| 
Harpenden Carnival
 Organised
by the Harpenden Round Table, the Carnival, which takes place in
May each year, attracts several thousand people. The day starts
with a procession of floats through the High Street at 12 noon,
ending up in Rothamsted Park, where the crowds are delighted by
performances and sideshows and can enjoy refreshments from various
stands. The day is designed to ensure maximum enjoyment whilst raising
as much money as possible for charity.
If you want to find out more about Round Table visit their website:
www.harpendenroundtable.org
Harpenden Highland Gathering
The Harpenden Highland Gathering, which is organised by the Harpenden
Lions Club, is a well-established annual event, usually held on
the second weekend of July and a popular feature of town life.
Described as the largest Highland Gathering outside Scotland, it
brings together pipe bands, solo pipers and Scottish dancers. Caber
Tossing, the regional Tug of War competition and other events add
to the excitement and ensure that the true spirit of the Highlands
is brought to Harpenden.
The intention along with raising money for charity; is to provide
a fun day out for all the family; the pipe bands provide a stirring
sight and sound when combined as a massed band in the closing ceremonies.
Dance competitions with up to 500 individual entries throughout
the day on two stages, together with Highland and Irish dance demonstrations
in the main arena, compete with field and track events for the attention
of visitors.
A variety of country fare and craft stalls, a licensed bar, light
refreshments and specialist food stalls cater for all tastes. Charities
are invited to raise money by using the special charity stalls.
The event is a major charity fundraiser. The beneficiaries are nominated
by the Lions Club.
Common Discovery Day
Following the great success of the inaugural Harpenden Common
Discovery Day in June 2009, it has become a regular annual event.
The aim of the free event is for residents to find out more about
Harpenden Common and the environment. It is also a celebration of
this wonderful green space in the centre of Harpenden. Attractions
included falconry displays, dog and duck show, chainsaw carving
and have a go archery, craft activities for children  and
the very popular welly wanging competition. The event takes place
every June on the Common from 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Farmers Market
The Farmers’ Market has been running successfully since
2005. The Market is held on the fourth Sunday of each month (except
December) along the Lower High Street and Bowers Parade in the Town,
from 10.00am to 2.00pm. With a wide variety of locally produced
goods being sold, the Farmers’ Market has become extremely
popular attracting many visitors whatever the weather conditions.
The November market is always a big attraction and is run in conjunction
with the Christmas Carnival event when the Christmas lights are
switched on and is run from 12 noon to 6.00pm and proves to be a
wonderful place to purchase some unusual Christmas gifts. For further
information on the market Tel: 01582 768278.
Classics on the Common
 Classics
on the Common is a classic car rally held on Harpenden Common in
July each year. The event was first held in 1994 with 25 cars, growing
rapidly since then to around 2000 classic vehicles. Now firmly established
in the classic car calendar, ‘Classics on the Common’
was rated by Classic & Sportscar Magazine as one of the top
20 events in the World in 2002.
Organised in the past by two residents, but now by the Harpenden
Village Rotary Club, ‘Classics on the Common’ attracts
a wide variety of entries from all over the south east and further
afield. All proceeds from the event are donated to local charities,
which have benefited from their donations over recent years. For
further information visit the website: www.classicsonthecommon.com
Harpenden Christmas Carnival
The Town’s Christmas Lights are traditionally switched on
by the Town Mayor and the winner of the schools’ Christmas
Poster Competition on the fourth Sunday of November. The event has
grown in size in recent times and is one of the highlights of the
year for the community. The event consists of a parade through the
Town Centre, which is led by Santa Claus and involves local schools,
scouts, guides and charities; the monthly Farmers Market, fun fair,
charity stalls and performances on the stage by local groups. With
a number of the shops and restaurants opening in the Town, the event
offers a great Christmas experience for all the family.
Southdown Lights Up
The Southdown Lights Up which is organised by Southdown Traders
and supported by the Town Council who fund the Christmas lights,
is a great night out for all. With a countdown and switch on of
the Christmas lights by the Town Mayor and the winner of the schools’
Christmas Poster Competition, plus late night shopping and fair
rides, this event offers yet another opportunity to celebrate the
festive season in Harpenden and brings the local Southdown community
together.
Batford Lights Up
A new event in 2005 which has grown in popularity each year with
additional Christmas lights added each year and more attractions
such as fairground rides and Santa. The event is organised by Batford
Community Action Group in conjunction with the Town Council.
|
