THE festival season is fast approaching, and two popular Comet country ones are coming up soon.

Baldock Festival will be first, between April 29 and May 15, and is a collection of events organised by volunteers which raise money for charity.

Murray Fastier, Baldock’s town centre manager, said: “It’s a community event, it’s all Baldock for Baldock. It’s not a money making scheme at all, it’s all good clean fun.”

The festival kicks off with the Baldock Beer Festival, held at Brandles School, which has a selection of local brews and live music taking place over three days.

A variety of events follow including performances from Herts Variety at the town’s community centre over Friday, May 13-14 which will raise money for Help for Heroes.

The festival culminates with the Historic Baldock Street Fair, held on May 14, which will see the town’s past brought to life with a Viking battle re-enacted, 16th Century crime and punishment explained, and a medieval food court in the community festival.

In Hitchin, the popular Walsworth Festival will take place on Sunday, May 22, with the not-for-profit event bursting with performances, entertainment and stalls.

Music and dance will be provided by the likes of Stotfold Twirlers, The Americanos, Hitchin Town Band and Letchworth Morris Men.

There will also be archery, Punch and Judy shows, ferret racing, a mini fun fair, a magic show, bar and refreshments, stalls with goods and games for sale and a flying visit from the Herts Air Ambulance.

St Faith’s Church will be serving cakes and cream teas and showcasing performances by the Herts Community Youth Choir. It will also be selling flower displays, in aid of Christian Aid Week.

The event is completely free, and kicks of at 11am on Walsworth common, just off Woolgrove Road.