One of the largest Hindu festivals returns this weekend.

Around 35,000 people are expected to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor near Bushey to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.

The annual Janmashtami festival normally attracts crowds of around 60,000 but because of the pandemic, this year's event will be a more low-key affair.

Organisers say they have worked with Hertsmere Borough Council and health authorities to deliver a safe festival.

The event, which begins on Saturday (August 28), is strictly ticketed to prevent overcrowding on-site.

Although 35,000 are expected to attend between Saturday and Monday, the management at the manor say there will be no more than around 4,500 attendees on the site at any time.

Attendees do not have to be fully vaccinated or present a negative Covid test but they are being encouraged to wear masks and make use of hand sanitising stations. Temperature checks will also be in operation.

Hundreds of volunteers and staff manning the festival will receive a lateral flow test ahead of the event, while anyone attending any sit down event, programme, or course indoors must present a negative lateral flow test as well.

In pre-pandemic times, an event of this size usually brings traffic disruption to the local area, particularly on the A41 and on the M1 near Watford.

Matrix signs are warning drivers in the Bushey and Watford area of a large event taking place over the Bank Holiday - which is referring to the Janmashtami festival - but it is likely there will be less disruption this year due to less people attending.

Features of this year's Janmashtami festival will include Darshan (visit the shrine), visits to the cows and bulls, dance, and food stalls.

Guests will be treated to free vegetarian food with 83-year-old Lilaben Patel from Harrow among the volunteers helping to prepare thousands of plates of food for guests from the manor's three kitchens.

The Temple President, Her Grace Vishaka Dasi, said: "It is so wonderful that so many people will be able to experience the atmosphere and spiritual upliftment of visiting Bhaktivedanta Manor.

"I want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who have made the festival possible by their dedication and service."