harpenden set to celebrate as exciting new festival line up announced
New in 2026, Harpenden Festival promises to be an incredible, vibrant celebration! Taking place on Saturday 5th September 12-6pm, there'll be plenty to do, see, eat and enjoy, and everyone is welcome. The Town Council is delighted to bring many free activities and entertainment to this event, making it an exciting day for the local community.
The Harpenden Festival will stretch across the High Street, Church Green and on to Harpenden Common and will incorporate all the best parts of the Town's events over the years, bringing together the community and welcoming visitors.
Included in the action-packed day are: live music on the Main Stage, the Harpenden Stage showcasing talented local artists, a Family Zone on Church Green with free activities, a bar, picnic seating, and a free climbing wall. A quiet area in the Town Centre’s Sensory Garden will host a fabulous 'Birds of Prey' display and Story Time by the Harpenden Library for little ones to enjoy.
Stalls will line the Lower High Street, and The Concourse will have a bar, picnic seating and a DJ with summer sounds. Harpenden Common will also feature a food court, the Vojo gaming bus (free), an inflatable zone (free), ferret racing and much more.
Cllr Kirsti Wenn, Mayor of Harpenden, said “2026 is a fantastic year for fun in Harpenden. Our events programme has been incredible yet again this year and for me, the Harpenden Festival will capture the best of all those occasions. It’s so important to celebrate our community and with so many free things planned for this event, no one will miss out on having a great time. Thank you so much to the event sponsors Rayden Solicitors and Harpenden Dental Centre. Support from local organisations means that we are able to make events even better.”
Nicola Caffery, Partner at Rayden Solicitors in Harpenden, said " Rayden Solicitors, local specialist family law firm, is delighted to be supporting the Harpenden Festival. This is a fantastic event, and we are so pleased to be part of it this year and looking forward to meeting as many Festival visitors as possible."
Main Stage Line Up:
The Hanging Bandits - The Hanging Bandits are an indie folk and folk-rock band from Hertfordshire, known for an acoustic alt-folk style mixed with unplugged gypsy-punk, Brit-pop, and jangly alt-rock.
No7 - With an extensive setlist covering all genres and decades they are guaranteed to keep you dancing.
Run for Cover - Rock and pop covers band that turns every gig into a greatest hits playlist.
Harpenden Stage Line Up:
SASA - SASA is a social purpose, part-time performing arts school based in Hertfordshire which has performance opportunity at its heart.
Faces Fall - Steve, Paul, Tony, Helen and guest guitarist James return to the Harpenden Festival with their irresistible blend of original heart-tugging, '80s-tinged indie pop and the classic covers that have inspired them, ahead of the release of their new EP.
Imagination Majorettes – A majorettes dance group for ages 5+ that dances to a range of different music, using different dance styles.
Red Shift - Red Shift are a four-piece indie rock and pop band from Hertfordshire, UK, and formed in 2025. Their distinctive style captures the best of indie rock, alternative rock and pop, marked by memorable melodies, rich guitar textures, and emotionally resonant songwriting with a modern edge.
Harry Beart - Harry Beart is a 13-year-old singer songwriter. He has released two of his own songs on Spotify and is preparing for his third release.
Halfway - Combining fast paced pop punk with heavier post hardcore riffs and breakdowns, Halfway are a showcase of teenage brilliance who will put on a show you will never forget.
Cara-May - Cara-May performing acoustic covers with heartfelt vocals and her guitar.
Additionally, the Harpenden Beer Festival situated on Harpenden Common will be taking place during this event, beginning on Friday and running through to Saturday!
Note: photo featured taken at a previous Harpenden event.