If you go down to Hertford Castle on Sunday, you’re sure of a big surprise...

Welwyn Hatfield Times: A brass band will play during the afternoon at the Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' PicnicA brass band will play during the afternoon at the Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic (Image: Supplied by Hertford Town Council)

The annual Hertford Castle Teddy Bears’ Picnic will take place on Sunday, July 15, from noon to 4pm.

Visit the historic castle and its grounds free of charge for an afternoon of child-friendly entertainment organised by Hertford Town Council.

Welwyn Garden City Brass Band will be playing throughout the afternoon on the main lawn, including the traditional Teddy Bears’ Picnic song whilst the annual Teddy Bear Parade takes place at 3pm.

The family games arena is back with fun activities including family tug of war, teddy bear relay race and ‘Ted Pin Bowling’, which are free to participate in.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' PicnicHertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic (Image: Supplied by Hertford Town Council)

Hertford Castle will also be open to the public where visitors can explore the venue’s themed basement rooms.

Children can take part in fancy dress and participate in a teddy bear hunt to get a sweet treat.

In addition to the games area, youngsters can enjoy magic shows, balloon modelling, sand art, face painting, a bouncy castle and enjoy several other stalls on the castle lawn.

The Hertford Canoe Club will once again be running free water activities on the River Lea.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' PicnicHertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic (Image: Archant)

Councillor Jane Sartin, the council’s chairman of development and leisure, said: ”The Teddy Bears’ Picnic has become a firm favourite in Hertford Town Council’s programme of events at Hertford Castle, and we’re looking forward to welcoming hundreds of picnicking bears again this year.

“This is an event all ages will enjoy, with the Castle open to visitors and a brass band playing throughout the afternoon.”

Children are encouraged to bring along their favourite teddy bear and join the Castle’s own furry friends, including Minnie and Mickey Mouse, a dragon, big bear, as well as other costumed characters.

Youngsters should dress up their teddy bears too, as there will be a ‘Best Dressed Teddy’ competition after the Teddy Bear Parade, where prizes will be awarded by the mayor of Hertford.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' PicnicHertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic (Image: Archant)

This event is sponsored by Abel of Hertford and 360 Play Stevenage.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: There will be balloon modelling for the kids at the free Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' PicnicThere will be balloon modelling for the kids at the free Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic (Image: Supplied by Hertford Town Council)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic includes a family tug of warThe Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic includes a family tug of war (Image: Supplied by Hertford Town Council)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: You can try your hand on the water at the Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic thanks to Hertford Canoe ClubYou can try your hand on the water at the Hertford Castle Teddy Bears' Picnic thanks to Hertford Canoe Club (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: There will be a bouncy castle at Hertford Castle's Teddy Bears' PicnicThere will be a bouncy castle at Hertford Castle's Teddy Bears' Picnic (Image: Supplied by Hertford Town Council)

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Minnie and Mickey Mouse will make appearances at Hertford Castle's annual Teddy Bears' PicnicMinnie and Mickey Mouse will make appearances at Hertford Castle's annual Teddy Bears' Picnic (Image: Supplied by Hertford Town Council)