The local business group in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, has started a campaign to secure its future for another five years. Known as Wonderful Welwyn Garden City, the organisation is asking local businesses to support its work from 2027 until 2032.
A formal ballot is set to take place in October 2026 where shop owners and companies will decide whether to keep the group running. If the vote does not pass, the organisation will cease all operations and business-funded services on 31 March 2027.
This decision will affect popular town events that are paid for by the group, such as the World Food Festival. In 2025, the festival brought more than 30,000 people to the town centre over two days, and the 2026 event is already planned for 9 May and 10 May 2026.
Other projects at risk include the annual Christmas lights and the new Dino Day event, which is set for 8 August 2026. The group also helps manage the high street during difficult times, such as the planned closures of the Santander and NatWest bank branches set for May and June 2026.
The renewal campaign comes as the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council sees changes in its own leadership. In February 2026, Councillor Rose Grewal was elected as the new council leader following the resignation of Max Holloway.
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