Friday 17th July 2026

Festival opens : 12 noon

Friday 17th will see festival special guest and newly proclaimed Mayor of Dacorum: Cllr Garrick Stevens provide a ceremonial ‘opening of the bar’. After this, a public ‘CHEERS!’ will be proclaimed with a brief speech to follow.

Music-wise, Hemel Rock Choir get things swinging from 4.30pm, performing well-known tunes from a range of decades in what promises to be an impressive yet chilled out set.

Later on, the incredible Henry Nurse will headline your evening at St.Mary’s. Nurse is a skilled singer songwriter and is known for his jaw-dropping ‘crooner’ performances, specialising in well-known ‘Rat Pack’ tunes and more.

FESTIVAL CLOSE – 22:30

SCHEDULED FOOD VENDORS: Snax of India // Arancini Italiani // Vietnamese Kitchen

Saturday 18th July 2026

Session opens : 12 noon

Our Saturday session ushers in the return of the much demanded Happy Helly Choir – performing early afternoon. The local vocal group, based just down the road in Boxmoor, will be swinging and serenading the vistas of St. Mary’s Church.

New to the festival and bringing the Saturday night party vibes, evening headliners Codename Colin are a local ska punk band, fuelled by big sing-a-long choruses, sax driven Melodies and punk rock riffs.

FESTIVAL CLOSE – 22:30

SCHEDULED FOOD VENDORS: Snax of India // Arancini Italiani // Vietnamese Kitchen

Sunday 19th July 2026

Session opens : 12 noon

Our final day, FAMILY DAY (under-18s admitted free of charge), starts with the appropriately ecclesiastical, dulcet tones of St. Mary’s Church resident organists, performing renditions of contemporary hits.

As is tradition, more ecclesiastical flourishes occur with Bishop Rob Wickham, CEO of the Church Urban Fund, arriving to bless the beer casks (yes, you read that right!) at roughly midday.

Following the Bishop’s ceremonies and into the afternoon, returning faces Just A Cappella take to the stage. Just A Cappella are an award-winning Hemel Hempstead group with an ensemble of stellar vocalists who can’t wait to bring you hits from the 30’s to the modern, with everything in between!

Last but by certainly no means least, festival favourite Sian Turner will act as final headliner of the weekend. Closing out Hemel Old Town Beer Festival 2026, Sian is a versatile vocalist who knows how to get the crowds at St.Mary’s on their feet. Think anthemic pop and rock classics and you’re not too far off. Going out with a ‘bang’ and well a great time all round! If the bar has not already sold out, the venue will close at at 6pm.

FESTIVAL CLOSE – 18:00

SCHEDULED FOOD VENDORS: Arancini Italiani