Being on the very edge of London, it’s easy to get into the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside or, alternatively, back into the city. Whatever your mood, there are some great festivals taking place this summer within easy reach of Barnet. Hurry up and book those tickets as some big names are appearing.
Summer Soulstice
23rd June
Barnet’s very own soul festival with three arenas of music, over 30 DJs, campsite and kids play zone. This annual event has been running for and raises money for local charity, Cherry Lodge Cancer Care and in memory of Andy Weekes. Line up for 2018 to be announced soon.
Chilfest
July 6th and 7th
Perfect for festival goers of a certain age, this festival near Tring boasts an impressive 1980s line up including Tony Hadley, Marc Almond, Kim Wilde, Go West, Nick Heyward, Hazel O’Connor and Johnny Hates Jazz.
British Summer Time Hyde Park
July 6th to 14th
We didn’t go last year, but in 2016 we enjoyed unforgettable concerts by Carole King and Stevie Wonder. This year big ticket acts include The Cure, Michael Bublé, Eric Clapton, Bruno Mars and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters.
Folk by the Oak at Hatfield House
July 14th to 15th
This year’s line up of leading folk musicians includes Billy Bragg and Eliza Carthy.
Kadeidoscope at Alexandra Palace
July 21st
Brand-new festival described enigmatically as “a Kaleidoscopic voyage through music and arts, set high above London within Alexandra Park and Palace. Different at every turn.” Sounds interesting…
Standon Calling
July 26th to 29th July
About 10 miles north of Hertford, this family-friendly festival attracts some top quality acts – last year Grace Jones headlined and this year it’ll be Bryan Ferry. Family programme includes Horrible Histories and Cbeebies’ Andy.
51st State Festival
August 4th
Annual house music festival in Trent Park with classic and tech house, garage, disco, soul, dub, dancehall and more. Line up for 2018 to be confirmed.
Meraki Festival
August 10th to 12th
Family-friendly festival at the Hertfordshire County Showground near St Albans. This year’s line up hasn’t been announced yet, but last year’s included Lemar, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bonnie Tyler, Belinda Carlisle, Tony Hadley and Rebecca Ferguson.
Images courtesy of Robin Pope (top) and Welwyn and Hatfield Times.
