BIG Summer and Hatfield Community Fair return!

From 27 July to 16 August, BIG Summer 2026 will bring a lively line-up of events and activities perfect for children, teens and families to locations across the borough. From getting active and exploring the outdoors to unleashing creativity and trying something completely new, there’ll be plenty for everyone to get involved in.

Now celebrating its eleventh year and organised by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC), BIG Summer keeps getting bigger, better and more exciting. With previous programmes welcoming more than 8,000 children and young people, this year promises another inclusive, feel-good summer full of memorable moments.

Some of the free activities on offer this year include:

• African Drumming Workshop at Mill Green Museum and Watermill
• Dads and Lads Golf
• Pop Dance Drop-In
• Dino Experience

You can view the full programme of activities on the council’s BIG Summer event calendar.

In addition to the bookable activities, the council is hosting free activity days every Wednesday throughout BIG Summer, offering a range of family-friendly entertainment at various locations:

• Wednesday 29 July, 11am-3pm at Stonehills WGC: Face painting, hockey, tennis, golf, and a police and fire meet and greet.
• Wednesday 5 August, 11am-3pm at King George V Playing Fields, WGC: BMX pump track, giant climbing wall, face painting, SEND football, 3 x 3 basketball, and Xplorer.
• Wednesday 12 August, 11am-3pm at White Lion Square, Hatfield: Face painting, soft play bus, tennis, hockey, and library arts and crafts.

This summer also sees the return of Hatfield Community Fair, coming to White Lion Square on Tuesday 28 July from 11am-3pm. Once again, it promises a fun-filled day packed with free activities for all ages, plus a brilliant range of opportunities to connect with organisations, charities, and community groups providing a wide range of services. Organisations with stalls at this year’s event include Step2Skills, Free Books Hatfield, Change Grow Live, WGC Hockey club, Communities 1st, and many more!

The summer of fun continues with Herts Summer Parks - a programme of free, festival-style park events for teenagers aged 12–16. Commissioned by Herts County Council and WHBC, the programme offers a safe and welcoming space for young people to enjoy a range of activities, socialise with friends and access a free, nutritious meal. Activities include inflatables, gaming, football, climbing and much more. The events are taking place at King George V Playing Fields in WGC on Mondays 3, 10 and 17 August from 3pm-6pm.

Councillor Max Holloway, Executive Member for Community and Leisure, said:

“I’m thrilled to see BIG Summer return with another packed programme of free activities, alongside the ever-popular Hatfield Community Fair and the fantastic Herts Summer Parks. We’re committed to promoting health and wellbeing, and these events are a great chance for people to get active, be creative, meet local organisations and make the most of summer in Welwyn Hatfield. I’d encourage everyone to check what’s on and book early to avoid missing out on their favourite activities.”