Focus firmly on fitness as fresh Hitchin festival limbers up

Organisers are limbering up for Hitchin’s first Fitness Festival today – promising a packed programme of activities for all the family and keeping their fingers crossed that the weather holds.

The festival, which will be held in the town centre Bancroft Gardens from 10.30am to 5pm, is the brainchild of Michelle and Edward Smith of the Bancroft-based Pilates Pod.

Since setting up in the town three years ago they’ve been involved in a wide range of community ventures, and now they’re hosting their own event to put something back into the town.

Michelle said: “I’ve always loved taking walks around Bancroft Gardens, I’m passionate about fitness, local community and I have a secret passion for bandstands – so I decided to create the festival to celebrate all of this.”

The timetable includes beat the goalie and kids coaching with Hitchin Town footballers, netball skills with town-based England Netball, and dance with the Hitchin School of Russian Ballet (adults) and Tippy Toes ballet for kids.

There will be taster sessions laid on by local fitness and health experts, and pilates as well.

“It’ll be the first time we’ve had a day like this and we want to make it a really great atmosphere,” said Michelle.

“We’ve included egg and spoon races, wheelbarrow races, a boxing ring bouncy castle, mini hair and beauty pampering, face painting and lots of lovely food.”

Any profits from the fun event will help to fund this year’s Christmas lights and there will also be a charity raffle in aid of the Our Patch education support centre.