Hats Off Chesham! Returns to the High Street for Sixth Year

Chesham Connect, in partnership with Chesham Town Council, is delighted to announce the return of Hats Off Chesham! for its sixth year on Saturday 11 July 2026, from 12pm to 10pm. The much-loved community festival will once again transform Chesham High Street into a vibrant celebration of family fun, live entertainment, community spirit — and, of course, fabulous hats.

Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of entertainment throughout the day, including street performers, roving magicians, artisan craft stalls and a tempting selection of food vendors. Performances from local dance groups will take place on the BURPS Community Stage, while live music from talented local bands will fill Market Square. The festivities continue into the evening with a party atmosphere and top tunes from resident favourite DJ Phil.

There will be plenty to keep younger visitors entertained too, with free creative crafts and hat-making activities, a bouncy castle, the ever-popular Spider Mountain, and — new for 2026 — tea-cup rides and a trampoline fun-house. Face painting and henna art will also be available throughout the day.

All children’s activities will once again be completely free, thanks to the generous support of headline sponsors Silverson, BWK Solicitors and Dickinsons.

Over the years, Hats Off Chesham! has become renowned for its imaginative and eye-catching headwear, with past creations ranging from elegant and stylish designs to playful and wonderfully eccentric masterpieces — including a birthday cake and last year’s crowd favourite: an incredible model of the Earth. Organisers are encouraging everyone to join in the fun by wearing a hat, with unusual and comical creations especially welcome.

The event grew out of Chesham Connect’s High Street Strategy and continues to celebrate everything Chesham High Street has to offer, bringing together local residents, neighbouring villages and visitors from further afield to enjoy the town centre and support local businesses.

A spokesperson for Chesham Connect said:

“Hats Off Chesham! has become one of the highlights of the town’s calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our vibrant High Street, support local businesses and bring the community together for a day full of fun, creativity and entertainment.”

Sponsor Quotes

Silverson:

“Silverson have been based in Chesham for more than 50 years and with many of our staff living in the local area it is important to us to support local community events such as ‘Hats Off’. The event is very popular in Chesham, along with the likes of Chesham carnival and Christmas in Chesham, all of which are great events for local people, so we are pleased to be sponsoring the event.”

BWK Solicitors;

“At BWK Solicitors, we’re passionate about building strong community ties, and Hats Off Chesham! is a wonderful showcase of local spirit and talent. We’re proud to support such a vibrant event.”

Dickinsons:

“Dickinsons is synonymous with Chesham. As a major employer, owned and run by Cheshamites, we are proud to support our town.”