15 Jul 2026
RedFest 2026 proved to be another outstanding success, with this year’s festival delivering one of the biggest and best celebrations yet.
For its sixth year, the organisers introduced a completely new site layout, creating more space for visitors and allowing a host of exciting new attractions to be added to the programme.
The festival once again brought together organisations from across the village, including the churches, the doctors’ surgery, sports clubs and many local community groups. Even the local museum joined in by displaying items from its collection, adding another unique attraction to the weekend.
As always, the event remained completely free to attend, with families only paying for food and refreshments, meaning children could enjoy hours of entertainment at no cost.
Among the highlights was the debut performance by a talented Year 10 rock band from Roundwood School – ‘Static’. Stepping in with less than 24 hours’ notice after another act had to withdraw, they opened the entertainment in style and received an enthusiastic reception from the crowd.
As in previous years, the village’s senior residents were welcomed into the VIP marquee, where they enjoyed complimentary cream teas in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The evening programme began with the children’s disco before local favourites Soulfish kept the dance floor full with an energetic live performance. The festivities concluded with the ever-popular Not So Silent Disco, with plenty of enthusiastic singing echoing across the Common.
Sunday’s Bike Spectacular featured a number of new attractions. The outstanding 360 Bike Challenge Show thrilled spectators with breathtaking mountain bike stunts, jumps and technical displays performed by professional riders.
The £5 Theatre entertained visitors throughout the day with a series of impromptu performances, while the UK’s leading Kubb Team introduced festival-goers to the increasingly popular social game.
There was also plenty of cycling activity throughout the day. Television presenter Jez Cox shared his encyclopaedic knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for cycling, helping to inspire participants and spectators alike. Younger visitors were equally well catered for, with the children’s scooter event being particularly popular.
Overall, RedFest 2026 captured everything that makes a traditional British summer festival so special. Blessed with good weather, a fantastic atmosphere and tremendous community spirit, it has firmly established itself as one of the highlights of the Redbourn calendar.
Organiser Chris Emmel of Active in Redbourn said: “Redbourn is one of the best places to live because of the enthusiasm, commitment and generosity shown by its residents, volunteers and organisations. RedFest is a celebration of everything that makes our village such a special community.”
Photos by John Andrews.
