Top Picks
Good local plans needn't cost the earth. This page keeps an eye on the stronger free events nearby, so you can skip the faff and get straight to the promising stuff.
10 picks around Royston (North Hertfordshire), from 8 local venues. The map pin is doing actual work here.
We don't just scoop up anything with a £0 next to it. These picks still need to be nearby, useful, and properly explained, because 'free' is lovely but 'free and baffling' is less of a selling point.
1Free! (worth double-checking)Kettle's Yard is the University of Cambridge's modern and contemporary art gallery. Kettle's Yard is a beautiful house with a remarkable collection of modern art and a gallery that hosts modern and contemporary exhibitions.
2Free! (worth double-checking)Two very different topics, from very different eras, are covered in this summer double bill! The Town Transformed - Bedford 1939 - 1999, and The Great Siege of Bedford Castle, 1224. The afternoon will begin with well known local author Bob Ricketts...
Don't miss the next one
One email a week with the local stuff worth knowing — before it's already happened.
Free. Unsubscribe whenever you like.
3Free! (worth double-checking)Two very different topics, from very different eras, are covered in this summer double bill! The Town Transformed - Bedford 1939 - 1999, and The Great Siege of Bedford Castle, 1224. The afternoon will begin with well known local author Bob Ricketts...
4Free! (worth double-checking)
5Free! (worth double-checking)
6Free! (worth double-checking)
7Free! (worth double-checking)at Wolsey Hall
Discover some of the wonderful clothing and accessories from the Lowewood Museum collection
8Free! (worth double-checking)10am -4pm Young people aged (12-17) will work with two professional theatre creatives to create an original performance inspired by their own stories and ideas. Location: Dugdale Arts Centre Who is it for? Young people aged 11–17 years. What to expect - A full day creative theatre workshop with two professional facilitators. - Devising an original performance using theatre, spoken word, and movement. - A live public showcase the following day. - A youth-led celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. Theme “What makes Enfield home?” Participants will explore identity, culture, belonging, and community, creating a performance that reflects their experiences and perspectives. This is an opportunity for young people to share their voices and help shape how their community is seen. Whether you’re taking part, supporting someone, or coming to watch, join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of Enfield’s young people. Come and experience a brand new performance, created in just one day and shared with the community the next! Day 2 Sunday 26 July 2026
9Free! (worth double-checking)Join the Milton Keynes Barrio Fiesta (also often called the MK Filipino Festival) on Saturday, June 14th, and Sunday, June 15th, 2025, for a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture! Enjoy a delightful Filipino Food Fair, a colourful May Flower Parade, captivating cultural and modern dances, and live music performances from both emerging and established artists. The event offers free family entertainment in the Amphitheatre in Campbell Park, complete with stalls and delicious food on both days. Don't miss out on this festive occasion!
10Free! (worth double-checking)Originating from Bangladesh, Nokshi Katha or ‘Kantha’ embroidery is one of the oldest forms of embroidery in the world. It is a beautiful and meditative craft which upcycles old cloth and materials such as saris into elaborate and brightly coloured embroidered pieces. This exhibition and workshop will showcase Nokshi Katha embroidery skilfully crafted by a group of women as part of the Nokshi Katha embroidery course at St Margaret’s House. The group meet weekly for 10-weeks, facilitated by sustainable fashion and textile designer Shama Kun. Many members of the group have never partaken in Nokshi Katha embroidery previously, but through the course have become skilled embroiders and developed a love for the craft. Like many textile traditions, Nokshi Katha celebrates the creativity and resourcefulness of women gathering in community. Over the term, the group have created a supportive space of sharing stories, cultures and skills, making both collective and individual pieces that express hope and solidarity. The theme of this summer term is 'Women's Empowerment'.
More Top Picks
If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.