The Green Jackets morris dancers at a previous Baldock Festival

THIS year’s Baldock Festival kicks off on Friday, May 4, and runs until Sunday, May 20.

Highlights of the festival include a beer festival at Brandles School on Weston Way from May 4 to 6. There will be about 60 real ales, 20 ciders and a large selection of draught lagers available, as well as a range of food and children’s activities.

At Baldock Community Centre on Simpson Drive on Friday, May 4, spiritualist medium Lesley James will be holding a clairvoyance evening from 7.30pm. Entry is £10 and there will be a licensed bar.

On Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 20, archaeologist Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews will be at Baldock Museum, based in the town hall on Hitchin Street, identifying items you may have found in your garden or elsewhere. Admission is free and Keith will be there between 11am and 12.30pm.

On Thursday, May 10, Tuesday, May 15, and Thursday, May 17, starting from the community centre at 2pm, there will be a mystery mini-bus tour around the local area, followed by refreshments. Tickets are £5.

On Saturday, May 12, Opus 17 Swing Band will perform in St Mary’s Church hall on Hitchin Street from 8pm. The band will be supported by female vocalist Luan and Opus 17’s answer to Frank Sinatra – Tom Veasey. Tickets are £8.

Also on May 12, there will be a book fair at the community centre from 10am until 4pm, with all proceeds going to the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth GC.

On May 12, there will be an open day at the fire station on Weston Way between noon and 3pm, when children will be able to watch how to use a fire hose, have a look around a fire engine and talk to firemen about their work.

On Saturday, May 19, a street fair will be held on the High Street from 10am to 4pm, with 50 craft and charity stalls set up. There will also be fairground rides for children.

The Baldock Festival will conclude on Sunday, May 20, with a thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Church on Hitchin Street at 6.30pm, with light refreshments in the church hall afterwards.

The full programme of events during the two-week festival is available at Baldock Community Centre, where you can also buy tickets for the various events.