The 31st annual Bushey Festival kicks off next month and organisers claim it will be "as booming and busy as ever" with events for all ages.

The festival, which incorporates a fortnight of events and activities across the village, officially opens on Friday July 4 before the first events the following day.

Entering its fourth decade, highlights this year include a performance from the Bushey Symphony Orchestra, the Big Bushey Bike Ride and the Great Bushey Bake Off.

Festival committee chairman, Janet McNulty, said the festival has always endeavoured to provide a busy programme, and this year would be "as busy as ever".

Mrs McNulty said: "We're very much looking forward to it. There will be something for everyone.

"The festival is very much a part of the local scene and its nice residents come along and support and enjoy it."

There will be more than 60 events spanning the two-week period between July 5 and July 20, offering visitors one of largest choice of activities since the festival was created in 1983.

Many of the events collect money for various charities and the committee is entirely voluntary.

Mrs McNulty, who has been committee chairman for the past four years, said thousands are expected to the festival.

She continued: "It is great to be doing something for the community. We cannot wait.

"One thing we cannot organise is the weather, so we will keep our fingers crossed that it is as nice as last year."

The festival committee starts planning the event in September, with most of the events finalised in January.

Events this year will take place in the Rose Garden, King George Recreation Ground, Reveley Lodge and a variety of local schools and churches.

Included in the festival line-up are old favourites like the quiz, flower arranging demonstration, cream tea, garden parties, horticultural talk and 10k run.

The fortnight will end with a concert by Five Star Swing at St Margaret’s School on Saturday July 19.

The Bushey-based house builder Heronslea is a major sponsor for this year’s festival.

Heronslea chief executive Jason Rishover said: "We are delighted to be associated with this major local festival that not only celebrates Bushey’s diverse arts and leisure scene but also helps to put Bushey on the map as a true community."

Leaflets were distributed to Bushey homes last month and the festival is open to everyone.
For more information about events and tickets, visit www.busheyfestival.org.uk.