About the Festival

The Rickmansworth Festival started as purely a canal based festival in 1993, initially as part of the British Waterways "Canals 200" celebration that year. The first event used Rickmansworth Aquadrome as the main location for land activities, although in following years a much smaller festival centred upon Batchworth Lock.

An Environment Fair organised by Three Rivers District Council, held separately in the Aquadrome, was incorporated about six years ago. The festival then outgrew Batchworth Lock, once again moving into the Aquadrome to provide extra space and a wider community focus. Entertainment also increased to offer three live music stages at the Aquadrome, Batchworth Lock and in the on-site beer tent (acoustic only), which are dedicated particularly to allowing young musicians to perform.

2006 saw its name change from "Rickmansworth Canal Festival and Environment Fair" to "Rickmansworth Festival" to reflect its broader appeal.

2007 was an extra special year – the first in three years without rain to and a fly past by the RAF Red Arrows on their way back from the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley Stadium. More than 20,000 visitors enjoyed good food, music and talks on canal history over the two days.

2008 saw record crowds enjoy a medieval living history display, a fly past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota and a fantastic program of music and entertainment at Batchworth Lock and in the Aquadrome.

Entertainment

The festival attracts to its music stages both local amateur groups and semi professional acts. It particularly appeals to younger groups, many from West Herts College, who might not have many opportunities to perform elsewhere.

Entertainment and enjoyment for all tastes is our aim – we’ve even featured a Dixie jazz band on a narrow boat! We offer three stages at the Aquadrome, Batchworth Lock and in the beer tent (acoustic only). Music starts from mid-morning on Saturday and Sunday and ends in the evening at the Aquadrome by 10.30pm Saturday and 5pm Sunday.

Attractions

The festival welcomes up to 50 stallholders every year, including many environmental organisations and trusts such as Groundwork and Friends of the Earth. Visitors can also take time to browse the wares of the traders from boats – with crafts different to what might be found on the high street. A tug of war knockout between the boaters is taken very seriously as a matter of pride and prowess – but it is also a great spectator event! We also offer a visiting animal farm and plenty of opportunity for refreshments with hot food and beer tent.

Our Partners

We are supported by a number of partners to help us fund the festival. We could not continue without funding from Three Rivers District Council. British Waterways help us organise boat mooring and Hertfordshire Police assist with security. Finally we are indebted to members of the Hertfordshire and Chiltern branches of the Inland Waterways Association who ensure our canal side attractions look the part.

Three Rivers District Council - www.threerivers.gov.uk
British Waterways - www.britishwaterways.co.uk
Inland Waterways Association - www.waterways.org.uk

Our Volunteer Team

Our experienced Festival team has worked together over many years to make it all possible. It is their commitment to the event, which makes the weekend a vibrant and successful event for Rickmansworth. If you would like to become involved as one of our volunteers then please contact our Festival Director by email at: david.montague@btinternet.com.