This spring, Hertford Town Council invites residents and visitors to gather for a feel-good day of green living, community spirit, and family-friendly fun at the highly anticipated Hertford Eco Fest. Taking place on Sunday 11th May from 12 noon to 4:00pm, this free event is set against the beautiful backdrop of Hertford Castle, and promises a packed afternoon full of activities, inspiration, and live entertainment.
Eco Fest is part of a broader programme of town-wide sustainability events that shine a spotlight on practical and positive steps we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the natural world. With the climate crisis increasingly front of mind, Eco Fest aims to bring people together to explore accessible, everyday changes that collectively make a big difference — from reducing waste and conserving energy, to supporting local businesses and connecting with nature.
A Fun-Filled, Family-Friendly Day Out
Designed for all ages, Eco Fest offers a great mix of interactive activities, educational opportunities, and a healthy dose of fun. Younger visitors can enjoy garden games, get creative with junk modelling, and even hop on the Smoothie Bike, where pedalling powers your very own fruit smoothie.
There’s also a chance to try out an electric bike thanks to a display and test ride station provided by Highway Cycles, and a handy Repair Stall, where experts will be on hand to offer repair advice and quick fixes for broken items (excluding white goods and computing devices, and subject to availability).
The festival grounds will also be buzzing with eco-conscious stalls, showcasing a variety of food, drink, and crafts — perfect for picking up local, sustainable treats. And for those looking to save money while going green, several exhibitors will be sharing cost-saving tips and practical carbon reduction suggestions.
Learn, Share, and Be Inspired
Inside the Castle, visitors can explore thought-provoking exhibitions and community-led initiatives. The ‘Hertford Eco Quilt’, created with local textile artist Ghislaine Peart, brings together stories and artwork from residents in a striking display of community expression and environmental awareness.
Also inside, the Climate Café offers a gentle space for reflection and discussion around our emotional responses to climate change — part of a growing national network supporting mental wellbeing through climate conversations. Meanwhile, the ‘With Integrity’ exhibit highlights practical ways we can each contribute positively to the environment in our daily lives.
Throughout the day, live talks and workshops will cover topics such as the benefits of repairing rather than replacing, sustainable baking, composting at home, and the crucial role bees play in biodiversity and food production. Visitors can also enjoy live music from local performers and delight in pop-up theatre with ‘William Wormsworth and Wormarie’, whose imaginative storytelling sessions are sure to entertain kids and adults alike.
Eco Fest in the Wider Community
The celebration doesn’t stop at Hertford Castle. A wider programme of Eco Fest events is taking place across Hertford in the lead-up to and around the festival. Full listings are available on the Hertford Town Council website, featuring everything from local clean-up initiatives to workshops and film screenings.
One highlight is the special screening of Ocean with David Attenborough at BEAM, a stunning documentary exploring the vitality and beauty of our oceans. The screening on the 11th May will be followed by a talk from Prof. Viv Jones, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Change at UCL, who will speak about successful local conservation efforts on the River Beane — a rare chalk stream with global ecological significance.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Speaking ahead of the event, a spokesperson for Hertford Town Council said:
“We are delighted to host this innovative event to bring the community together — working towards improving our environment, on a local and global scale! Last year, the event was cancelled due to challenging weather, but we’re hoping for a brighter spring this time so we can welcome everyone to enjoy the wonderful range of activities on offer. We’re proud to share a platform with so many local people and organisations committed to protecting our planet and celebrating sustainability.”
The Council also expressed their gratitude to NCS, headline sponsors of Eco Fest. Based in Hertford, NCS are leading specialists in plumbing and heating solutions and have recently expanded into renewable energy and energy efficiency products, helping households across the South East embrace greener living.
Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just starting to explore sustainable living, Eco Fest offers something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of a positive movement shaping the future — right here in Hertford.
For more information or to view the full schedule of events, visit the Hertford Eco Fest Listings or contact Annalisa Yeowell at annalisa.yeowell@hertford.gov.uk or call 01992 552885.
