A centenary celebration will celebrate the first 100 years of Watford Borough as well as its present and future with a parade, live music and entertainment.
This year Watford is marking a century since Charter Day, when the town was given its status as a borough, with events throughout the year.
The Big Centenary Celebration in Cassiobury Park on Saturday, June 4 will coincide with the Jubilee weekend, which will also be celebrated on the day.
Elected Mayor Peter Taylor said: “The event is a great opportunity to celebrate 100 years of Watford’s royal charter, and of course the Queen’s jubilee anniversary.
“I'm hoping people from all backgrounds, all parts of Watford, visitors, and people of all ages will join us.
“We have got fantastic local groups like Electric Umbrella and the performers from the Pumphouse, alongside well-known acts like Rak-Su and Naughty Boy, so there really is something for everyone.”
From 6pm to 9pm, X Factor winners Rak-Su and Grammy-nominated artist Naughty Boy will headline a concert by some of Watford’s hottest acts.
Naughty Boy said: “I will always be a Watford Boy and I am proud to call Watford my hometown.
"I’m looking forward to celebrating the town and bringing everyone together through music to celebrate Watford’s journey in the last 100 years and make memories to last for the next 100.”
The day will begin at 11am with a parade into the park celebrating all things Watford.
The parade will begin at the Atria entrance in Queen's Road and make its way through the town centre towards Cassiobury Park.
Organisers are hoping people will join the dancing at the event space by the pond, around 11.45am.
Watford-based artist and designer Amma Gyan has been busy putting the parade together. She said: “The celebration has been a collaborative event and it has really come out of conversations I have had with people about Watford
“We want to bring people together and lots of people have had an input. Though it has been a logistical challenge, so many people have come together with creative ideas.”
Entertainment at the bandstand will begin as the parade arrives at Cassiobury Park, with music, dance, comedy and spoken word from 12pm to 5pm.
The parade will focus on both the people of Watford as they are today and the history of the town it will pass through.
Amma added: “For me Watford is a town that has grown. I’m interested in how the town used to look, it was built on one long street and that’s what made it and marked it.
“This is a real celebration of how Watford is and although we use it differently, that long road is still what is at the heart of the town.”
The concert to close out the day will be a varied event. Alongside the headliners, there will be a DJ set and a quidditch game, which may see participation from the mayor.
There will be a celebration of the music of Elton John by the Martin Kaye band, as well as retro soul from Stephanie McCourt.
Further acts at the bandstand are listed here.
There will be food and drink stalls on site along with children’s fair rides and stalls.
Admission will be free and attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, rugs and chairs to Cassiobury Park to help them relax and enjoy their day.
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