This year, the annual Hertford Christmas Gala will take place in the Town Centre on Friday 24th November and the Hertford Castle Christmas Market will run across the whole weekend from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November.

Both events are organised by Hertford Town Council and sponsored by McMullen’s Brewery and Duffield Harrison. The festivities will take place across Hertford Town Centre and the Castle Grounds, with residents and visitors encouraged to visit the county town, shop locally and get into the Christmas spirit.

Hertford Christmas Gala - Friday 24th November 3:00 pm – 8:00pm.

The Town Centre streets will be filled with Christmas market stalls and food stands. There will be fairground rides, a walkabout Santa, Christmas Carolers on Parliament Square and singers and entertainment performances live on-stage from 4:30 pm that include the Simon Balle Big Band, Simon Balle Adult Choir, the Hertford Music Centre, and Stagecoach.

The Town Centre Christmas Light switch-on in Salisbury Square will be at 6:00 pm. In addition, over this festive weekend, many of the town centre retailers will offer in-store discounts and promotions that will be confirmed closer to the event.

Hertford Castle Christmas Market Friday 24th November 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday 25th November 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 26th November 11:00 am – 5:00pm.

Hertford Castle will host a 3-day Christmas Market within its spectacular grounds. The event will be free of charge to attend and boasts an array of Christmas Market stalls on the Castle Lawn selling a selection of products and produce. Perfect for those who like to shop early and local for Christmas. In addition, there will be fairground rides, live entertainment for guests to enjoy, food and drink stands providing seasonal treats and, this year we will host a ‘Storytime with Santa’, which is free to attend. Children will be able to sign up for a time slot via the website at www.gohertford.co.uk/events.

Chair of Hertford Town Council’s Development & Leisure Committee, Councillor Ann Woodward, said: “I am really looking forward to these two events in the town and in the Castle grounds. It’s a great opportunity to get in the festive spirit and spend time with family and friends, and we hope many people will come and join in the fun”.

The events programme will be available from Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre or online by visiting www.gohertford.co.uk/events closer to the event.