The Jubilee might be over, but Hampstead still has reason to celebrate next week as the village festival returns today (Monday) bigger and better than ever.

A week of events begins on Monday and ends on Big Fair Day on Sunday, June 24 when Heath Street will be closed.

Revellers will get into the swing of things with a jazz night at the Wells Tavern pub in Well Walk to open celebrations on Monday.

Beer

Also on the agenda, residents can also sample the delights of the village at a flower festival in Hampstead Parish Church, to mark 200 years since the additional burial ground was opened, and a beer festival at the Duke of Hamilton pub in New End.

On the final day, Sunday, Heath Street closes to host music, arts and crafts stalls, and a sports zone.

Hampstead Town councillor Linda Chung said: “We’re going to have more than 100 stalls along Heath Street on the Big Fair Day and we’ve actually had to start turning people away.

“The sports zone this year, with tennis, football, martial arts and dance, is also going to be a highlight – especially in an Olympics year.

“The festival will cater for everyone, the whole age range, so it will be a fantastic occasion.”

One of the aims of the festival is to make residents more aware of attractions on their doorstep.

Some of the highlighted treasures include the Grade I listed Burgh House in New End Square, which includes Hampstead Museum, and Fenton House in Hampstead Grove, a 17th century merchant’s house bequeathed to the National Trust in 1952.

These, and many more of Hampstead’s gems, will be open to visitors during the festival week.

For more information about the festival visit www.hampsteadsummerfestival.blogspot.co.uk or pick up next week’s Ham&High for full listings.