The weather has been gorgeous, but the gardens could do with a drink now. Hopefully the rain holds off until after the Bank Holiday. Whatever your plans today, keep an eye on your fuel tank. Prices are not coming down any time soon, and RAC experts say routine maintenance, travelling light and easing off the accelerator are the easiest ways to stretch every litre a little further.

On a more serious note, the UK's national threat level has been raised to severe following the terror attack in north London, meaning security services consider another attack highly likely in the next six months. Hertsmere Borough Council has already stepped up patrols around local synagogues in response, and you can read more inside. Many of us head to the polls this Thursday 7 May to choose our local leaders, and we will bring you results as they come in over the following days, so stay close. This edition is packed with updates from every district and borough across Hertfordshire, a full events calendar to get you out and about this May, and a surprise update at the end you will not want to miss.

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Over 18,750 families have already downloaded the Herts Card, unlocking discounts on activities and days out that many couldn't otherwise afford. From free family centre sessions for under-fives to young carers support, mental health drop-ins for teens, and community supermarkets now open at eight locations across the county, Hertfordshire has a wider safety net than most families realise. If you're navigating costs, SEND, or just want to know what's available, the full picture is at hertfordshire.gov.uk/parents.

Read more →

Speed limits on the A1000 and B197 are being reduced following petitions from local schools and resident pressure, with overnight works already under way from 27 April through to 18 May. The new 40mph limit on the A1000 and reinforced 30mph on the B197 through Oaklands come into effect on Tuesday 19 May, with signed diversions in place during closures. Works on London Road, Welwyn, follow between 18 May and 26 June to make the walk to Welwyn St Mary's Primary and Tenterfield Nursery safer.

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Hertfordshire County Council is showcasing proposals for the Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT) network this Saturday 9 May on Watford High Street, outside The Harlequin, from 9am to 4pm. The planned east-west corridor would run from Watford and Hemel Hempstead in the west to Harlow in the east, using technologies such as trackless trams alongside improvements for walking and cycling. Drop in to see the ideas and share your views.

Carers in Hertfordshire is hosting a free drop-in Technology Event for Carers on Sunday 11 May at Ware Priory, bringing together assistive technology providers, the NHS App, Careline, the fire service, police and University of Hertfordshire researchers under one roof. The day includes short talks, live demonstrations and one-to-one conversations with professionals in an informal setting, plus a digital support desk run by the Community Alliance (Broxbourne and East Herts). Booking is free via the link below.

Book your free ticket →

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Cassiobury Park's popular paddling pools reopened on 1 May following a winter overhaul that replaced the water recirculation tanks, improving hygiene and cutting water consumption. The three splashpads, water jets, fountains and two interactive splash pools welcomed over 50,000 visits last season and remain completely free to use, with donations encouraged to keep the facility running. Check the booking system and session times at watford.gov.uk/cassiobury-park-activities.

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Mini Museum Movers launches THIS THURSDAY 7 May, a free monthly drop-in combining dance, music and historical objects for confident walkers up to age five, delivered in partnership with BEEE Creative. Sessions run at Watford Palace Theatre (10:00 and 11:15) and West Watford Community Centre (13:30) on the first Thursday of every month. No booking needed, just arrive 15 minutes before the session you want.

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Hertfordshire Health Walks has published its Watford and Three Rivers timetable for May to August 2026, with 22 walks ranging from gentle beginner routes to faster weekend options, plus a dedicated family-friendly timetable. To mark National Walking Month, a mass Health Walk takes place across Hertfordshire THIS WEDNESDAY 6 May, with 20 routes running simultaneously across the county, including two in Stevenage from Fairlands Valley Park. A Grade 1 walk (1.5 miles, 30–40 mins) starts at 10am and a Grade 2 walk (2 miles, 45 mins) starts at 10:30am, both meeting outside Costello's Café, Six Hills Way, SG2 0BL. Register in advance at hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks or arrive 15 minutes early to complete a new walker form on the day.

Read more →

Councillor Shailain Shah, who represented Bushey Park for the Liberal Democrats since 2023, passed away on Wednesday 22 April. A long-term Bushey resident with over 30 years in financial services, he chaired Hertsmere's Audit Committee and Shareholder and Investment Committee, bringing professional expertise to the council's financial oversight work. The council's leadership across all party groups has paid tribute, describing him as a man of integrity, warmth and quiet strength.

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Hertsmere Borough Council has secured £60,000 in government funding to help residents and landlords understand the changes brought in by the Renters' Rights Act, which came into force on 1 May. The new law ends no-fault evictions, updates tenancy arrangements and introduces new rules on rent increases. Guidance is available on the council's housing strategies and policies page.

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Following the antisemitic terror attack in Golders Green and a series of similar incidents, Hertsmere Borough Council has met with Hertfordshire Constabulary's Chief Inspector and is running increased patrols with community enforcement officers in key areas across the borough. The council has also asked central government to direct a share of the £25m extra police funding announced after the attack to Hertsmere specifically. A previous emergency fund of £50,000 was made available to local synagogues for front-line security following an earlier attack, with further initiatives under consideration.

Read more →

Three Rivers residents head to the polls THIS THURSDAY 7 May and must bring photo ID to receive their ballot paper. Accepted forms include a UK, EEA or Commonwealth passport, a UK or EEA driver's licence, some concessionary travel passes such as an Oyster 60+ card, and the free Voter Authority Certificate. Polls close at 10pm, and expired ID is accepted as long as you are still recognisable from the photo.

Read more →

St Albans residents also vote THIS THURSDAY 7 May, with election results published on the council website from Friday 8 May. Photo ID is required at the polling station, and the full list of accepted documents is available on the Electoral Commission's website.

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The Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Teresa Heritage, will lead the annual Beating the Bounds ceremony on Sunday 10 May, a tradition dating to 1327 when townspeople walked the city's boundaries to assert their rights as citizens. The 4.5-mile walk starts at 2pm at the puddingstone near the Waffle House in St Michael's Village, with willow wands used to beat the ground at significant points along the route. The event is free and open to all ages.

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Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has announced a packed programme of free and low-cost community events running through summer 2026. First up is a family Activity Day at King George V Playing Fields in Welwyn Garden City on Wednesday 27 May (11am to 3pm), with face painting, climbing walls, storytelling and forest school sessions. BIG Summer then runs from 27 July to 16 August, including the Hatfield Community Fair on 28 July. Full event listings are at one.welhat.gov.uk/events.

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Five new live parking information signs have been installed at key entry points to Hertford, funded by East Herts and Hertford Town Council and installed by Hertfordshire County Council's Highways team. The signs show real-time availability at four town centre car parks, addressing long-standing confusion among visitors who were unaware of parking options beyond the multi-storey. The scheme is part of a wider effort to reduce congestion, cut air pollution and make Hertford more welcoming to visitors.

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North Herts Council's four splash parks are open daily from 10am to 6pm until Sunday 6 September, covering Baldock's Avenue Park, Hitchin's Bancroft Recreation Ground, Letchworth's Howard Park and Royston's Priory Memorial Gardens. Café kiosks at Bancroft and Howard Park serve hot drinks, paninis, ice cream and free dog treats. Letchworth and Hitchin Lido opens later, from 23 May.

Read more →

North Herts Council is replacing traditional seasonal bedding plants across its parks with drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly planting as part of a long-term shift toward climate-resilient land management. Wildflowers, longer grass in suitable areas, and new drifts of camassia at Howard Park are among the visible changes, designed to support pollinators and reduce water and maintenance costs. Further improvements at Bancroft Park, Royston Priory and Broadway Gardens are planned for later this year.

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KGV Skatepark in Hitchin has been fully redeveloped following consultation with local young people and will be officially unveiled at a free community event on Friday 29 May from 10am to 4pm. The revamped park includes a large 6ft L-shaped open bowl, a street area with grind ledges and quarter pipe, and a standalone mini ramp, built by specialist designers Canvas Spaces after riders were involved in shaping the design from the start. Free coaching sessions run from 10am, with a ribbon-cutting at 12.05pm followed by competitions and open riding through the afternoon.

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Two local organisations have received grants following recommendations from North Herts Council's Baldock and Villages Community Forum. The North Hertfordshire Centre for Voluntary Service receives £1,000 to fund a Volunteer Fair in Baldock town centre later this year, helping residents find opportunities as part of the North Herts Year of Volunteering campaign. St Mary's Church Ashwell receives £1,480 to fund a qualified instructor to keep community strength and balance exercise sessions running at the Ashwell Hub.

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A new pilot incentive scheme launched on 1 May offering cash payments to landlords and letting agents who bring properties into the Simple Lets programme, which covers the deposit and first month's rent, offers free tenancy agreements and provides accompanied viewings. New landlords joining receive £750, existing Simple Lets landlords bringing in a new property receive £1,000, and there is a £300 referral incentive on top. The scheme runs for one year or until funding runs out. Email [email protected] for details.

Read more →

The Waltham Cross Outdoor Cinema returns to Queen Eleanor Square on Tuesday 26 May, screening three films across the day: Zootropolis 2 at 11am, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants at 1pm and Wicked: For Good as a sing-along closer at 3pm. Entry is free with no booking required, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets and snacks. Face painting, stalls, a balloon twister and a pamper station will also be on site throughout the day.

Read more →

B3Living, which was set up in 2006 following a stock transfer from Broxbourne Council, celebrated its 20th anniversary at a breakfast event attended by over 70 community partners from across Hertfordshire and Essex. In that time the organisation has grown by more than 2,500 homes and is approaching delivery of its 6,000th property, with nearly 600 homes completed or started in Broxbourne alone in the last five years. The social landlord holds top regulatory grades from the Regulator of Social Housing and reports resident satisfaction scores among the highest in the country.

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Work has begun on a major wayfinding overhaul at Maylands Business Park in Hemel Hempstead, responding to long-standing complaints from business leaders about confusing routes and a lack of clear identity for the site. The scheme will deliver 122 new street name signs, 11 fingerposts and two illuminated gateway structures at the A414/Maylands Avenue roundabout, with completion targeted for autumn 2026.

Read more →

Dacorum Borough Council's annual Armed Forces Day celebration takes place on Saturday 27 June at Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead, from 12pm to 4pm. The free event includes birds of prey displays, a Home Guard foot drill, swing dancers, fairground rides, a Sherman tank, Alpacas, and over 40 stalls from local craftspeople, community groups and food vendors. Full details are at dacorum.gov.uk/armed-forces-day-2026.

Read more →

🏃 Mass Health Walk — Stevenage (Grade 1, beginners)
📍 Outside Costello's Café, Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage
⏰ 10:00am start | 1.5 miles (30–40 mins)
🎟️ Free — register or arrive 15 mins early
👉 http://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks

🏃 Mass Health Walk — Stevenage (Grade 2)
📍 Same location
⏰ 10:30am start | 2 miles (approx 45 mins)
🎟️ Free — register or arrive 15 mins early
👉 http://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks

📖 Museum Minis (ages 2–4)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free
👉 https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/museums-and-galleries

🎉 World Food Festival 2026
📍 Welwyn Garden City Town Centre
⏰ 11:00am – 6:00pm
🎟️ Free — no ticket needed
👉 https://www.welwyngardencity.co.uk

🚊 HERT Public Showcase
📍 High Street, Watford (outside The Harlequin)
⏰ 9:00am – 4:00pm
🎟️ Free — drop in
👉 https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

☕ Sunday Crafternoons (ages 5–11)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
⏰ Drop-in
🎟️ Free
👉 https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/museums-and-galleries

🌿 Eco Fest & Family Fun Day 2026
📍 Hertford Castle
⏰ 12:00pm – 4:00pm
🎟️ Free
👉 https://ow.ly/v06G50YzbeT

🎭 Dick Whittington – Junior Dancer Auditions
📍 Campus West
⏰ From 10:00am
🎟️ Free (registration required)
👉 https://www.campuswest.co.uk/cw/live-on-stage/open-dance-auditions/

✨ Messy Monday Mornings (under 5s)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free
👉 https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/museums-and-galleries

🏛️ Technology Event for Carers
📍 Ware Priory, Ware
⏰ Times TBC (drop-in)
🎟️ Free — booking recommended
👉 https://www.carersinherts.org.uk/carer-support/events-training/event/everything-tech-for-carers/

☕ Grow Walkies – Dog Business Meet & Greet
📍 Hertford
🎟️ Free
👉 https://www.instagram.com/grow.walkies

🎉 St Albans Spring Festival
📍 City Centre
⏰ 12:00pm – 6:00pm
🎟️ Free
👉 https://www.enjoystalbans.com/event/st-albans-spring-festival-2/

☕ Sunday Crafternoons (ages 5–11)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free

🎲 English Civil War Battle Games (ages 7+)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free

✨ Messy Monday Mornings (under 5s)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free

🏊 Hitchin Lido Opening Day
📍 Hitchin Swimming & Fitness Centre
💷 Paid
👉 https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/hitchin-swimming-and-fitness-centre/

🏊 Letchworth Lido Opening Day
📍 Letchworth Lido
💷 Paid
👉 https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/letchworth-lido/

🎉 Waltham Cross Outdoor Cinema
📍 Queen Eleanor Square
⏰ 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm screenings
🎟️ Free

👉 https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/news/article/433/free-outdoor-cinema-returns-to-waltham-cross-for-2026

🔍 Archaeology for Families (ages 7+)
📍 Verulamium Museum
🎟️ Free

🌼 Family Workshop: Young Gardeners (ages 5–11)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free

🌿 Wellies in the Woods — Taster Session (ages 5 and under)
📍 Rickmansworth Aquadrome
⏰ 10:00am – 11:30am
🎟️ Free — booking required
👉 https://orlo.uk/C1u8P

🎨 Printing Workshop for Families (ages 7+)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free

🎭 Utterly Revolting Science Show
📍 Campus West
💷 Paid
👉 https://www.campuswest.co.uk/cw/live-on-stage/utterly-revolting-science-show/

📖 Museum Minis (ages 2–4)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free

🛹 KGV Skatepark Grand Opening — Hitchin
📍 KGV Skatepark
⏰ 10:00am – 4:00pm (Ribbon cutting 12:05pm)
🎟️ Free

👉 https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/news/kgv-skatepark-hitchin-reopening

☕ Sunday Crafternoons (ages 5–11)
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery
🎟️ Free

🌿 Environmental Champions Awards Ceremony
📍 Watersmeet Theatre
🎟️ Free
👉 https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/environment-climate-emergency/environmental-champions-award-2026

🌿 Great Big Green Week
📍 Welwyn Hatfield
🎟️ Free
👉 https://orlo.uk/ARhS1

🏃 This Girl Can Week
📍 Welwyn Hatfield
🎟️ Free
👉 https://one.welhat.gov.uk/whats/girl-can

🎉 Armed Forces Day
📍 Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead
⏰ 12:00pm – 4:00pm
🎟️ Free

N/B: Got an event or story in your area? Email the Hertstown team or fill this form, and we'll share it with the community.

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ST ALBANS

Monday 4 May 17°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☁️ Overcast | ☀️ Sunrise 05:27 | Sunset 20:30

Tuesday 5 May 16°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☁️ Cloudy | ☀️ Sunrise 05:26 | Sunset 20:32

Wednesday 6 May 13°C 🌡️ 2°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 05:24 | Sunset 20:33

Thursday 7 May 15°C 🌡️ 5°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 05:22 | Sunset 20:35

Friday 8 May 17°C 🌡️ 7°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 05:20 | Sunset 20:37

Saturday 9 May 18°C 🌡️ 8°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals | ☀️ Sunrise 05:19 | Sunset 20:38

Source: Met Office — updated 3 May 2026

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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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