GM, Hertford ☕

It’s one of those weeks where Hertford quietly overdelivers… ☺️

The brand new Hertford Photo Festival kicks off today (and runs all month), turning the town into a full-on arts trail - definitely one to dip in and out of. Alongside that, you’ve got everything from bouquet-making at Tewinbury to the ever-popular Farmers Market, plus a really feel-good Eco Fest at the Castle this weekend.

There’s a lovely mix of slower, reset moments too - think mass health walks, meditation sessions and even laughter yoga, balanced with a few great community bits (including new parking updates and some long-overdue roadworks crackdowns 👀).

And if you’ve got little ones, you’re sorted - from Book Festival fun to upcoming soft play meet-ups, there’s plenty to keep them busy.

We've gathered all the important stuff you need to know, so whether you're planning your weekend or just curious about local happenings, you're all set. Consider it done! 🫡

👇 Here’s this week’s lineup in Hertford:

• Things To Do & Events

• Community Highlight

• Kiddies Scoop: Herts Book Festival

• Eye Catching Deal 👀

• Property Of The Week: Barn Conversion

• Weather

• Mind, Health & Fitness: May Daily Habits

• Extra Sprinkles

THINGS TO DO & EVENTS

🎭 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Hertford Photo Festival: Love & Hope
📅 From today - 30 May 📍 Various locations, Hertford
A brand new town-wide photography festival, transforming Hertford into a visual arts trail with exhibitions, events and community activities across BEAM, Courtyard Arts and All Saints Church.
🎟 Free & ticketed events - Details here

Spring Hand-Tied Bouquet Workshop
📅 Sat. 9 May | 13:00-14:30 📍 Tewinbury Farm Hotel
Learn the art of a classic hand-tied bouquet using beautiful seasonal spring flowers - covering spiral techniques, conditioning and styling to create your own arrangement to take home.
🎟 £65 pp - book here

Herts Book Festival - Hertford & Ware
📅 Sat. 16 May | 10:00-16:00 📍 BEAM, Hertford
📅 Sun. 17 May📍 Southern Maltings, Ware
A lively celebration of books, authors and storytelling, bringing the local community together for a day of literary discovery.
🎟 Details here (scroll down for more info in the Kiddies Scoop)

🏰 COMMUNITY + FAMILY

Hertford Farmers Market
📅 Sat. 9 May | 08:30-13:00 📍 Market Place & Salisbury Square, Hertford
A monthly favourite packed with local produce such as cheeses, honey, preserves and plenty more from local makers. You also have the opportunity to meet your councillor from 10:30-12:30.

Hertford Eco Fest & Family Fun Day
📅 Sun. 10 May | 12:00-16:00 📍 Hertford Castle
A feel-good day focused on sustainable living, with eco stalls, live entertainment, smoothie bikes, bug experiences and hands-on activities for all ages.
🎟 Free entry - details here

The Business Lounge - Women in Business
📅 Mon. 11 May | 09:30-11:30 📍 BEAM, Hertford
A relaxed, supportive space for female business owners to connect, gain clarity and build confidence alongside like-minded local women.
🎟 No booking needed - more info here

🌱 HEALTH + WELLBEING

Walk This May - Mass Health Walks
📅 Wed. 6 May | 10:15 & 7pm 📍 Hartham Common & Bengeo, Hertford
Join hundreds across Hertfordshire for a county-wide health walk to celebrate National Walking Month. With routes for all fitness levels, it’s a great way to get moving and meet others - no booking needed.
🎟 Free - just turn up, details here

Laughter Yoga
📅 Every Fri. | 12:30 📍 The Hertford Club, Hertford
A joyful 45-minute mix of laughter exercises, breathing and relaxation - no booking needed, just turn up and give it a go.
🎟 First session FREE - more info here

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

🅿️ New live parking signs launched in Hertford
New electronic signs on key routes into town now show real-time space availability across four main car parks (726 spaces total). The aim? Less circling, less congestion, and an easier visit into town.

It’s hoped the system will also bust the myth that parking is limited - while helping cut traffic and support local businesses.

🚧 Utility firms fined £181,000 for roadworks
Utility companies have been hit with £181,000 in fines in just three months after breaching roadwork permits - with 824 penalty notices issued (up 38% year-on-year).

The crackdown is part of a push to reduce disruption, with funds going back into the highways budget - and a clear message: stick to the rules or expect to pay up.

♻️ Bank holiday waste collection reminder:

KIDDIES SCOOP

FREE Family Fun at Herts Book Festival
📅 Sun. 17 May | 10:00-16:00 📍 Southern Maltings, Ware
A brilliant line-up of free family-friendly events, including an illustration workshop with Garry Parsons and fun storytelling sessions with Helen Rose - perfect for sparking creativity in younger readers.
🎟 Free - booking recommended, info here

Soft Play Meet-Ups
📅 Various dates (25 May - 18 June) | 12:00-14:00 📍 Hartham Leisure Centre, Hertford
Fun, relaxed soft play sessions for little ones starting school - a great way to build confidence and make new friends before term begins. Multiple dates available by school.
🎟 £4 per child

🔥 EYE CATCHING DEAL

Free Meditation Classes - Mental Health Awareness Week
📅 Mon. 11 May | 14:20 & Wed. 13 May | 11:10 📍 Hartham Leisure Centre
Take a moment to pause, breathe and reset with guided meditation sessions in a calm, welcoming space - suitable for all experience levels.
🎟 Free - book via Everyone Active app or at reception - info here

🏡 PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Tucked away in the exclusive Jenningsbury Court, this beautifully converted four-bed barn blends character with modern living and it’s chain free.

Inside, you’ve got over 2,300 sq ft to play with, including a spacious open-plan kitchen, a bright living room, four well-sized bedrooms, a study (perfect for WFH), plus plenty of storage throughout. There’s also a self-contained annex - ideal for guests or extended family.

Outside is where it really shines: a large, private garden and parking for up to four cars.

All just a short hop from Hertford town centre and the station, so you get peaceful living without losing convenience.

👉🏼 Check out the property here

🌦 HERTFORD WEATHER: 5 - 11 May 2026

A fairly mellow week ahead: lots of cloud around but still pleasantly mild 🌥️

The best of it lands midweek, with Thursday and Friday bringing brighter, partly sunny spells and solid 17°C highs - ideal for getting out. The weekend turns a bit moodier, with showers creeping in Saturday and Sunday, so maybe keep a backup plan handy.

All in all: not bad, just a bit indecisive - classic British spring.

✨ MIND, HEALTH + FITNESS

When was the last time you tried starting a new habit? Or a new routine? For the better.

If you can’t remember - then this is your month! (Small changes can lead to a big difference)

🧁 EXTRA SPRINKLES

Crispy Marmite Soldiers With Dippy Eggs (♥️ or 🙅‍♀️)

You’re now properly in the loop, Hertford.

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