After years of requests from local families, TOTFest will return to Hertfordshire for one of its flagship Hero Weekends on 17 and 18 July 2027. The event, aimed at children aged one to five, promises a mix of live performances, character meet-and-greets, fairground rides, sensory experiences and STEM play, with all activities included in the ticket price.
What families can expect
The festival was created with very young children in mind and is billed as an all-inclusive day out for toddlers and their carers. Organisers say the return to Hertfordshire follows repeated appeals from families since the festival last visited the county.
"Ever since we left Hertfordshire, we've had families asking us one question... 'When are you coming back?'"
The comment came from Kerrie Goude, co-founder of TOTFest, who said the county holds a special place in the festival’s story and that bringing a Hero Weekend back felt like "bringing TOTFest home." The festival was founded in 2018 by two mothers and has grown into a national brand in the years since.
Scale and local impact
Organisers report that more than 130,000 people have attended TOTFest events since its launch. The 2027 programme will include three flagship weekends across the UK, with the Hertfordshire weekend expected to draw thousands of visitors and provide a boost to local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
- Dates: 17–18 July 2027
- Age range: 1–5 years
- Format: choice of Saturday or Sunday, extended hours, Stay & Play packages
- Ticketing: all entertainment and activities included in the ticket price
Brands and activities on offer
TOTFest has previously collaborated with major children’s brands. Past experiences have included names such as Disney, LEGO DUPLO, BABY born, Ella’s Kitchen, Kiddylicious and Fun with Spot. The organisers say the 2027 weekends will expand space and session times and introduce new packages to make attendance easier for families.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding year | 2018 |
| Target age | 1–5 years |
| Reported attendance to date | 130,000+ |
Local families who previously attended TOTFest welcomed the announcement, saying they looked forward to a child-friendly day out tailored specifically for toddlers. For carers planning to attend, organisers recommend checking ticket and package details in advance so they can pick a day and session that suit their routines.
The return of TOTFest will add to Hertfordshire’s summer calendar for young families and is likely to provide a short-term uplift to visitor footfall in surrounding towns. Further details on venue, exact ticket prices and session times are expected from the organisers in the coming months.
