• Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
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What’s On

Events & What's On

Annual events, festivals, and traditions that bring Hemel Hempstead together

Annual Events

12+

Festivals

3+

Food Events

3+

Community

6+

Throughout the Year

Annual Events Calendar

Hemel Hempstead has a packed calendar of events and traditions that bring the community together throughout the year.

Hemel Hempstead Food & Drink Festival
Food & Drink
  • June
  • Gadebridge Park

One of Hertfordshire’s biggest food festivals, featuring over 100 stalls with street food, artisan producers, craft beer, live cooking demos, and family entertainment.

Hemel Hempstead Fireworks Display
Community
  • November
  • Gadebridge Park

The town’s spectacular annual fireworks night with a massive bonfire, funfair rides, food stalls, and a professionally choreographed fireworks display.

Christmas Market & Lights Switch-On
Seasonal
  • Late November
  • The Marlowes & Old Town

Hemel’s festive season kicks off with the Christmas lights switch-on, seasonal market stalls, carol singing, Santa’s grotto, and family-friendly entertainment.

Boxmoor Fête & Donkey Derby
Community
  • July
  • Boxmoor Common

A beloved annual summer tradition on Boxmoor Common featuring donkey racing, craft stalls, live music, children’s games, and a real community atmosphere.

Old Town Summer Festival
Music & Arts
  • August
  • Old Town High Street

The charming Old Town comes alive with a street festival featuring live bands, Morris dancing, vintage cars, craft stalls, and pub garden celebrations.

Dacorum Carnival
Community
  • June
  • Town Centre & Gadebridge Park
A colourful carnival procession through the town centre with floats, dance groups, marching bands, and a fun-filled afternoon of entertainment in the park.
Conkers on the Common
Community
  • October
  • Boxmoor Common
A quirky and uniquely British autumn tradition — the annual conker championship on Boxmoor Common, open to all ages with prizes for the winners.
Hemel Hempstead Pancake Race
Community
  • February (Shrove Tuesday)
  • The Marlowes
A fun-filled Shrove Tuesday tradition where teams race along the Marlowes flipping pancakes, with proceeds going to local charities.
Boxmoor Farmers' Market
Food & Drink
  • Monthly (3rd Sunday)
  • St John's Church Hall, Boxmoor
A popular monthly market showcasing local Hertfordshire producers — artisan bread, cheese, meat, preserves, and seasonal produce direct from the farm.
Hemel Hempstead Half Marathon
Sport
  • March
  • Town-wide route
An annual half marathon and fun run attracting hundreds of runners through the scenic streets of Hemel Hempstead, raising money for local charities.
Remembrance Sunday Parade
Community
  • November
  • Old Town War Memorial
The town’s annual Remembrance Sunday parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the Old Town war memorial, attended by veterans, community groups, and residents.
Easter Egg Hunt
Seasonal
  • April (Easter)
  • Gadebridge Park
A family-friendly Easter egg hunt across the beautiful grounds of Gadebridge Park, with craft activities, face painting, and spring-themed fun.

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