Hertfordshire Year of Culture will showcase the counties creative and cultural opportunity

Monday, 3 February 2020 13:04

Beacon is lit to mark the start of Hertfordshire Year of Culture in Watford

Watford Borough Council last week launched its 12 month programme of arts and heritage activities plus events that will form a key part of Hertfordshire Year of Culture (HYOC).

A host of local arts groups and partners from across the borough watched as Elected Mayor Peter Taylor lit a special beacon to mark the occasion and to herald the start of a programme of activities that will showcase Watford’s and Hertfordshire’s talent to people around the UK.

The event, held at Watford Museum included live music and a performance from the museum’s resident dance troupe, New Connections, who surprised the 100 + guests with a flash mob bop to music.

Hertfordshire Year of Culture is a county-wide initiative that will showcase Hertfordshire as a county of creative and cultural opportunity. People in Watford are invited to experience the wonderful and unique opportunities coming up this year, including:

Big Events – Big Beach, Big screen, Big Dance , Heritage open days and more
Watford Film Festival
Imagine Watford – a three day street performance carnival featuring acts from around the world
Watford Fringe Festival of music, comedy and dance performances

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said:

“I’m really looking forward to the Hertfordshire Year of Culture. In Watford we will have lots of brilliant events, celebrating the diverse and vibrant cultural activities that take place. I’m pleased that at a time where we have seen a £4 million a year reduction in our funding from central government, we are still able to support events like these, many of which will be free of charge.”

More from Local Vibes: News

NHS Trust launches five-year plan to transform services and facilities

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (WHTH) five-year plan will aim to build on current services, facilities, and care across the region for more than 600,000 people.
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (14th - 19th April 2024)

Video

From the longest ever episode of a childhood classic to a new member of the team, this week brings a whole range of fun filled viewing. It seems the sunshine has brought a sense of pure entertainment from the looks of my top five things to see over the next few days…
Local Elections: A guide on how to vote

On Thursday 2 May, the country is set to head to the polls for a local election.
Cancer support charity launches new online wellbeing tool

Cancer Compass is a free online tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and find the right support.
Modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet coming to Watford’s Pump House Theatre

The Pump House is delighted to present a unique 90s/2000s twist on a Shakespearean classic, reinvented for a 21st century audience. Performed by an ensemble of talented actors, who will reignite this text onto the main stage.
NHS Trust introduces service to improve newborn feeding

A new West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust service which helps newborn babies struggling to feed because of a condition with their tongues, has already supported over 100 families since November 2023.