A host of events and activities culminating in a Centenary Day are planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Watford’s borough status.

Elected mayor of Watford Peter Taylor kicked off the year-long celebration by lighting a beacon at Watford Museum.

Watford was made a borough on October 18, 1922 and the centenary of that date is set to be marked by a day of festivities in the town centre, including the raising of a centenary flag and lighting up the town.

A variety of other events are being planned by Watford Borough Council to mark this special year, some of which will be taking place throughout 2022.

In partnership with Watford Museum, the council will be highlighting 100 people who have made Watford and outlining their contribution to the town’s history.

The council is intending to present commemorative centenary medals to anyone who lives, was born or has a connection to the town and is celebrating their 100th birthday this year.

These medals will also be presented to the ‘Watford heroes’, those people nominated for an outstanding contribution to the town this year.

One of the highlights of the centenary celebration is set to be the Big Centenary Event. This is due to take place in Cassiobury Park on June 4 and will include a celebration picnic, entertainment and other surprises on the day.

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The Big Beach will be back this summer with a 1920's theme

The Big Screen and Big Beach will be returning to the town centre in July and August respectively, but with a 1920’s theme this year.

A charity golf day is also due to take place in July at a venue to be confirmed.

Watford Museum will be the focus for much of the celebrations in September and October when a 100 years of Watford exhibition is due to take place. This will look back on Charter Day 1922 and all that the borough has achieved since.

Sites across Watford are also set to throw open their doors in September to give people the chance to look inside some of the town’s historic buildings.

The Royal Anglian Regiment has also been invited to exercise their Feedom of the Borough with a march through the town, but details of when this will take place are to be confirmed.

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Watford's Charter mayor in 1922, the Earl of Clarendon

The borough centenary is one of a number of landmark occasions for the town in 2022, including Watford FC also celebrating 100 years at Vicarage Road and 50 years of the Pump House theatre at 5 Local Board Road.

The mayor was joined at the beacon lighting ceremony by his deputy, Cllr Aga Dychton, and Watford Borough Council chairman Cllr Bilquees Mauthoor.

Cllr Mauthoor said: “The last two years have shown how important it is to bring people together as a community. The centenary is a great way to celebrate what makes Watford such a special town and build even stronger links across our community for the next 100 years.”