It’s been a festive weekend to remember across Hertfordshire, with communities from Watford to Hitchin gathering for the first wave of Christmas lights switch-ons. And this is just the warm-up, next weekend is packed with even more festive magic across the county.

Apologies for last week’s brief pause, a quick recharge to gear up for an even stronger run into Christmas.

As we count down to the holidays, we’re also kicking off our search for the Best Christmas Windows in Hertfordshire. If you spot a standout display, send us a photo! Just hit reply and share it with us.

Here’s what’s making headlines across Hertfordshire today:

…and plenty more local stories that matter to you.

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County Seeks Foster Carers for £80,000 NEST Scheme

Hertfordshire social care officials are recruiting "extraordinary people" to join the NEST fostering scheme, offering £80,000 annual allowance per child to care for vulnerable children who would otherwise require residential care. Former police officers, teachers, health professionals and social workers are being targeted for the scheme, which has already placed two children from a pilot programme with three more placements planned by January 2026. The initiative aims to save money compared to residential placements costing over £300,000 annually while providing children with stable family environments. NEST carers must give up existing employment and cannot have other children under 16 at home.

Source: Herts Live

Anti-Fraud Service Marks 10 Years Saving £75m of Public Funds

Hertfordshire's Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary during International Fraud-Awareness Week (16-22 November), having identified savings and prevented losses of over £75 million of public funds. The service has grown from a nine-officer pilot in 2015 to a team of 26 dedicated officers now working with eight local authorities, 11 social housing providers and over 20 other public bodies nationwide. SAFS has received more than 10,000 fraud referrals, identified genuine fraud in over 2,500 investigations, secured 100 successful prosecutions and recovered almost 200 properties. Their largest case involved a decade-long adult care fraud totalling £750,000, with three defendants receiving custodial sentences of three to five years.

Find out more about SAFS

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Hertford Town Christmas Gala - Friday 28 November

The Hertford Town Christmas Gala runs Friday 28 November from 3pm-8pm with live entertainment at Salisbury Square from 4:30pm. The programme includes pantomime performances, local musicians, and the Christmas Lights Switch-On with the Mayor of Hertford at 6pm. Organised by Hertford Town Council and sponsored by McMullen's Brewing & Pubs and Duffield Harrison LLP.

Hertford Castle Christmas Market - Three-Day Event

Hertford Castle Christmas Market runs Friday 28 November through Sunday 30 November. Weekend entertainment on Saturday and Sunday includes dance troupes, talented choirs, local musicians and a special appearance from Father Christmas. BEAM Hertford sponsors Hertford's Christmas lights. Visitors are asked to avoid bringing buggies and dogs where possible due to anticipated crowds.

Mayor of Hertford Raises Over £12,000 for Charity

The Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Rachel Carter, has raised more than £12,600 for Citizens Advice East Herts and Herts & District Girlguiding during her 2024/25 mayoral year.

Each charity received £6,332.40, raised through community events including Carols at the Castle, quiz nights and castle tours.

The funds will support expanded advisory services at Citizens Advice and improvements to Hertford Girlguiding’s West Street headquarters. Cllr Carter thanked residents for their generosity, calling the year “a wonderful experience.”

Incoming Mayor Cllr Steven Watson will support Hertford Scouts and Herts Young Homeless in 2025/26.

Hertford Launches Budget Consultation for 2026/27

Hertford Town Council has opened its Budget 2026/27 Residents’ Consultation, inviting the public to share priorities for future services. The survey runs until 28 November 2025.

Residents can take part online or via paper forms from the Town & Tourist Information Centre. All participants will be entered into a draw to win a £50 shopping voucher.

The consultation explains how the council is funded costing the average household £2.41 a week and aims to guide spending decisions ahead of potential local government restructuring.

Council Awards £60,000+ to Sustainability Projects

North Herts Council has approved £62,778 in grants for six local organisations supporting climate change and sustainability initiatives. Funded projects include solar panels at Kimpton Parish Council's sports pavilion, an air source heat system at Royston Museum, EV charging at Benslow Music Trust, biodiversity enhancements at St Mary's Church Ashwell, sustainability education in Letchworth, and retrofit training in Royston. All projects will be completed by March 2026.

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Twin Sisters, 80, Still Teaching Swimming at Royston Leisure Centre

Eighty-year-old twin sisters Jenny Brackley and Alison Hubbard continue to inspire generations of swimmers at Royston Leisure Centre. Between them, the pair have more than three decades of teaching experience at the centre, with Alison teaching for over 20 years and Jenny joining 15 years ago. The sisters are now teaching children of parents they once taught, proving that age is just a number through their commitment to staying active and healthy.

Read more

So Solid Crew to Headline Christmas Lights Switch-On

Stevenage town centre will come alive with festive cheer on Saturday 22 November from 12 noon to 5:30pm for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. Members of So Solid Crew - Lisa Maffia, Romeo and Harvey - will headline the event, which promises family fun, live entertainment, festive stalls and street performances. The Old Town's traditional Christmas Lights Switch-On will follow on Sunday 29 November.

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New Veterans' Benches Installed at Town Parks

Two new veterans' benches are being installed in Stevenage to honour those who served in the armed forces. The first bench has been placed at Fairlands Valley Park near The Muster Point group's meeting area, while a second will be installed at St Nicholas Park. Both locations were chosen for their tranquil surroundings and accessibility, providing peaceful spaces for remembrance and reflection.

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Festive Activities Planned for Cassiobury Park

Cassiobury Park will host a range of festive activities throughout December, including Christmas wreath making on 1 December, kids' craft sessions on 7 December, and a Cedar Café Christmas Sing-A-Long on 14 December. The park will also host the Watford Santa Dash on 7 December, offering 1k or 5k fun runs for all abilities, with funds raised supporting local people with learning disabilities.

Read more

Winter Shelter Opens for People Sleeping Rough

A winter shelter providing temporary accommodation for people sleeping rough in Watford will open on 17 November and will operate until 15 March 2026. Funded by Watford Borough Council and run by homelessness charity New Hope, the shelter at The Haven on Whippendell Road will provide hot meals and beds every night regardless of temperature, along with support services to help people move forward.

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Christmas in Hatfield - Two Days of Festive Fun

Hatfield hosts two days of free Christmas events on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November. Friday evening features Christmas entertainment, food stalls, music and seasonal sparkle, while Saturday continues with daytime family activities and market stalls.

Festive Friday Kicks Off Holiday Season

Hatfield Town Centre's Festive Friday brings live music, tasty treats, fair rides and free activities for families. The event includes Santa's grotto, face painting, roaming entertainers, light switch-on ceremony, school performances, DJ sets and dance crews.

Walking and Cycling Plan Adopted by County Council

Hertfordshire County Council has formally adopted Three Rivers District Council's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which aims to create high-quality, safe and attractive paths for walking, wheeling and cycling across the district. The routes are designed for short everyday trips as well as connections to train stations and bus stops. Implementation will depend on funding, with further local consultation planned as detailed designs are developed.

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High Flu Levels Circulating in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire Public Health has reported that flu is circulating at higher than usual levels for this time of year. The main virus circulating is Influenza A, which is associated with more severe illness and higher death rates, particularly in elderly residents. Health experts nationally are predicting a worse flu season than experienced in recent years, with vaccination particularly important for those most at risk.

Read more

Council Leader Backs Two-Unitary Authority Plan

St Albans Council leader Cllr Paul de Kort is advocating for replacing Hertfordshire's two-tier local government structure with two unitary authorities, while other political leaders favour proposals for three or four units. The current system comprises a county council and ten district and borough councils managing different services. Councils must submit reorganisation plans to Government by month's end, with St Albans Council set to decide its stance on November 20. Labour's Cllr Emma Turnbull and Conservative's Cllr Matt Cowley support a four-unitary model for better local representation, while Green Party's Cllr Matt Fisher backs a three-unitary approach.

Source: Herts Live

Winterfest 2025 Wraps Up Successfully

St Albans marked the beginning of the Christmas period with a successful Winterfest 2025 event. The festive celebration featured performers, compere Tiger Jazz, volunteers, a Winterfest Parade, and a visit from Santa, bringing the community together for the start of the festive season.

Christmas Cracker Event Draws Hundreds

Hundreds of friends and families came together for the St Albans Christmas Cracker event, featuring worldwide food, local produce, festive gifts, and live music. Groove Generation closed out the brilliant lineup of live entertainment in the city centre.

Three-Week Wait for Blood Tests Sparks Council Action

Residents in Broxbourne are facing three-week waits for routine blood tests at Cheshunt Community Hospital, prompting councillors to demand urgent investigation. Conservative Cllr Dee Hart described the situation as "absolutely appalling" at Hertfordshire's health scrutiny committee, with waiting times rising from 11 days in July to approximately 21 days currently. The Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board acknowledged the increase and confirmed they are working with partners to improve access, while urgent tests can still be carried out on the same day.

Source: Herts Live

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HERTFORD

8°C 🌡️ 1°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:22 Sunset 16:07

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