Free family fun day celebrates the importance of communities
Nearly a thousand people turned up to enjoy music from brass bands to rock choirs at the eclectic and hugely well attended second annual ‘Unity in the Community’ event at The Grove in Three Rivers.
The popular event was organised by Three Rivers District Council, Watford and Three Rivers Trust, The Grove, Watford Borough Council and local radio station Vibe FM. The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ opened the event, where 47 local charities from Watford, Three Rivers and Dacorum were in attendance to showcase their work.
The Lord Lieutenant said: “I am delighted with the success of the second Unity in the Community event at The Grove. Despite the rain it was wonderful to see some 47 local charities meeting each other and engaging those who attended.
“The music provided by the 4 bands and choirs and the activities added to the fun of the day and the delicious food provided by The Grove was appreciated by all.
“Overall the day brought different elements of the community together showing true Unity”.
An exciting range of activities for all the family were on offer at the event held on Sunday 28 September. From axe-throwing to juice-making, table cricket to archery, there were activities suitable for all – including a free BBQ. Hertfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were present, with attendees able to explore a police car and fire engine, as well as enjoy a police dog demonstration.
Local Scouts and Police cadets provided support on the day, and Vibe FM’s Lee Partridge MC’d the event. Music came from the Hemel Hempstead Band, the Rock Choir, the Royal Naval Volunteer Band – Northwood Headquarters and the UkeRythmics.
Cllr Steve Drury, Three Rivers District Council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, Public Safety, and Housing said: “It is fantastic to see so many organisations coming together to celebrate and promote the importance of community.
“I would like to thank all those who organised and supported the event – it is a wonderful example of the benefits of working together - providing our community with a fun, engaging day that also highlights the numerous local charities and the important work they do”.
This was the second Unity in the Community event that has been held, with another set to be arranged for 2026.
Photo credit: The Grove
PHOTO CAPTION 1: Entrance to the Unity in the Community event at the Grove
PHOTO CAPTION 2: Outdoor canopies with crowds of people inside
PHOTO CAPTION 3: Co-Chair of the Grove, The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, Vibe FM’s Lee Partridge (from left to right)
PHOTO CAPTION 4: The Rock Choir
PHOTO CAPTION 5: Royal Naval Volunteer Band – Northwood Headquarters
PHOTO CAPTION 6: Staff from the Grove with Harry the Hornet (Watford Football Club's mascot)
PHOTO CAPTION 7: Representative from The Ollie Foundation
PHOTO CAPTION 8: Representatives from Watford Women's Centre
PHOTO CAPTION 9: Representative from Good Vibrations Watford