There’s something for everyone over the next month as Hitchin Festival returns from this weekend.

The festival, supported by Hitchin Initiative and Hitchin BID, kicks off this Friday night and goes on until a finale at Hitchin Priory on Sunday, July 29.

Town centre manager Keith Hoskins told the Comet he was particularly pleased to have North Herts Music School’s Priory Picnic back this Sunday from 6.30pm.

“It’s a fascinating mix of events,” he said.

“I’m very excited about the series of diverse free lunchtime concerts in St Marys this year.

“There’s art, comedy, films, music, walks, talks, food, the CBeebies Children’s Day in the town hall, and events to mark the 100th anniversary of the political emancipation of women –including the story of composer, writer and suffragette Ethel Smyth, and a talk about Lady Constance Lytton.”

To find out more, have a look at hitchinherts.com, collect a programme from the shop at 1A Churchyard, or call 01462 453335.