Hemel Hempstead BID launches community-led summer trail celebrating youth creativity

Hemel Hempstead Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased to announce the launch of its annual Summer Book Characters & Friends Trail, taking place across the town centre from 1st to 23rd August 2026.

This free, family-focused initiative is designed to drive town centre footfall and convert sales, encourage healthy outdoor activity, and strengthen connections between local schools, businesses, and residents during the summer holiday period.

This year’s event highlights sustainable creativity. Moving away from traditional decorating projects, Hemel BID partnered with local primary schools and educational groups to challenge pupils to build 3D companion models using clean, recycled household materials.

Participating Educational Partners Include:

• Holtsmere End Junior School

• Dundale Primary School

• Oakleaf Primary School

• Westfield Primary & Nursery School

• Chambersbury Primary School

• Galley Hill Primary School

• Brockswood Primary School

• The Home Ed Hangout CIC

The finished eco-friendly models are currently on display in shop windows throughout the town centre, creating an engaging, accessible trail for visitors of all ages.

How the Trail Works

• Participation: Visitors collect a complimentary trail map from Riverside Shopping Centre (pedestrian entrance near Starbucks) or participating town centre businesses, including Waterstones, Barclays, Cappuccio, Daebak Chicken, Top Stitch, Keech, Zap, Baggage World, and Creative Collection.

• Engagement: Families follow the map through the high street to locate all nine recycled models and identify their character names.

• Incentive: Completed trail forms submitted to the Riverside post box are entered into a grand prize draw to win family passes to the town's new Continue? Arcade.

"Our priority is to deliver impactful, community-centered initiatives that bring vibrancy and economic support to our town centre," says Heather Card-Jones of Hemel Hempstead BID. "By inviting local schoolchildren to build these models from recycled materials, we have created a platform that showcases youth innovation while actively supporting our local business community. The trail offers an inclusive, zero-cost summer outing for families while highlighting the variety of retail and leisure options available in Hemel Hempstead."

For further details regarding town centre initiatives or partnership opportunities, please contact Hemel Hempstead BID. [email protected]