The Bushey Acoustic Festival is returning after a two-year break with a nod to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the people of Ukraine.

More than 80 "extremely talented" artists from around the area will perform across seven stages on Sunday, June 12.

As well as musicians, the free annual festival will feature poets, and comedians as well as school pupils.

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Festival organiser Raymond Coffer said he was pleased at the event’s return, which hasn’t been held since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic.

He said: “I think people will come out and enjoy the day. It feeds into this whole idea of a community event.

“People attending are from nought to 100; they come as families and they love it, it’s a wonderful day.”

Performing at the event will be artists from areas including Bushey, Watford, Borehamwood, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Local artists perform at the Bushey Acoustic Festival 2019. Picture: Dr Raymond CofferLocal artists perform at the Bushey Acoustic Festival 2019. Picture: Dr Raymond Coffer

Dr Coffer said: “It’s not just a Bushey festival, it’s gone beyond that now. The artists who are appearing are extremely talented and I am excited by the level of quality from people who are playing on the day. It’s quite something.

“It gives local talent the chance to perform at a festival and it brings the community together.”

Musical genres showcased at the festival will range from jazz to classical and Broadway musical numbers.

The action-packed day will also offer face paints, hair braiding and a treasure hunt for children.

A festival wouldn’t be complete without a market selling food, jewellery, and mosaics.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Bushey Acoustic Festival. Picture: Dr Raymond CofferBushey Acoustic Festival. Picture: Dr Raymond Coffer

As the event falls a week after the Queen’s Jubilee, for this one year only it has been dubbed the Bushey Jubilee Acoustic Festival.

To celebrate, Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden will open the festival followed by Bushey Heath Primary School children singing the national anthem.

God Save the Queen will also be sung at the end of the day by local drama group Spectrum.  

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Dr Coffer also wanted the event to show support to the people of Ukraine.

He said: “We are delighted that a musical group of Ukrainian children will be performing wearing national dress.”

Event: Bushey Jubilee Acoustic Festival

Location: Mary Forsdyke Gardens and Warren Lake, Bushey Heath, WD23 1EA

Price: Free entry

Time: 12pm to 5pm

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