Spring Fayre & Heritage Day a great success!

Wednesday 23rd April 11am

The sunshine and warm temperatures played a huge part in the success of this year's Spring Fayre and Heritage Day in Hoddesdon Town Centre on Saturday 12^th April. The event is jointly presented by the Love Hoddesdon Business Improvement District and the events team at Broxbourne Council. 

The events are one of the BID’s most important levers to bring extra footfall into the town, something which directly or indirectly benefits every customer-facing business in Hoddesdon, and this event is estimated to have attracted a fantastic 4,500 people into our town centre.

In addition to the arena programme and community stalls, visitors were taken back in time with the display of vintage lorries, fire engines and ambulances; bus tours aboard 60-year-old Routemaster buses; heritage walking tours; street barrel organs from the 1920s; street magicians and balloon modellers; plus children's rides and games.

Stephen Harris, the Chair of the Love Hoddesdon Events and Promotions Committee said: “It was rewarding for us and our small army of volunteers to see so many people turn out to soak up the atmosphere.

“Taking a ride aboard ex London Transport Routemaster buses around the northern part of the Borough were immensely  popular and we had Love Hoddesdon Ambassadors aboard each bus to receive feedback from the passengers. It became apparent that some had turned up just for the bus rides. Our heritage walks Tour Guide was dressed as King Henry III this year to honour the monarch who gave Hoddesdon it's Royal Market and Fair Charters back in the year 1253. Many more participated in the walks this year that included the history of many of the town's historic buildings including Rawdon House.

“Although many of the stall holders had attended before, some were new to the event and it was pleasing to hear afterwards that they had a satisfactory day. The children's rides operators also reported being busy, which is good news to the organisers. Love Hoddesdon always control the price of the rides and stalls to ensure that the public get good value for money while at the same time the operators can cover their costs with a day’s wage.

“Our Love Hoddesdon mascot, Master Henry Hoddas, had a very busy day not only with arena performances but also with meet and greet sessions and town walk abouts. A photo with Henry seems to be a must for people of all ages.”

The arena acts were well supported throughout the day with performances from the Pleasant Cheshunt Jazz Band, the Valle Academy of Performing Arts, the Lee Valley dog training team, Morris Men plus a whole host of singers.

“It is a big thank you to all of our voluntary team leaders, Ambassadors and other volunteers that events like the Spring Fayre can take place. It is a mandate of the Love Hoddesdon BID that regular events are held in order to keep the town as vibrant as possible and to see the shops, eateries and others doing well on the day is always a rewarding sight.”

The next family event to take place in Hoddesdon is to be the open-air cinema being staged close to Fawkon Walk on Saturday 17th May from 10.30am until 6.30pm.