Watford Fringe Festival is set to return in 2024, offering an entire month of show-stopping entertainment from 1st July to 3rd August.

The 8th annual festival is slated to run longer than previous iterations.

This year, it will encompass outdoor sites such as Cassiobury Park for the first time, with details on the full schedule to be released in coming months.

Lee Farman, chairperson of the Watford Pump House which co-ordinates the Fringe, said: "We decided to bring the Watford Fringe forward to July this year so we can make the most of the summer weather and attract the best live acts that will be touring the national festival scene at that time."

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, welcomed the festival's growth. He said: "The Watford Fringe has been growing every year and always has a fantastically varied range of shows," adding that he is "looking forward to July and joining everyone in seeing some world-class performances locally."

Venues across Watford will host an array of theatre, music, comedy, dance, magic, and family-orientated entertainment.

Application for performers wishing to participate in this year's festival will open on March 4.