It was a Eureka moment looking out over a field that put Todd in the Hole on the map. The quirky name is a combination of Todd’s Green where Mark Watts’ family has owned a farm for generations plus David Nye’s love of his grandmother’s toad in the hole. The boutique family festival in countryside between Hitchin and Stevenage debuted in 2018, welcoming 6,500 people. Last year 10,300 visited and this July, emergency coronavirus measures permitting, its founders hope to entertain 15,000 people. More than 80 acts are booked for the six stages over three days.
Old friends, Mark and David are understandably proud of its success. ‘When we started we wanted to celebrate the lovely area of North Hertfordshire we live in and people have embraced it,’ David says. ‘On the whole it’s up-and-coming local talent plus national tribute bands that play all the songs that everyone loves.’
Last year saw the introduction of camping, and glamping for those who want a ready-made spot of luxury without wrestling a tent.
‘We saw a massive demand for camping last year and have doubled the amount of glamping pitches for this year. We have posh toilets, posh showers and award-winning coffee in the morning to wake up to in a field next to Redcoat’s Green; it’s a lovely area.’
Family is at the heart of the event supported by Hertfordshire Life, and the children’s area has been expanded with giant teepees, a theatre stage and a traditional funfair with a helter skelter. Aiden O’Neil, a favourite in panto at Stevenage’s Gordon Craig Theatre, will be keeping order (or not) and acting as compere.
‘By the time Todd comes around, after what we’re going through, I think everyone will be up for a great event’
Denne historien er fra May 2020-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
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Denne historien er fra May 2020-utgaven av Hertfordshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
