Pub in the Park returns to St Albans next week, and a host of celebrity names are preparing to entertain.

The event will take place in Verulamium Park from next Friday (September 8) until next Sunday (September 10).

UB40, Sam Ryder and a range of other music acts will perform while local restaurants ply their trade from stalls in the park.

Founder of Pub in the Park Tom Kerridge will host the show on Friday and Saturday, with TV cooking legend Ainsley Harriott hosting on Sunday.

Prior to the festival, the Watford Observer​ caught up with the former Ready Steady Cook presenter.

Speaking of St Albans itself, Ainsley began: "I've been there before, because I've got a few friends who live over that way.

Watford Observer: UB40 are among the acts performing in Verulamium Park.UB40 are among the acts performing in Verulamium Park. (Image: Supplied by Pub in the Park)

"(Sky Sports reporter) Geoff Shreeves lives over that way.

"We've got a football connection, and an Arsenal connection even though he's a presenter and interviews everybody!

"I've played golf on a few occasions over the years for charities and stuff.

"I kinda like it, I think St Albans - I found it easy - it's become quite foodified with all the restaurants there.

"So yeah it's brilliant!

Watford Observer: Ainsley Harriott has happy memories of St Albans.Ainsley Harriott has happy memories of St Albans. (Image: Supplied by Switched On)

"All happy memories, and I'm looking forward to creating more Sunday-week!"

Speaking of Pub in the Park itself, Ainsley described the event as "lovely" and "a fantastic day out".

He continued: "You go through a time in your life when you like that type of thing (festivals), and then you have your kids and you have to find something for them to get into.

"The difference with Pub in the Park is it ticks all boxes, it's very good for all the family.

"Whatever you want to do, there's something for the kids to do and of course there's the early shift and the late shift."

The celebrity chef spoke of the food available at the festival, the entertainment on offer and his excitement at speaking with St Albans residents.

However, Ainsley was particularly looking forward to UB40, who are performing on the Sunday that he is hosting.

Watford Observer: Tom Kerridge will host the first two days of the event.Tom Kerridge will host the first two days of the event. (Image: Supplied by Switched On)

After giving his own rendition of Red Red Wine, he commented: "I'm looking forward to getting there, doing my food demonstrations and having a few laughs with everybody.

"I love singing along to a bit of UB40 and Ali Campbell, and stuff like that.

"I love all that stuff because I'm of that generation when I was dancing with a bird, trying to dance kinda cool!"

Lastly, Ainsley spoke of what why guests should attend the event: "Summer comes and summer goes, it's like a birthday celebration.

"Do it! Come! Enjoy the day!

"Hopefully, the weather will be fantastic - if not, they make provisions for that - but nothing stops anybody. 

"Nothing stops us Brits!"