The Big Events programme – run by Watford Borough Council – is an ambitious arts and activities programme in Watford. Encompassing fashion, drama, dance, sports, music and digital animation, Watford’s Big Events will deliver back to back events throughout the year.
Termed ‘Big Events’ to describe the scale and variety of entertainment and activities available, Big Events will provide an experience for all the community.
Big Bandstand
Every summer, the Big Bandstand in the park has a jam-packed programme of FREE world-class live shows, playing everything from jazz to ukulele – and of course, lots of traditional brass bands for you to enjoy.
The Watford Bandstand moved back to its original home in Cassiobury Park, where it was built more than 100 years ago, after an extensive refurbishment. And now that the bandstand has been returned to its former glory, and it will be put to good use!
Big Screen
We hope you enjoyed the Big Screen in 2018 which showed a variety of films for young and old including The Greatest Showman, Moana and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
The screen will be coming back this Summer and films will be announced in Spring.
Last year, the outdoor screen attracted hundreds to The Parade by the pond and this time it’s 30% bigger and the sound is even better. Bring a blanket and a picnic or pick up some hot dogs, ice cream and popcorn there.
Big Jiveswing
The Big JiveSwing Festival is one of the UK’s largest FREE Jazz Festivals featuring some of the best internationally acclaimed Jazz musicians, bands and dancers within the UK. It’s a great family day out with live cabarets, dance classes for children and adults and a vintage photo booth, all for FREE!
Big Beach
We hope you enjoyed the Big Beach last year. The deckchairs have been packed away and will return this summer! The urban beach which uses real sand provides Watford’s residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a beach without leaving Watford during the school summer holiday.
We provide a range of free activities for all of the different members of our community, such as arts and crafts for children and special performances, such as Punch and Judy.
Big Sports
Our FREE Big Sports event will be returning to The Parade for a sixth year with a whole host of sporting and fitness activities for you to try out alongside health and wellbeing advice .
There are some exciting new additions to the day including a zip line, cave adventures, rope-a-phobia and a palm tree challenge as well as various sports stands where you can practice your tennis, golf, rugby and karate.
