Issuu

 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

Out & About

Foodies Festival

30th May - 1st June £27, child £8

A star-studded line-up of celebrity and award-winning chefs and chart-topping music stars. £21, child £6 Oaklands College, East Drive AL4 0HS www.foodiesfestival.com

D Day Family Weekend

31st May & 1st June 2025 marks the 81st Anniversary of the Normandy landings on 6th June 1944. Celebrate the anniversary with a weekend of music, dancing, children’s activities and more. Free, just drop in RAF Museum, London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Hertfordshire Zoo

Sunbear, Binturong & Otter Weekend

31st May & 1st June

A weekend of animal-themed merchandise, treats and more, dedicated to celebrating all three species at the Zoo, funds raised will go towards vital animal conservation. Included with admission

Summer Evenings at the Zoo

31st May & 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th June 6.30pm - 9.30pm, from £16

As the sun sets, enjoy an evening at the zoo and see the animals in a tranquil twilight setting, the World of Dinosaurs, entertainment and food. Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.hertfordshirezoo.com

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Napoleonic Living History Weekend

31st May & 1st June 10am - 5pm £16, £15, £11

Thrill at the musket, cavalry and artillery displays that will transport you to the heart of Napoleonic warfare.

Wildlife Discovery Day 7th June 10am 5pm

From £13, child from £10

Explore the Museum's 45 acre site and discover the diversity of species that live there with family-friendly activities.

Medieval Jousting

28th & 29th June £14.54, child £11

Step into a world of knights in shining armour and see displays of incredible skill and horsemanship. Be captivated by the bravery and agility of the armoured knights as they engage in thrilling jousting battles.

COAM, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB

www.coam.org.uk

St Albans City Walks in June

1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th 11.15am & 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th 2.30pm Historic St Albans

1st Victorian St Albans 2.30pm

5th City Centre Highlights 5pm

7th Fishpool St 2.30pm

8th Coaching Inns 2.30pm

8th Discover Harpenden 2.30pm

14th Explore St Peters 2.30pm

15th Wars of the Roses 2.30pm

21st Roman City Revealed 11am

22nd Tudor St Albans 2.30pm

27th Samuel Ryder Walk 7pm

28th The Pubs of St Albans 2.30pm

29th Discover Redbourn 2pm

29th People who Built St Albans 2.30pm

£6, please book

www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk

Batford Springs Volunteer Session

1st June 10am - 1pm

As part of the first Herts Rivers Week why not spend a morning with the volunteers clearing vegetation alongside and in the chalk streams, and weeding young trees planted last winter.

Lower Luton Road, Harpenden AL5 5AQ www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Cars at the Castle

1st June 12 noon - 4pm free

The Castle will be open for you to explore, with over 60 exhibiting modern to vintage cars and motorcycles set within the grounds, live music, food and drink. Hertford Castle SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk

Sunday at the Mills

1st, 15th & 29th June 11am - 4pm

Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of the historic gunpowder factory.

Summer Breakout - Custom & Classic Show

22nd June 10am - 4pm £10, child £5, u10’s free

See hundreds of classic and retro vehicles on display, ride on the narrow gauge railway and more. In aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Harpenden Library

CareFest 2nd June 10.30am - 12.30pm free

It’s all about enriching your life and feeling supported by the community, find out about the free resources available from Health & Independent Living Support, Adult Care Services, Movement Specialists, CPR Demonstrations, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Carers in Herts.

Imaginary Landscapes: Poetry & Harp

6th June 7pm £7

A unique evening of music and performance, featuring words and semi-improvised music with award-winning poet, author and raconteur, Chris Tutton and leading British harpist, Anne Denholm-Blair.

High Street, Harpenden AL5 2RU www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Nutwood (Left Hand Gate), Down Green Lane, Wheathampstead AL4 8EB Contact Robert Innes 07596 454 550 Friendly, Reliable, Independent Business

NOW at the Cathedral

Talk: John Chapple and the Restoration of the Abbey Tower 4th June 8pm

On 1st August 1870, a crisis occurred at the Cathedral. During a service, John Chapple heard a loud cracking noise from the tower. Keeping quiet until the congregation had left, he began his examinations, which revealed serious structural weaknesses. Over the hot summer, the tower started to move, leaving great cracks and starting to crush the Ramryge chapel. Drastic and immediate action was needed. Discover the story of John Chapple, Clerk of Works, and his heroic efforts to save the Abbey Tower. Join Cathedral Guide, James Gaffney, to reveal the story behind the man who played a pivotal role in a tumultuous period; both how he came to be in St Albans and how he became involved in the restoration of the Abbey. £12, £6

Tower Tour 7th June 10am

Climb 211 winding steps to the top of the spectacular Norman Tower. £15, £12

Pentecost Sunday 8th June 8am - 6pm

Marking the end of the Easter season, Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit and the Christian Church. Observed throughout the day.

The Tale of Two Shrines: More to Explore Tour 8th June 1.30pm free please book

Looking in depth at St Albans’ shrines to Alban and his teacher Amphibalus. Find out about their construction, destruction and restoration, and the place of our saints throughout the history of the Abbey.

The Peasants' Revolt Tours

14th June 10.30am & 16th June 2pm £12

For a few days in June 1381 St Albans Abbey was threatened with destruction. Learn about the events leading up to these days and their aftermath.

St Albans Bach Choir: Concert of Choral Masterpieces 14th June 7.30pm

Vivaldi’s Gloria / Haydn’s Nelson Mass / Purcell’s Welcome to all the Pleasures. £15 - £36

Baptism Celebration 15th June 2pm

A chance to give thanks to God and celebrate with those who have been baptised at the Cathedral in the last two years.

Installation of Minor Canon Youth Chaplain 15th June 6pm

Join in evensong to welcome and install The Revd Jason Wratten.

Whitney Houston by Candlelight 18th June 7.30pm

Experience the best of Whitney Houston at this epic live concert! £60 - £10

Corpus Christi 19th June 5pm

A feast celebrating the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

80s Anthems by Candlelight 19th June 7.30pm

Serving up the biggest and best rock anthems, power ballads and pop classics of the decade, live! £60 - £10

The Power of Pilgrimage Tours

20th June 10.30am & 22nd June 2pm

Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and learn about the practice of pilgrimage from the earliest times to the present day. £12

Alban Day: Pilgrimage & Festival

21st June

See the 12ft puppets weaving through the streets, retelling the story of St Alban. The procession begins at St Peter's Church travelling down St Peter's Street and onto the High Street, finishing at the West End of the Cathedral.

11am Alban Pilgrimage Procession

12 noon Pilgrimage Eucharist, with Pilgrimage

Preacher The Very Revd Isaac Poobalan

12 noon - 5pm Alban Festival on the Orchard, High Street and surrounding areas

4pm Pilgrimage Evensong, concluding with a final procession to the Shrine of St Alban Music Trust Lunchtime Concert

23rd June 1pm free

Performance by Hertfordshire Music Service teachers.

Talk: Diarmaid MacCulloch on Christianity & Sex 26th June 7.30pm

Exploring how 3,000 years of constant change have shaped our attitudes towards sexuality and families. £12, £6 St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard AL1 1BY

NOW for some Entertainment

The Alban Arena

Curtis Stigers 1st June 8pm from £24

Songwriter, saxophonist and guitarist with a rich singing voice at turns both mournful and playful.

Simon & Garfunkel Story 3rd June 7.30pm £30

A cast of talented West End actor-musicians tell the story of Simon and Garfunkel from their humble beginnings to their success and break up, finishing with a recreation of the 1981 Central Park concert.

An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck 5th June 7.30pm from £32

One of the most popular household names from the golden era of British stand up is back with a bang!

Aljaz & Janette: A Night To Remember 6th June 7.30pm from £54.50

A night of unforgettable dancing, great music and plenty of laughter from these Strictly favourites.

Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

7th June 7.30pm from £67.50

Continuing to dazzle, involve and impress audiences with their exuberant live performances.

Spoken Word/Audience With ADHD - Unmasked 11th June 7.30pm £29.50

A unique, interactive event taking a closer look at ADHD, with inspiring stories and experiences.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 12th June 7.30pm From £37.50

Endorsed by founding member, Mick Fleetwood, this is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.

Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket 13th June 7.30pm £30 age 16+

The only British vicar to have had a number-one hit and appeared on Strictly. An intimate evening with one of the UK’s most distinctive voices, sharing anecdotes from a life well lived with gossip, wit and wisdom.

Dancemania 15th June 2.30pm £20

An action-packed show of street hip hop and dance.

Rhys Darby: The Legend Returns 19th June 8pm from £29.50 age 16+

In a world full of AI and Robot tech can a simple dad with slightly tight jeans stay relevant?! Perhaps his unique human skills, once thought of as absurd, might just be useful after all!

One Night of Queen with Gary Mullen 20th June 7.30pm £26

For over 20 years they have been performing this world-renowned live concert, they Will Rock You and are Guranteed to Blow Your Mind!

An Evening with Gazza 22nd June 7.30pm From £32 age 14+

Football icon Paul Gascoigne chats about his career

and time with Rangers, Newcastle, Tottenham, Everton, Lazio, the England squad and more.

Tropicana Nights 28th June 7.30pm £19.50

The Ultimate 80’s Party night.

The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD www.everyonetheatres.com

The Old Town Hall

Talk: The Hidden Corners of London with Jack Chesher 3rd June 7.30pm £18

This Sunday Times bestselling author will take you on a journey through London and its history.

Once 5th - 6th June 7.30pm £18

The story of a guy who gave up on love and music and the girl who inspired him to dream again.

Music, Mayhem & a Mezzo 13th June 8pm £18

This duo have worked with everyone from Pete Townshend to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Journey through the History of Western Music through the medium of Abba, all served up with a filthily operatic sense of humour.

Martin Harley 21st June 8pm £20

Harley has captivated audiences for decades with his ability to blend Americana, Blues and Folk.

Fringe Comedy Previews

Katie Norris & Rob Auton 27th June 8pm £14 14+

Hal Cruttenden 30th June 8pm £14 16+

Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Barn Theatre

Jazz at the Barn- L’Esprit du Jazz 6th June 8pm £10

Talented jazz accordionist Karen Street and her quartet will perform music inspired by French swing, Latin and Tango, plus some original compositions.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

12th - 21st June 8pm 21st, 14th & 15th June 2.30pm

Plus 22nd June 3pm outdoor performance at Harmer Green Lane, Digswell, Welwyn Shakespeare’s timeless comedy of fairies, lovers and mistaken identities. £15

Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk

Hat Factory Arts Centre

Edinburgh Preview Shows 8pm £12 age 16+

Bilal Zafar & Rob Auton 6th June

Ahir Shah & Marise Gaughan 19th June

Ania Magliano & Tom Rosenthal 27th June

A sneak peek from these award-winning comedians, as they make their way to the Edinburgh Fringe.

Open Mic Night 19th June 8pm £8

Calling all local talent! An evening of encouragement in finding your voice, stepping into the light and shining.

Film: Flying for Britain Johnny Smythe RAF

Navigator WW2 & the Windrush Story 21st June 2pm £8

Pioneer Club

Join author and director Amanda Epe and guest Eddy Smythe, at this film screening, as they delve into this drama-documentary telling the remarkable story of Johnny Smythe, West African RAF hero, from recruitment to front line service and his experiences of combat flying as the navigator of a Stirling Bomber.

NGYT Musical Theatre Showcase

29th June 2pm & 5.30pm £10

As featured on BBC’s Big Night of Musicals. Luton LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

Roman Theatre Open Air Festival 6th June - 31st Aug

Bold, imaginative surprising live theatre and music, in the UKs oldest producing theatre. See page 13 www.OVO.org.uk

Abbey Theatre

Great Expectations

13th - 21st June 8pm & 15th June 2.30pm £14

This fresh adaptation of Dickens’ classic brings depth to the characters, exploring themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of one’s past on the future.

The Beat Goes On and On 28th & 29th June 6pm £16, child £10

With Hurst Children’s Theatre Group. ‘The Little Ones’ (all under 7), will be dazzled by the lights, forget their words, be dead chuffed with their costumes and be absolutely marvellous. The rest of the cast will be supporting them in telling the story!

Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

The EMC

The Dancing Faun, a Personal Story of a Masterpiece 18th June 8pm

With The Arts Society Harpenden Evening.

Lecture: The Arts Society Harpenden Area 19th June

In the late 1850s photography became popular, and suddenly nearly everyone could afford a portrait of themselves.

Phantoms of The Popera 20th June 7.30pm from £25

Starring G4, four of the world’s finest voices, performing songs from the West End and Broadway. Yesterday Once More – Carpenters Songbook 27th June 7.30pm from £27

With hits including Superstar, Rainy Days, (They Long to Be) Close to You, Yesterday Once More and more! Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.everyonetheatres.com

Disco Bliss Day Disco 21st June 1pm £19.50 18+

This is a daytime dance party, where you can dance with like-minded people with a professional DJ and a friendly atmosphere. Day is the new night!

Glastonbury Open Day 29th June 12 noon from £5

A family-friendly event with live Glastonbury feed on the big screen, live music, entertainment, DJs, games, activities, food and a licensed bar. All ages, u18s accompanied by an adult Pioneer Club, Heathlands Drive, St Albans AL3 5AY www.pioneerclub.co.uk

A Season to Sing 21st June 7pm £20, £10

Presented by Harpenden Choral Society. Local composer, Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, marks the 300th Anniversary of Vivaldi’s Four Season’s by reimagining the four concertos and weaving texts from poetry and the Bible with Vivaldi’s well-loved melodies. There will also be pieces by Vaughan Williams, Ireland, Bruckner, Bach, Tallis and Tavener.

St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2TP www.ticketsource.couk/harpendenchoralsociety

Joseph Haydn: The Creation 21st June 7.30pm

St Albans Choral Society Concert

St Saviours Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans AL1 4DF www.stalbanschoralsociety.org

Afternoon Concert with Herts Big Band

28th June 1pm - 5pm £7,child £4

Listen to the music of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and many more. Bring a picnic or get pizza and real ale while enjoying the band Shenley Park Walled Garden, Shenley Park WD7 9DW www.bigband.co.uk

Stratospheric

Blues 28th June 7.30pm

A concert of voices soaring into the blue with St Albans Chamber Choir. Will Todd: Mass in Blue / Eric Whitacre: Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine / Michael Tippett: Spirituals and John Rutter: Birthday Madrigals. £18, student £5

St Peter's Church, St Albans AL1 3HG www.ticketsource.co.uk

German Romantics

29th June 4pm £18, concs £15

de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra present their final concert of the season. Brahms: St Anthony (Haydn) Variations / Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 / Beethoven: Seventh Symphony. Weston Auditorium, University of Herts, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield AL10 9EU

www.herts.ac.uk

Lawn Mowing I Hedge Cutting

Weeding I Garden Clearance

Fencing I Power Washing/Sealing Turfing I General Maintenance + Much more…

info@detailgardening.co.uk

DetailGardening www.detailgardening.co.uk

www.arlandscapes.co.uk

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

Out & About

IWM Duxford

Operation Overlord 7th June £36

Experience the story of D-Day, as it’s retold through a flying display with Spitfires, a Piper L-4 Grasshopper and other aircraft, reflecting on the role Duxford has played in aviation history.

Duxford Summer Air Show

21st & 22nd June £49.50, child free

Fuel your senses with fast flying, all action aerobatics in the air above and a jam-packed programme of entertainment on the ground. Enjoy living history groups, a modern military village museum, a traditional steam fair, a multi-sensory outdoor play area, jump free-fall from the top of a high tower, make and paint a plastic scale model, see snakes, lizards and tarantulas and much more.

Cambs CB22 4QR www.iwm.org.uk

Knebworth House

DogFest 7th & 8th June £17.50, child free

This exciting, family-friendly festival is a must-visit for dog lovers, packed with amazing activities, expert advice, and unforgettable experiences for you and your four-legged friends.

Garden Theatre: Comedie of Elizabeth I 8th June gates 6pm, performance 7pm

Performed by The Three Inch Fools. Bring a picnic, blanket and chairs.

Medieval Father's Day Jousting 15th June 12pm & 2.30pm

Included in entry cost

Knebworth House, Stevenage SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Farm, Food & Fun Summer Market

8th June 10am - 4pm

With stalls offering crafts, gifts, food and drinks. Enjoy family-friendly activities, a tractor display for budding future farmers and tractor enthusiasts alike, a carousel and bouncy castle. A fun summer day out on all the family. Free, parking £2

The Walled Garden, Luton LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

St Albans Half Marathon

8th June closing date 5th June

This event raises money for local charities and organisations and is a great day out for all the family.

The scenic Half Marathon, Walking Half and Wheelchair Course takes you on a challenging but rewarding route through the country lanes of St Albans. The closed road 10k course is perfect for all runners, and the 5k takes you on a route around Verulamium Park and is open to 11 years and over.

Half Marathon: 9am £38 - £40

Walking Half: 7.30am £26

10k: 9am £30 - £32

5k: 8am £20 - £22

Fun Run: 9.15am £11

Verulamium Park, St Albans AL1 2DL www.stalbanshalfmarathon.com

Tree Cathedral Picnic & Celebrations

8th June 11am - 4pm

A day of fresh air, fun and reflection beneath the leafy canopies of Whipsnade Tree Cathedral. With guided history tours telling the story behind the Tree Cathedral and how it’s looked after, a teddy bear hunt, family games, a service with Whipsnade Church and lots more. Bring seats or blankets. No need to book Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, Dunstable LU6 2LQ www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Tour de Vale Charity Bike Ride

8th June

This charity ride passes through villages in Bucks and Oxfordshire. With entertainment from Bucks Radio and a BBQ. Funds raised will help disabled children and adults take part in sport at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. 25k £20 / 75k £27.50 / 110k £35

Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Bucks HP21 9PP www.wheelpower.org.uk

Open Farm Sunday 8th June 10am - 4pm free

Enjoy machinery demonstrations, tractor rides, farm tours and more at this historic family farming estate. Over 30% of the farm is organic or in organic conversion and the majority is run on regenerative principles.

Gaddesden Home Farm, Hemel Hempstead HP2 6EZ www.gaddesdenestate.co.uk

St Albans South Signal Box

8th & 22nd June 2pm - 5pm

Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK open to the public and next to a main line railway. See signalling demonstrations, operate working signals, a point and more. Free 5 Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AJ www.sigbox.co.uk

Benington Lordship

Plant Fairs Roadshow

8th June 11am - 4pm £10, child £4

A unique opportunity to buy locally grown and unusual plants from award winning nurseries.

Floral Festival & Open Gardens

28th & 29th June 12pm - 5pm £10, child £4

St Peter's Church will be decorated with floral displays, and some village gardens will be open. Refreshments will be available in the village hall.

Benington Lordship, Nr Stevenage SG2 7BS www.beningtonlordship.co.uk

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

Out & About

Ayot St Lawrence Art Show

21st & 22nd June / preview evening 20th June

This will be the show’s 50th anniversary, with a fantastic range of art in a variety of styles and media including oil, watercolour and acrylic.

Palladian Church, Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BZ www.ayotartshow.co.uk

Summer Fine Dining Evening

21st June 6pm £80

Includes Prosecco and canapés on arrival, a fourcourse dining experience as chefs create and present exquisite dishes before your eyes, and answer questions throughout the evening, plus carefully curated wine pairings with each course. Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2JQ www.rothamstedenterprises.com

Trolls: A Field Study

21st June - 22nd Sept

Enjoy fun at the zoo this summer, where 12 magical trolls need you to join their team of field researchers. Set off on an exciting mission to learn all you can about humankind as you find them hidden around the Zoo. Included in entry Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org

Mini Beast Safari 22nd June 10am £8

An educational and wonderful event, which has captivated both young and old for many years. Tickets limited, please book Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0DY www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Circus Zyair 25th - 29th June

This promises to be a magical and memorable event for all the family. www circus-zyair.co.uk

Festival of Flight Air Show

28th & 29th June

gates 9am, displays 2pm & 8pm

Celebrate the incredible achievements of aviation past and present with this stunning programme of breath-taking air displays. Enjoy the fun fair, delicious food and drink and the interactive Discovery Zones.

Please book, from £39, child free Shuttleworth, Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Bleed Kits Now in Defibrillator Cabinets

Bleed control kits have been installed in the three St Albans community defibrillator cabinets at Barclays Bank, Christopher Place and The Maltings, thanks to local charity Hearts for Herts. The kits are designed for use on any extreme bleeding likely to cause death within minutes if not treated. They contain a tourniquet to restrict blood flow, haemostatic gauze that helps stop bleeding rapidly, a trauma dressing, gloves and a chest seal. The kits are registered with the Ambulance Service, so a 999 caller will be given the code to access them, allowing anyone to give vital treatment before paramedics arrive.

 There are nearly 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests every year in the UK.

 Less than 1 in 10 people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest.

 80% of out of hospital cardiac arrests happen at home and 20% happen in a public place.

 8 out of 10 cardiac arrests occur due to a cardiac problem.

 Public access defibrillator use is reported as being used in less than 1 in 10 cardiac arrests.

 For every minute that someone’s in cardiac arrest without receiving CPR and having a defibrillator used on them, their chance of survival decreases by 10%

 Catastrophic blood loss is life-threatening and can be caused by road traffic accidents, farming accidents, stabbings and machinery. Death can occur within a matter of minutes if it isn’t controlled.

 The average ambulance response time is 6.9 minutes.