Whatever you fancy doing this New Year, from Skating, Bird Watching, Walking or Wassailing to a trip to the Theatre, or catching a last minute Panto we’ve got it covered. As always we’ve included lots of local businesses to help you with whatever you need doing. Run your own business? We‘d love to include you too, just book your space online today. Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!
@theNOWmagazines
Advertise in our February magazines
12 months 3 months
£33 per edition £43 per edition 1/4 page
£40 per edition £52 per edition 1/3 page
£49 per edition £64 per edition 1/2 page
£84 per edition £110 per edition Full page other options are available
Deadline 12th January Book online today theNOWmagazines.com
Out & About
Ashridge House Illuminated until 1st Jan 4pm - 8pm
Experience an enchanting evening on this magical light trail, wander through the stunning gardens with dazzling lights and installations. Please book
Stockwood Illuminated until 4th Jan 4.30pm - 8pm £9
Discover Stockwood as you've never seen it before, weave your way through the illuminated pathways set against the backdrop of lush greenery, with interactive light installations, shimmering disks reflecting the sky, bouncing psychedelic colours, colourful animations and sparkly mirrors.
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX culturetrust.com
Waddesdon
Festive Afternoon Tea until 4th Jan 12.30pm - 5pm
Served in the historic Manor Restaurant.
£69.95, child £32.50
Burns Night Feast 24th Jan 7pm £150
Five courses of classic Scottish cuisine, each paired with wine.
Waddesdon Bucks HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk
Natural History Museum Tring
Polar Bear Trail until 4th Jan
Daily except Mondays, 10am - 5pm, trail sheet £1
Help Snowy the polar bear travel around the galleries and give gifts to all the animals.
Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year until 26th April 10am - 5pm free
Highlights of the stunning pictures taken by talented young photographers from across the globe capturing the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
Tring Natural History Museum HP23 6AP nhm.ac.uk
The Libraries
Winter Reads until 31st Jan
Open to all ages, join the challenge at your local library.
Harpenden Library
Craftea 27th Jan & 24th Feb 3pm - 4.30pm
Coffee and craft social.
Children's LEGO Clubs £4.40, please book
Harpenden: Mondays 3.45pm
St Albans: Fridays 4.30pm
Harpenden Library, High Street AL5 2RU
St Albans Library, Level 2, The Maltings AL1 3JQ hertfordshire.gov.uk
Harpenden Museum
Open: Tues, Thurs & Sat: 11am - 3pm free
Exhibition: Everyday Life in Edwardian Harpenden until 31st Jan free
Harpenden Memories: A Competition
Closing date: 31st Jan
Were you living in Harpenden in the 1960s or earlier? Did you go to the Broadway Hall Market (pictured) or Regent Cinema? What were the schools, shops, houses and discos like? Do you have any funny stories to tell? Submit any memories to Harpenden Local History Society by emailing archivist@harpenden-history.org.uk or by leaving them at the Museum in the EMC. Or the Society can record your oral recollections and transcribe them. The best memoires will be published on the Society’s website.
Exhibition: Life in Harpenden During WW1 From 1st Feb
Learn how life changed after 1914 with the influx of soldiers, the military hospital in Milton Road, Zeppelin raids in Rothamsted and Scouts entertaining the troops.
Display: The Lydekker Gifts - Richard Lydekker (1849-1915 ) was a world-renowned naturalist and author of beautifully-illustrated books on flora and fauna.
Display: Harpenden Schools - from the early days of the British and Board schools to today. Talks at High Street Methodist Church Nickey Line Development 27th Jan 8pm Luton Hoo & Harpenden 24th Feb 8pm
Inclusive choir for all, just turn up. 01582 768278
Leyton Green, Harpenden AL5 2TG harpenden.gov.uk
Helping Young People Step
Confidently into the Workplace
As a Radlett based career coach, I’ve seen so many of our young people thrive at local schools and university, only to feel stuck when it comes to finding their first role. Parents often tell me how worrying this feels, after years of investing in education and extracurriculas, their children are struggling to find employment. Part of the challenge is that today’s job market is tougher than ever. Many graduates are competing for roles in London, where CVs are often filtered by AI before a recruiter even sees them. Interviews, too, can feel daunting when candidates struggle to know how to stand out.
What makes a CV or interview answer memorable is evidence
Here are some practical pointers, words alone aren’t enough. Employers hear “I’m hardworking, motivated, and a team player” every day. What makes a CV or interview answer memorable is evidence. Instead of saying “I’ve got good communication skills,” give an example of when you presented, persuaded, or solved a problem. Instead of “I’m resilient,” share a story of how you bounced back from a challenge. These short, specific examples bring applications to life and make you memorable!
Parents can help too. Encourage without piling on pressure. Remind your child that rejection’s normal, and have conversations rather than interrogations, they’ll open up more. And don’t underestimate your network, sometimes a quick chat with a friend or colleague can be the door-opener they need.
I’ve helped young people go from overlooked to hired in a matter of weeks, simply by changing how they tell their story. Employers don’t just want skills on paper, they want proof. And that’s what makes the difference.
Ali Olins Career Coach aliolins_careercoach
DJ&M
Plumbing Services Ltd
We care about your small jobs too!
●Electric and Power Showers Fitted
●Ball Valves and Overflows
●Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins
●Repair/Renew Stopcocks and Taps
●Plumb in Washing Machines and Dishwashers
●Repair Leaking Pipes
●Outside Taps
Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk see our main advert on the inside back cover
enquiries@gjsmithroofing.com
Big Garden Birdwatch
23rd - 25th Jan
Sit back, relax and watch the birds, taking part couldn’t be easier, just spend an hour watching the birds in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park, and record what you’ve seen. Only include birds that land, not those flying over, count the highest number of each species you see at any one time, then go online and tell the RSPB. Even if you didn’t see anything at all, let them know as its all useful information. Register online and you’ll be kept updated with top tips on how to get ready for the best Birdwatch ever. In 2024, over 590,000 people took part, and this was last year’s top 5 birds:
1 - House Sparrow 1,211,260
2 - Blue Tit 946,698
3 - Woodpigeon 859,780
4 - Starling 784,741
5 - Blackbird 732,472 rspb.org.uk
Out & About
University of Hertfordshire
Firm Foundations Part II: The Legacy of St Albans School of Art until 20th Feb free Exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of the School of Art.
Art + Design Gallery, College Lane Campus, Hatfield AL10 9AB uharts.co.uk
Shuttleworth
Shuttleworth in Lights 1st - 3rd Jan
Follow the illuminated trail through over 100 years of aviation and automotive history. £16, child £10
Comedy Night 9th Jan 6.30pm £25
Featuring three fantastic acts, Keith Farnan, Mark Dolan and Ben Norris.
Wedding Show 18th Jan 11am - 3pm
Showcasing Shuttleworth House, Old Warden Park and the Swiss Garden as a wedding venue. Biggleswade SG18 9DT shuttleworth.org
St Albans City Walks
Historic St Albans
1st, 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th Jan 11am
Ghosts & Ghouls 8th & 22nd Jan 7.30pm
£6, please book online stalbanstourguides.co.uk
Can include Feb ones if we need to
Sustainable St Albans
Thermal Imaging Camera Online Information Session 7th Jan 8pm please book
Learn how to use the camera in your home, it’s free to borrow but a deposit is required.
Find Your Place in the Future 12th Jan 7.30pm
Travel forward to 2035 and explore the incredible projects being worked on to create a greener, fairer and more connected St Albans District. The Plough & Harrow, Harpenden sustainablestalbans.org
Wassailing 10th Jan 4.30pm - 6.30pm
A gathering to serenade and praise the trees in the Cell Barnes Orchard ensuring a bountiful apple harvest for 2026. Decorate yourself with ivy, leaves and feathers and bring a torch and something to make a noise like a musical instrument or a saucepan and spoon.
Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA highfieldparktrust.co.uk
Wassailing 10th Jan 4.30pm - 6.30pm
This family-friendly event is designed to bless the orchard's apple trees and ensure a good harvest with a torch-lit procession from the car park to the orchard. The ceremony involves singing traditional songs, making loud noise with instruments, and hanging cider-soaked toast on the trees as gifts to "wake up" the spirits and ward off evil ones. Apple juice and Wassail cake will be available in the tea room garden. Please wear warm clothes, bring a torch, and something to make noise with such as saucepan lids, drums or bells. Free, donations appreciated Shenley Park, Shenley WD7 9DW shenleypark.co.uk
Herts Wildlife Trust
Winter Wildfowl Workshop 10th Jan 10am
Learn about the birds of Stocker’s Lake and how to identify wildfowl from dabbling ducks to migrating geese. Wear sturdy shoes, please book. Free, donations welcome
Stockers Lake Rickmansworth WD3 1NB
Winter Tree Identification Workshop
18th Jan 10am - 3.30pm
Cassiobury Park, Watford WD18 7LG
22nd Jan 10am - 3.30pm
Panshanger Park, Hertford SG14 2NA
Learn how to identify trees in their winter state using bud and twig characteristics, then walk around the park to put into practice the morning's learning. Bring a packed lunch. Adults only £13
Guided Walk: Winter Photography
7th Feb 10am - 12 noon
Walk through the beautiful nature reserve and learn tips and tricks for capturing photographs of the scenery and nature. Free, donations welcome
Cassiobury Park Watford WD18 7LG hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Wedding Showcase
11th Jan 11am free
Explore the magical Knebworth House and Barns, to discover the perfect venue for your dream wedding.
Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK open to the public and next to a mainline railway. See signalling demonstrations, operate working signals, a point and more.
5 Ridgmont Road AL1 3AJ sigbox.co.uk
Out & About
IWM Duxford
Airframes After Hours Photography Evening
17th Jan 5pm £20, child £10
With an incredible array of aircraft lit up for the evening, and IWM’s photography team on hand, you will have the opportunity to try out the equipment with expert tips and guidance.
In the Cockpit: Spitfire N3200
Jan & Feb selected dates from £50
A unique opportunity to sit inside the cockpit of an airworthy MK.1 Spitfire and hear the story of how the N3200 flew with the 19 Squadron from Duxford during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
American Air Museum Walking Tour
Jan - March selected dates adults £10
See the largest collection of American military aircraft outside of the USA, including the Lockheed U-2 spy plane, the fearsome A-10 'Thunderbolt II' ground attack aircraft, the WW2 B-17 'Flying Fortress' heavy bomber and the massive eight-engined B-52 'Stratofortress' in service from 1955 to the present day.
Cambs CB22 4QR iwm.org.uk
Talk: A Licence to Write:
Roald Dahl & James Bond
22nd Jan 7.30pm £10, via Zoom for adults
Roald Dahl wrote the screenplay for You Only Live Twice, James Bond’s 5th outing on the big screen. Find out about the story behind the screenplay, Roald Dahl’s links to Ian Fleming and Dahl’s time as a spy during World War II.
FoodSmiles is looking for new members to join in with growing vegetables at Hammond’s End Farm in Harpenden. They work together to plan, grow and share the harvest in a weekly veg box. They are a Community Benefit Society, where you learn the skills to grow your own, to reconnect with nature, access local organicallygrown food, meet new people. They are looking for people with some knowledge of growing but, most importantly a willingness to learn, share ideas, work with the team and get stuck in.
Walkern Hall 31st Jan & 1st Feb 12 noon - 4pm, £6, please book
A winter woodland garden, set in eight acres, the carpet of snowdrops and aconites is a constant source of wonder in winter. This Medieval hunting park is known more for its established trees such as the Tulip and a magnificent London Plane which dominates the garden. Home-made soup, tea, coffee and cakes will be available
Walkern Hall, Stevenage SG2 7JA
Benington Lordship
10th Feb 11am - 4pm, £9 child £4
A seven acre site with ruin of C12 Norman keep and C19 neo Norman folly. See spectacular snowdrops and spring bulbs; formal rose garden, walled kitchen garden with vegetables, gravel garden and wildflower meadow; orchard with perennial meadow; lake, naturalistic planting of main border with wildlife friendly and drought tolerant plants and unspoilt panoramic views over parkland. Cream teas will be available.
Benington Lordship, Stevenage SG2 7BS ngs.org.uk
The Bishop of St Alban’s Garden
14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd Feb 2pm - 4pm (weather and snowdrops permitting)
Open for the annual snowdrop display. Wear suitable footwear. Proceeds to Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust.
£5, child free, dogs on leads welcome
Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans AL3 4HD
Heat Press Printing Workshop
22nd Feb 10.30am
Using a variety of materials experiment with textures, patterns, and colour, printing small fabric samples with ink, papers and a heat press. Mill Green Museum, Hatfield AL9 5PD millgreenmuseum.co.uk
lunchesWealsoenjoy &theatretripstogether
A great way to meet new people
No need to read music
No auditions
Not for profit
Harpenden
Salvation Army Hall AL5 2TG
Wednesdays 10.45am - 12.15pm
Wheathampstead
Mead Hall AL4 8BP (free parking)
Mondays 1.30pm - 3pm
NOW for some Entertainment
The Horn
Imagine The Beatles 3rd Jan 2pm £12.50
Beatles tribute playing a special retrospective from the Cavern years to the 'Let It Be' final rooftop concert.
Big Love UK 3rd Jan 9pm £15
5 piece Fleetwood Mac tribute band combining perfectly to capture their distinctive sound.
Whole Lotta DC 24th Jan 9pm £15
One of the UK's finest AC/DC tribute bands.
Hotel Mira 28th Jan 8pm £11
Canadian alternative rock band.
Girls Of The Internet 29th Jan 8pm
Creating dance music that calls back to how it was made at its inception, but with the knowledge and experience of the last 50 years.
The Rolling Clones 31st Jan 9pm £13
World famous Rolling Stones tribute.
The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans AL1 3TE thehorn.co.uk
Abbey Theatre
STAJE in Concert 8th Jan 8pm £15, £12.50
St Albans Jazz Ensemble will showcase the diversity that the world of Jazz has to offer, from Big Band Swing to Latin and Jazz-Funk to Soul.
Di and Viv and Rose
23rd - 25th & 27th - 31st Jan £15, £13
A sharp, warm and emotionally resonant play about the enduring power of female friendship. Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk
Alban Arena
Sing the Musicals 9th Jan 7.30pm £30
With a live band, character singers and a giant screen with sing-a-long lyrics, with songs from Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Mary Poppins and lots more.
Taylormania 17th Jan 2pm & 7.30pm £30
Katy Ellis a self-confessed Swiftie performs with a live band, featuring Shake it Off, Blank Space, I Knew You Were Trouble and many more.
Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis 23rd Jan 7.30pm £39.50
An immersive journey through Elvis’ most iconic eras from his rockabilly roots to the Vegas years.
Man in the Mirror 24th Jan 7.30pm £35
Starring CJ, one of the worlds greatest Michael Jackson tribute artists, supported by talented musicians, performing hits including Thriller, Billie Jean, Beat It, Smooth Criminal and many more.
T.Rextasy - The Greatest Hits Tour 30th Jan 7.30pm £32.50
Accepted as the worlds only live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, enjoy hits Love to Boogie, Telegram Sam and lots more.
Hometown Glory: Candle Lit Concert 31st Jan 7.30pm £31
The ultimate Adele tribute show from Natalie Black who will bring the singer’s inimitable personality to life, with beautiful storytelling.
Peter Andre - The Best of Frankie Valli 18th Feb 8pm £48
A celebration of the timeless music of four boys who started singing under a streetlamp in New Jersey. With songs including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You and many more.
Jim Davidson - Last Man Standing…Just!
21st Feb 7.30pm £31
Jim’s back to do what he does best: make us laugh and remind us why he’s still standing! 18+
Cirque Entertainment 26th Feb 7.30pm from £28
A blend of circus, music and performances with aerialists, fire performers, acrobats, jugglers and West End vocals with songs from Take That, Kylie Minogue, Queen, Beyonce and more.
The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD everyonetheatres.com
Barn Theatre
Comedy at the Barn 9th Jan 8pm
Expect silliness, savagery and just enough wrongness to make you feel slightly guilty about how much you’re enjoying yourself. £12
The Unfriend 16th - 24th Jan 8pm
A biting satire on the constraints of social decorum, the difficulty of saying no, and the absurdity that can arise from seemingly innocent decisions. £16
Jazz at the Barn: Luke Montgomery Quartet 30th Jan 8pm
Saxophonist and composer Luke’s approach to improvisation, combined with his lyrical melody playing and narrative-like compositions, are inspired by Dick Oatts and Kenny Garrett. Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk
The Old Town Hall
Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking! 9th Jan 8pm £22
Talking about what gives him the ick and what makes him tick, join Stephen for freestyling musings and merrymaking to get your belly aching.
Marcus Brigstocke: Vitruvian Mango 16th Jan 8pm £18
Marcus thinks we might still serve some useful function. This show will resolve the entire issue (in an open minded, progressive sort of way!).
Screaming Blue Murder 26th Jan 8pm £10
With comedians Chris Stokes and Sooz Kempner.
Russell Hicks: This Time It’s Personal 6th & 7th Feb
Last year's show was all about his life in the UK. This year is all about him and it’s personal!
Josh James: Doin' Alright 11th Feb 8pm £16
One of the most exciting names to breakout in UK comedy.
Dan Tiernan: All In 13th Feb 8pm £17
Expect explosive energy, razor-sharp punchlines, and tightly-packed gags about a man on the brink.
Daniel Foxx: How Lovely 21st Feb 8pm £19
Join Daniel as he navigates dating in your 30s, Le Creuset addiction and 12-step skincare routines.
General Medical Emergency Ward 10 26th Feb -1st March £16
Every hospital, medical-based, doctors-and-nurses cliche-ridden drama in a comedy mash-up spoof!
The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE oldtownhall.co.uk
Eric Morecambe Centre
Harpenden & Wheathampstead Gang Show 13th - 17th Jan from £12
Spectacular show of song, dance and comedy with over 140 Cubs, Scouts and Explorers aged 9-18.
Beauty & the Beast 22nd - 25th Jan from £12
An extravaganza of music, sing-alongs and dances performed by The Hurst Children’s Theatre Group.
An Audience with Frazer Hines 26th Jan 7.30pm
An evening of charm, nostalgia and entertainment with this TV legend. £31.50
Lecture: The Arts Society Harpenden 28th Jan
In the footsteps of Christopher Wren: architecture of Norman Foster & Richard Rogers. 8pm
Gabriel Moreno & the Quivering Poets
30th Jan 7.30pm from £14
Moreno is known for beguiling, seductive performances and his endless stream of passion.
From Gold to Rio 6th Feb 7.30pm £28
A full 8-piece band and Chris Clark as Simon le Bon and Lee James as Tony Hadley perform songs from two of the UK’s most iconic bands including Gold, Rio, True, The Reflex, Save A Prayer, Lifeline, and Girls on Film.
Anita Harris & Freddie DaviesA Lifetime of Memories 14th Feb 2pm £23
Celebrating more than 60 years of captivating audiences with stories from behind the footlights.
An Audience with Bill Fellowes
26th Feb 7.30pm from £31
Known for his roles in Coronation Street, Downton Abbey, Ted Lasso and many other dramas, Bill shares his highs, challenges and unforgettable moments from British film, television and theatre.
Rebecca Ferguson: 15 Years Stripped Back 28th Feb 7.30pm, from £35
With hits, including Glitter & Gold, Nothing’s Real but Love and Shoulder to Shoulder.
Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR everyonetheatres.com
Live Cinema
La Traviata 14th Jan 6.45pm & 18th Jan 2pm
A tragic opera about the courtesan Violetta and her love for the young nobleman Alfredo. £22.60
National Theatre Live: Hamlet 22nd Jan 7pm
A contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Young Prince Hamlet is played by Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi). £17.50 Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX campuswest.co.uk
Come & Sing Mozart with Us:
Mozart Requiem 19th Jan 7.30pm
Free open rehearsal with The Hardynge Choir.
St Helens CE Primary School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead AL4 hardyngechoir.org
The Pioneer Club
St Albans Calling Unplugged 28th Jan £7
Local bands, The Hanging Bandits, Vik, Dead The Will, and bNNNy come together to raise funds for community art projects in and around St Albans.
GIRLBAND! 30th Jan 7.30pm
Described as a punk band making pop songs.
Stone Jets 31st Jan 7pm £12
With simple yet substantial melodic songwriting style and strong live performances. Pioneer Club, St Albans AL3 5AY pioneerclub.co.uk
Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Concert 31st Jan 7.30pm
Mozart ~ Symphony No. 35 in D 'Haffner' Strauss ~ Serenade for Wind in E♭
Brahms ~ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B♭
St Peter's Church, St Albans AL1 3HG on the door £18, in advance £16, child £1 ticketsource.co.uk
NOW at St Albans Museums
St Albans Museum + Gallery
St Peter’s Street, St Albans Exhibition: Worlds
Connected until 22nd Feb
Multi-sensory exhibition exploring connections between St Albans and the Islamic world, from scientific discoveries to a fondness for coffee!
Exhibition: Inns & Alehouses in Victorian St Albans until 15th March free
Learn about the venues that served the city's population from beer houses to taverns and the reasons they flourished or failed as St Albans moved into the 20th century.
Exhibition: Helios 27th Dec - 25th Jan free
Experience the solar spectacle that is Helios, a stunning six-metre sculpture by renowned UK artist Luke Jerram. Please book
Singing Bowls Workshop 12th Jan 7pm £20
A restorative sound journey using Crystal singing bowls. Ideal for anyone seeking calm, clarity, or a sensory reset.
Fire Mandala Vinyasa Workshop
14th, 21st & 26th Jan 7pm £15
Inspired by Helios - the sun a symbol and source of energy and transformation, explore the transformative power of fire through breathwork, dynamic vinyasa, and yin.
Glass Suncatcher Workshop
17th Jan 10.30am £25
Design and make a fused glass suncatcher.
Mandala Sun Salutations Yoga 19th & 23rd Jan 9am £10
A gentle, energising approach to Mandala Vinyasa that will leave you grounded, open and quietly reawakened.
Astrology Birth Chart Workshop
24th Jan 2.30pm £25
Join Stefana Brancastle for an introduction to the language of astrology.
Ebru Paper Marbling Workshop
31st Jan 11am £30
Using traditional tools and natural materials, learn how to float paints on water, and shape them into delicate flowers.
Community History Day
7th Feb 9.30pm - 4.30pm free, please book
Discover new research, learn heritage skills, and celebrate St Albans’ diverse stories with discussions, presentations and workshops.
Calligraphy Workshop 8th Feb 10am £40
Economica: A Global History of Women, Wealth & Power
11th Feb 7pm £10, Zoom £6
A journey from the Stone Age to the present day, immersing us in history's most glittering civilisations and major economic milestones, all as seen through the lives of women.
Celestial Explorer
Explore the cosmos in the University of Herts mobile planetarium. Please book: Earth, Sun & Moon 17th Feb 10.15am £4.75
Dragons & Dragon Eggs Modelling Workshop 20th Feb 10.15am £8.50
‘Wilde’ Immersive Film Screening 26th Feb 7.30pm £7.50
Watch the 1997 biopic starring Stephen Fry as Oscar Wilde. This dramatisation of the fall from grace of author Oscar Wilde was filmed in the courtroom of St Albans Museum + Gallery, where this screening will take place.
Verulamium Museum
St Michael's Street, St Albans AL3 4SW
Romans vs Celts Wargames 15th Feb 11am - 3.30pm free with admission
Roman and Ancient Briton model soldiers will be gathered for a large wargame. Go along and join in, roll some dice, and see if you can decide their fate as the soldiers battle over a village of roundhouses and a Roman Villa.
Archaeology for Families
16th & 20th Feb 10.30am included with admission
A fun, friendly introduction to archaeology.
We are a small friendly law firm and understand that when facing a legal problem it can be stressful, so our aim is to make you feel as comfortable as possible and assist you with achieving the results you desire by listening to you. We specialise in Conveyancing, Family Law, Immigration, Litigation, Landlord and Tenant, Road Traffic Offences and Private Client, and our rates are very reasonable for this area. Book a free 20 minute appointment to discuss how we can help. There is free parking for an hour right outside. Prepare for the future and protect yourself and your family.
NOW at the Cathedral
The Whales 31st Dec - 4th Feb
Three colossal sperm whale sculptures will soar above the Nave, come and see these magnificent creatures, created by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser, during regular visiting hours.
St Albans Symphony Orchestra Celebration Concert 1st Jan 7pm £5 - £28
Including Copland Fanfare for the Common Man Bernstein Candide - overture / Tower Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman / Gershwin Girl Crazy - overture / Bernstein West Side Story: Symphonic Dances.
Noise Makers Under the Sea
2nd & 19th Jan 9.30am
A magical adventure with singing, dancing, instruments, sensory lights and bubbles in these classes for babies and toddlers. Please book happity.co.uk/noise-makers
Whales Lates
2nd, 4th & 6th Jan & 1st & 3rd Feb times vary
A chance to immerse yourself in this mesmerising artwork after dark. Please book
Larger Than Life: The Inflatable Whale
3rd Jan 11am - 5pm under 12’s, please book Squeeze into the belly of a 50ft inflatable sperm whale where you can watch a marvellous marine tale.
Flora & Fauna Tour
5thJan 2pm & 31st Jan 10.30am
Explore how the natural world of Hertfordshire has been depicted in stone, wood, glass and textile in the Cathedral over the centuries.
Yoga Under the Whales
5th Jan 6pm & 2nd Feb 8.30pm
The Sixteen 7th Jan 7.30pm
This world-renowned ensemble perform a programme of beautiful choral music.
Tessa: The Whales 8th Jan 8pm - 10pm
Join Tessa beneath her sculptures as she shares the journey that inspired her, from encounters with sperm whales to her whale communication studies.
Stained Glass Tour 14th Jan 2pm £12
Eagles by Candlelight 15th Jan 7.30pm from £20
A cast of West End singers and a live band.
Meat Loaf by Candlelight 16th Jan 7.30pm
With songs such as Anything For Love, Bat Out of Hell, Dead Ringer for Love and many more.
Making your Mark Tour 17th & 27th Jan 2pm £12
See how visitors over the centuries have ‘scratched’ their mark on the building. Look for hidden gems from signatures to skeletons and animals to kings.
Beatles by Candlelight 17th Jan 7.30pm from £20
After a Hard Days Night, grab your Ticket to Ride, and Twist and Shout at this sing-along spectacular.
Meditative Sound Bath under the Whales 18th & 26th Jan 6pm
Lie cocooned in vibration and allow your mind to drift into stillness.
Tai Chi Under the Whales 20th Jan 7pm
Rogues & Rebels 21st Jan 2pm £12
From murder, witchcraft and heresy to challenging the laws and norms of their day, hear the stories of men and women associated with the Abbey Church who, over the centuries, followed their own path.
Jonah: Just a Fishy Tale? 21st Jan 7.30pm
Take a deep dive into the story of Jonah & the Whale.
Of Love & Transience 23rd Jan 7.30pm
Enjoy an evocative programme of early 20th-century song with Alban Berg’s Sieben frühe Lieder, Viktor Ullmann’s Drei Sonette aus dem Portugiesischen, Korngold’s Drei Lieder, and Richard Strauss’s radiant Vier letzte Lieder.
Vast Ocean of Light: Music of the Sea 25th Jan 7.30pm
Cathedral Choir concert inspired by Whales.
Abbey by Night 28th Jan & 4th Feb 8pm & 8.30pm
Be transported back in time to the medieval abbey as you encounter the fantastic stories of the past under candlelight.
Talk: Whales & Kindred Sea Creatures in Medieval English Bestiaries 29th Jan 7.30pm
In the medieval bestiaries (Christian moral handbooks that picture and describe beasts, birds, fishes and more). Explore whales and other sea monsters from both religious and zoological perspectives, and as part of the larger medieval fascination with the sea.
The Sea Shanty Festival 31st Jan
Family Sea Shanty 12.30pm
With three groups, plenty of food and drink and a joyful, relaxed atmosphere.
Evening Sea Shanty 7pm
Kimber's Men take centre stage for a festival style concert of powerful harmonies and maritime song.
Luther Vandross - The Candlelight Concert 12th Feb 7.30pm
A soulful tribute under the glow of candlelight
Martin Luther King, Jr. & the Civil Rights Movement Wednesdays 25th Feb - 25th March 7.30pm 5 week course.
The St Albans Mystery Plays 27th Feb 7pm
See Old and New Testament stories come to life as never before, with medieval-inspired music, dancing and singing. All washed down with a glass of mead.
St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY stalbanscathedral.org
Fully qualified City and Guilds
Over 25 years experience
All interior and exterior work undertaken
Specialist in all types of wallpaper
All work finished to a high professional standard
Free quotations at competitive prices
Matthew Hayden 01582 270715 01727 867660 07970 720911
mandmdecs@gmail.com mandm_decorators
It’s Still Panto Time!
Cinderella until 3rd Jan from £23.50
Dazzling choreography, stunning sets, uplifting live music, glamorous costumes (for most of the cast members!) and, of course, plenty of audience participation.
Radlett Centre WD7 8HL radlettcentre.co.uk
Jack & the Beanstalk until 4th Jan from £13
Full of songs you know and love, a grow-bag packed with plant-based humour and the best cow this side of Watford gap!
Packed with hilarious slapstick comedy, plenty of audience interaction and marvellous musical numbers. Beam Theatre, Hertford SG14 1PS beamhertford.co.uk
All New Adventures of Peter Pan until 4th Jan from £17.50
With lavish sets, hilarious jokes and fun for all the family, HOOK your tickets now! Grove Theatre, Dunstable LU4 5GP everyonetheatres.com
Sleeping Beauty until 4th Jan from £23
Step into a world of magic, mischief and happily ever afters with this year’s enchanting pantomime. Campus West, WGC AL8 6BX campuswest.co.uk
Goldilocks & the Three Bears until 11th Jan from £15
Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus with comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley Milton Keynes Theatre MK9 3NZ atgtickets.com
Dick Whittington & His Cat until 18th Jan from £20
Join intrepid hero Dick and his extraordinary cat on their quest for fame, fortune and fantastic adventures he journeys to London to become Lord Mayor.
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage SG1 1LZ everyonetheatres.com
Children's Christmas Trail until 3rd Jan
Follow the trail map to find knitted characters hiding in Town Centre shops and shop windows. Visit the website to download the map. Hertford Town Centre hertford.gov.uk
Harpenden’s Twinkle Lights Trail until 4th Jan Free
Follow the trail from Frosty the giant snowman on the Common to Santa and Teddy in the Sensory Gardens. Download the trail map or pick one up from the Town Hall. harpenden.gov.uk/twinkle
A
Knights Festive Feast Trail until 4th Jan 10.30am - 4pm, £3
Complete tasks, follow clues and gather everything needed to complete the festive banquet table with a prize at the end.
Herd your family together for this baaa-rilliant festive trail, grab a map and track down twelve super-sized sculptures of Shaun the Sheep. Wrest Park, Silsoe, Beds MK45 4HR english-heritage.org.uk
Zoom! 31st Jan 11.30am & 2pm £10
Molly knows everything about space, she is definitely going to be an astronaut when she grows up. But then one wintry night she meets a visitor from outer space and realises she still has a lot to learn about looking after our very own planet. A gentle introduction to ways children can help protect their environment, with music, songs and puppetry. Ages 3 - 8
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY culturetrust.com
Lambing 14th - 22nd Feb
Watch the new-born lambs take their first steps in the Lambing Barn and keep an eye on expectant ewes as you might be lucky enough to see a lamb being born. Also enjoy the indoor and outdoor play, and daily animal activities.
Mead Open Farm, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9JH, meadopenfarm.co.uk
Get Your Skates on!
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland until 1st Jan
From thrilling rides to carnival games and enchanting shows, there’s something for everyone.
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Battersea Power Station until 4th Jan
Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, as you skate around this stunning rink, illuminated by twinkling lights and a 30ft Christmas tree. Brand-new this year, discover London’s only Skate Trail, take skating to the next level as you glide along this exciting new feature.
batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Brent Cross until 4th Jan
Step into a winter wonderland and enjoy magical moments on the ice with friends or family. Glide beneath sparkling lights, soak up the festive atmosphere, and enjoy the simple fun of skating together.
Hampton Court Palace until 4th Jan
Immerse yourself skating in the magical scenes where King Henry VIII once walked, surrounded by beautiful greenery, captivating fairy lights, and a warm, festive experience. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Somerset House until 11th Jan
With skating lessons, relaxed sessions and trailblazing DJs on the rink-side decks, there's something for everyone. somersethouse.org.uk
Canary Wharf until 22nd Feb
Perfect for families, friends, and festive outings, in the heart of the city. Glide across the ice beneath sparkling lights, enjoy seasonal music, and make unforgettable
Caring & Sharing
Christmas Tree Collection 9th - 11th Jan
The Hospice of St Francis is providing this hassle-free service, for a minimum donation of £20 your tree will be recycled, and all money raised will contribute to the £6 million+ the Hospice needs every year to fund its free care. Join the Hospice in turning your Christmas tree into care this year. stfrancis.org.uk
RED January is designed to support people through January, and challenge the nature of resolutions. It focuses on setting yourself a realistic movement goal for every day in January, and one that you have a chance of continuing all year. That’s why the letters in RED stand for 'Rise Every Day'. It's about getting up every day to meet those personal goals, any activity counts, some REDers aim for 10 sit ups a day, and some train for marathons. join.redjanuary.com
Brew Monday 19th Jan
Samaritans want to remind everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people you care about. The day you remind everyone how good human connection feels. How easy it is, and what a difference it makes. Be a good listener, if someone shares how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen. This might mean not offering advice, not trying to identify what they’re going through with your own experiences and not trying to solve their problems. Host an event virtually or in person, and if possible raise money for Samaritans and help those having a tough time to have somewhere to turn to when they need to talk. samaritans.org
Rennie Grove Peace Compassionate Cafés provide spaces for those affected by any type of loss who would like a friendly chat and a chance to meet others over a cup of tea. There’s no need to book, just turn up.
St Albans Cathedral Café AL1 1BY 1st Monday of the month 2pm - 3.30pm
Well Bean Café Harpenden Trust Halls AL5 1PU 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 2pm - 3.30pm renniegrovepeace.org
Help the RNIB Your old stamps and foreign currency can make a difference to blind and partially sighted people. Just send them to the RNIB to recycle them, and they raise £20 per kilo of stamps received. Request a pre-paid collection envelope by calling 0330 002 0051 or online. rnib.org.uk
Volunteer Tree Wardens A new scheme is being piloted in the Cunningham area of St Albans giving residents the chance to care for their local environment, and will be rolled out to other areas if there is interest from residents. Wardens will receive training to be able to check trees on public land, (in addition to the Council’s 3 yearly tree safety inspections). They will also help with the Council’s annual tree giveaway; Your Tree, Our Future scheme. For more information please email treewardens@stalbans.gov.uk
Tyres Batteries Air Conditioning Bodywork Repair − Remapping Wheel Alignment
Refurbishment Timing Belts − Exhausts Diagnostics Free Vehicle Collection Nutwood (Left Hand Gate), Down Green Lane, Wheathampstead AL4 8EB Contact Robert Innes 07596 454 550
Index of Businesses
DJ&M PLUMBING SERVICES LTD
● Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Cloakrooms and Kitchens from Design to Completion
● Local Family Run Business, Over 40 Years Experience
● Honest and Reliable Service
● Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries
Discounts given on all Bathrooms & Kitchens supplied
● Electric and Power Showers
● Repair/Renew Stopcocks, Taps and Outside Taps
● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins
● Leaking Pipes and Overflows
● Washing Machines and Dishwashers Installed
Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk
