My wife Penny actually did all the organising for this event, which is the largest in the calendar. It's been absolutely amazing how the community has come together.
“The procession was fantastic, and everyone has worn various historical outfits from the ages. I would say about 4,000 to 5,000 people attended today, some from well outside of Redbourn.”
Visitors could also watch a recreation of the battle of Watling Street by historical organisation The Sealed Knot and take part in a tug of war.
Teams of eight competed with the final between Redbourn and Sandridge going the home team's way.
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