News

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dacorum borough. To celebrate, we will be hosting 50 Fest on Sunday 29 September 2024, from 11am to 5pm in Hemel Hempstead town centre. 

The event will spread across the town centre, including the Market Square and Water Gardens. The highlight of 50 Fest will be a spectacular parade, featuring a wonderful array of colourful handmade puppets, led by community groups and performers.

The puppets are being made in collaboration with local community groups and Handmade Productions, and have been inspired by animals and nature associated with the local area, including red kites and foxes.

In Market Square, there will be a variety of local market, food and drink and community stalls to explore, and tables to sit down and enjoy some refreshments.

There will also be a wide range of entertainment and activities on offer in Market Square and the Water Gardens, including a BMX stunt show, acrobatic street dancers, Cloud 9 inflatables, high ropes and fairground stalls.

Hemel Hempstead Business Improvement District (BID) will also be hosting its fantastic Hullabaloo alongside the event, offering live entertainment and activities to enjoy in Hemel town centre.

Cllr Adrian England, Leader of the Council and our Portfolio Holder for People and Transformation, said: “I’m delighted that the Council is hosting this special event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dacorum; it’s good to mark our big civic birthday! The parade will bring a real festival atmosphere to the town centre, and showcase the diversity of Dacorum, with community groups from across the borough taking part. I look forward to being with residents and visitors coming together to enjoy the day and celebrate with their families and friends.”

If you are interested in joining one of the community workshops to help make the puppets, or would like to find out more about the event, please visit our Dacorum at 50 Fest page