If you go down to the Castle today, you’re sure of a big surprise…

Hertford Castle's annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic returns next weekend on Sunday, July 24, from noon to 4pm.

Visit the castle and its stunning grounds free of charge for an afternoon of child-friendly entertainment and family fun activities organised by Hertford Town Council.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Welwyn Garden City's brass band will be playing throughout the afternoon on the main lawn at Hertford Castle's Teddy Bears' Picnic event.Welwyn Garden City's brass band will be playing throughout the afternoon on the main lawn at Hertford Castle's Teddy Bears' Picnic event. (Image: Hertford Town Council)

Welwyn Garden City Brass Band will be playing throughout the afternoon on the main lawn, including the traditional Teddy Bears’ Picnic song whilst the annual Teddy Bear Parade takes place at 3pm.

The family games arena is back with fun games set to include tug of war, teddy bear relay race and parachute games, which are being organised this year by Inventive Theatre and are free to participate in.

Visitors will also be treated to a dance display by DH Dance Academy.

Children are encouraged to bring along their favourite teddy and dress them up to take part in the ‘Best Dressed Teddy’ competition after the Teddy Bear Parade, where prizes will be awarded by the Mayor of Hertford, Cllr Sue Barber.

Hertford Castle will also be open to the public, where visitors are invited to explore the themed castle basement rooms.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Family fun for children at Hertford Castle's Teddy Bears' Picnic event.Family fun for children at Hertford Castle's Teddy Bears' Picnic event. (Image: Hertford Town Council)

Children can also participate in a free teddy bear hunt around the castle to get a sweet treat.

In addition to the games area, children can enjoy magic shows, balloon modelling, and a circus workshop on the Island area and enjoy several other stalls on the main castle lawn.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Hertford Canoe Club will be running free of charge water activities on the River Lea including canoeing and kayaking.The Hertford Canoe Club will be running free of charge water activities on the River Lea including canoeing and kayaking. (Image: Hertford Town Council)

The Hertford Canoe Club will once again be running water activities on the River Lea free of charge, including canoeing and kayaking.

Cllr Jane Sartin, chairman of Hertford Town Council’s development and leisure committee, said: “Hertford Castle is a great place for teddies to gather for a picnic, so I’m hoping we will see lots of them come out with their owners to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and activities.

"Everyone is welcome, with or without a teddy, to enjoy the brass band, and to visit Hertford Castle.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Family fun for children at Hertford Castle's Teddy Bears' Picnic event.Family fun for children at Hertford Castle's Teddy Bears' Picnic event. (Image: Hertford Town Council)