A 10-DAY village festival begins today (Friday) and promises something for all the family.

The annual Knebworth Festival, now in its seventh year, launches with a new play, The One Who Threw Herself Under The Horse, which is about suffragette Emily Wilding Davison and will be held at Knebworth Village Hall.

On June 27, an illustrated talk - A Journey into Space - will be given by Alistair Scott, president of the British Interpanetary Society, about how the UK space industry has evolved. This will also be held at the village hall.

Audience participation is encouraged when the Knebworth Community Chorus puts on A Merry Dance - an evening of music at St Martin’s Church on June 28.

“Our aim is to enjoy getting together for a good sing, but also take on some challenges,” said Derek Harrison, conductor of the community chorus, which made its first appearance at the village festival in 2010.

With violinist Simon Baggs as a special guest, Mr Harrison said: “The programme has a link through the style and the words to a variety of dance music, from medieval dances to Morris dancing, to a Strauss Polka.

“For the singers and audience there will be much that is familiar – including the The Blue Danube, Waltzing Matilda and Dance to your Daddy – but also some that is less familiar.”

On June 29, there will be a fun day at Knebworth Recreation Ground, with activities for the whole family and seven local acts appearing on the music stage, which is supported by The Comet. There will be more details in next week’s Comet.

The festival concludes with the Secrets of Knebworth House Gardens on June 30, when a guided tour of the 17th century gardens is hosted by head gardener Kelly Baker and archivist Clare Fleck.

Two tours are arranged for the early evening and both are split, exploring the horticulture and the historic features. The evening will begin with a reception on the terrace and finish with a hog roast and music by the group Jazzface.

Tickets for the events are available from Village News on Station Road in Knebworth or, for more information, call 01438 816010.