Junior Team GB gymnast Hermione Mellor performed at the annual Letchworth Festival opening weekend.

Everyone Active, the North Herts Council's new leisure provider, organised the event, which hosted numerous fitness and wellbeing activities to mark the beginning of the five-week festival.

The weekend commenced with a free family fun day on Saturday in Letchworth town centre, progressing to the North Herts Leisure Centre in the afternoon.

14-year-old Mellor, currently part of the junior GB tumbling team, conducted a session for children under five. She helped parents as their children discovered the intricacies of gymnastics for the first time, ending the session with a spectacular routine.

The morning's community outreach occasion took place in Leys Square, hosted by the leisure centre's fitness teams.

The event offered fitness challenges, such as a standing long jump and 200m row.

In addition, attendees could learn about the various memberships available at the leisure centres in North Herts.

Apart from Mellor’s gymnastics demonstration, the day also offered fully booked soft play, badminton, squash, and face painting.

A health walk also took place, helping locals connect while exploring scenic North Herts. The day featured face painters and an opportunity to meet Everyone Active’s Bee mascot.

The following day, Letchworth Lido offered two free sessions. 26 children participated in the Rookie Lifeguard event, learning about water safety ahead of Drown Prevention Week on June 15.

Visitors also had the chance to join a beginners’ yoga session.

Emma Pushill, author of The Lido Guide, attended the event discussing all things lidos and community pools.

These events signified the start of the volunteer-run Letchworth Festival, set to continue for five weeks with fitness, music, and art events for all family members.

Kirsty Jones, area contract activity and wellbeing manager at Everyone Active, said: "We are proud to have hosted a weekend of family fun to mark the beginning of this treasured festival, and are so pleased so many families were able to join us on the day.

“A visit from Hermione made the whole weekend feel like a true celebration. She was an inspiration to both young and older children during the event, showcasing the incredible young talent we have here in North Herts."