Council Leader announces iconic Harlow Town Show returns this August – bigger and better than ever

THE Leader of Harlow Council, Councillor Dan Swords, has today announced the long awaited return of one of the town’s most iconic and best loved events – the Harlow Town Show – set to take over the Town Park Showground this August Bank Holiday weekend.

From Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August, the legendary show will roar back to life with a supersized programme, promising 2.5 days packed with family entertainment, showground spectacles, live music, community celebration and a revitalised twist for a new generation.

First held in the 1960s and running through the 70s and 80s – with a brief revival in the 2000s – the Harlow Town Show once attracted tens of thousands of residents every year. Now, it’s set for a blockbuster return as part of Building Harlow’s Future to restore much loved traditions while modernising the town’s cultural calendar.

On making the announcement, Councillor Dan Swords, said the council is bringing back the good old days – with a modern twist. He said:

“The Harlow Town Show was once the heartbeat of our community – a place where families, neighbours and friends came together to celebrate the very best of our town. Years on, it’s still spoken about fondly in pubs and across local social media – which is why I am proud to announce that we are bringing it back, bigger and better than ever. And most importantly, both the daytime festivities and evening entertainment will be completely free for everyone to enjoy.

“This will be a revitalised, reimagined and truly spectacular event – one that honours Harlow’s proud heritage while showcasing the energy and ambition of the Harlow of today. Our days will be filled with outstanding entertainment, building to unforgettable evenings where major headline acts take to the new bandstand – and we really do mean household name headline acts that will excite the whole town.

“This is set to be a landmark moment for Harlow – a major regional event people will remember for years to come. It will also create incredible opportunities for local artists, community groups and residents to step forward and play their part in something special.

“Huge names. Huge crowds. Huge comeback. Heritage reborn. Entertainment reimagined. And free for everyone to attend.

“We promised to restore pride in our town as we Build Harlow’s Future – and this show is us delivering on that promise.”

The 2026 Harlow Town Show will be free to attend and will pack the Town Park Showground with a huge variety of attractions before evening entertainment at the new Bandstand.

The full list of attractions and details on the event will be released in the coming weeks and months leading up to the big day.

More details can be seen at https://www.harlow.gov.uk/community/events-and-award-nights/town-show