Keeping the spirit alive

A new family-friendly festival people have taken to their hearts aims to be back this year, but how do you plan in the face of coronavirus?

- Julie Lucas

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’