From Chimney Sweeps, Cleaners, Electricians, Gardeners and Hairdressers to Locksmiths, Pest Control Specialists, Plumbers and Roofersall these local businesses and more are featured in this month’s magazine. Don’t forget choosing local businesses like these benefits you and supports our whole community. Run your own business? We‘d love to include you it’s quick and easy, just book your space online today!
Jane & Wendy
@theNOWmagazines
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Harpenden Blinds
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NOW for the Kids
Pumpkin Festival
Pick your pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, go on the Pumpkin Hunt, visit the Gourds Grotto and more. Willows Activity Farm, St Albans AL4 0PF willowsactivityfarm.com
Roald Dahl Museum
Titchy Toddlers: Nature & Outdoors
10th & 13th Oct 10am - 12pm 6 months - 4 years
Toddle around the galleries, enjoy special activities and storytelling.
Upside Down Rooms Clay Workshop
27th & 28th Oct age 5+
Make a 3D clay tile inspired by The Twits and their upturned home.
Disgusterous Clay Dinners
29th, 30th & 31st Oct age 5+
Take a tip from The Twits and make a clay version of some gruesome grub!
Twilight Tricks: Halloween Late Night Special 30th Oct 4.30pm all ages
Stay late at the Museum for some Halloween fun with face painting £6, trick-or-treat trail £4, plus Museum entry
Charlie's Chocolate Christmas Storytelling 8th Nov - 14th Dec selected dates
All ages, free with Museum entry roalddahlmuseum.org
Standalone Farm
Pumpkin Patch 11th - 31st Oct
Wander through the pumpkin wonderland and discover pumpkins of every shape and size, perfect for picking, posing and snapping your fang-tastic photos.
Circus Workshop 25th - 31st Oct
Step right up for an electrifying Halloween adventure! Join the High Voltage Circus Workshop, a whirlwind of fun and skill where you’ll master stilt walking, diabolos, juggling and ribbon work. Wilbury Road, Letchworth Garden City SG6 4JN standalonefarm.com
Spook-Fest 11th Oct - 2nd Nov
Lots of spooky fun to be had with the spooky shack, giant puzzles, pumpkin bingo, spooky-oke, mini tractor play, bouncy castle, dance tunnel, bale play, scarecrow characters, pop up shows, pumpkin
picking and carving and more.
Aldenham Country Park. Elstree WD6 3BA aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk
Halloween Spookfest 18th - 31st Oct
With a spooky farm trail, big bale play, tractors and digger ride-ons, creepy fairy woodland play, scarecrow trail, farm Sensory trail and stickers for best dressed boys, girls and dogs! Spooky rather than terrifying, so all ages welcome!
Church Farm, Ardeley, Stevenage SG2 7AH churchfarmardeley.co.uk
Stockwood Discovery Centre
The BIG Draw 25th - 31st Oct 11am - 5pm, free, all ages
Celebrate 25 years with the theme ‘Drawn Together’, highlighting how creativity unites us and how collaboration and connection are at the heart of making. Grab a pencil and paper and find something that inspires you and draw your very own unique interpretation. All artwork will be used to form a giant masterpiece at the end of the week.
Calling all witches, vampires and ghouls, come and join in with eerie arts, ghostly crafts and the terrifying trail, enter at your own risk!
London Road Luton LU1 4LX culturetrust.com
The Centre of Hocus Pocus
25th Oct - 2nd Nov
Enjoy some spooky fun this Halloween, with creepy critter encounters, flying displays, meet and handle an owl, tractor rides and more.
Herrings Green Activity Farm & Birds of Prey Centre, Beds MK45 3DT birdsofpreycentre.co.uk
Mead Open Farm
Freaky Fun Fest
25th Oct - 2nd Nov £19.95
Be amazed at the Freaky Flamenco Fiesta Circus, journey through three haunted Halloween mazes, head to the Pumpkin Patch and pick a pumpkin, then take part in the ghoulishly great Halloween hunt to win a sweet surprise.
Fireworks & Farm Fun 8th Nov 2pm £20.50
Enjoy the spectacular fireworks display, SkyTrail, rock climbing wall, Shaggy’s Raceway, huge indoor play area and the adorable animals.
The spooky ruins of Sopwell Nunnery are the perfect setting for this unique storytelling performance exploring magic, myth and legend. with tales of fairies, werewolves and the Green Lady of Hertfordshire.
Sopwell Ruins, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans AL1 2BY stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Could you give up your bed to help
Join Hertfordshire homelessness charity, DENS, for an inspiring night under the stars on 21st November at Hammond Academy, Hemel Hempstead. Play your part at this hugely popular fundraising event, packed full of community spirit and entertainment. When it’s time to bed down, experience just a small glimpse of the challenges faced by rough sleepers during the harsh winter months.
Wake up at dawn with a huge sense of achievement, knowing every penny you have raised will help rebuild the lives of local people facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. Don’t miss out, free places available now at www.dens.org.uk/now-mag
Out & About
The Secret Garden Adventure Golf
An immersive garden journey through 18 unique holes, each celebrating a theme from the natural world. From buzzing bees to native birds, soothing water features to magical folklore, it’s a relaxing, enriching mini golf experience for the whole family.
Van Hage, Great Amwell, Ware SG12 9RP secretgardenadventuregolf.com
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Generations: Stories from South Asian St Albans until 16th Nov
Exploring the relationship between the UK and South Asian countries using photos and storytelling.
Sunday Crafternoons until 30th Nov 1.30pm - 3.45pm
Different craft activities each week and a special museum trail. Families and children aged 5 - 11
Town Hall Tour 14th Nov 2.30pm
From glittering galas in the Assembly Room to the Cells below where prisoners were held, discover the stories of this local landmark.
Exhibition: Our Stories: Tracing Black Histories in Hertfordshire 2nd Oct - 2nd Nov
A powerful project by St Albans Black History Research Group, bringing together an exhibition with research spanning 2,000 years from Roman Verulamium to the lives of Black communities today.
Talk: Hidden History of the Countryside 15th Oct 7pm
British countryside is rarely seen as having anything to do with British colonialism. This talk brings rural life and colonial rule together with transformative results.
Exhibition: Worlds Connected 24th Oct - 22nd Feb
Multi-sensory exhibition exploring connections between St Albans and the Islamic World, from scientific discoveries to a fondness for coffee!
Half Term Events & Activities 27th - 31st Oct
Inspired by the Worlds Connected Exhibition create a printed book mark, decorate a tile or join in colourful crafts to make a lantern.
HorrorFest 8th Nov 7pm 18+
Hear from horror-film experts as they guide you
through a live technical demonstration of horror film makeup and prosthetics, led by an experienced prosthetics technician.
Spy Princess 12th Nov 7pm
The inspiring story of Noor Inayat Khan, a secret agent in WW2.
Exhibition: Inns & Alehouses in Victorian St Albans 28th Nov - 15th March
Looking at the nearly 100 venues that served the city from beer houses to taverns and the reasons why they flourished or failed.
St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL1 3DH stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Waddesdon
Cellar Tour & History of Rothschild Wines
Fridays until 24th Oct
Murder at the Manor
25th Oct & 1st Nov 6.30pm
Black-tie murder mystery dining experiences.
Haunted Half Term 25th Oct - 2nd Nov
closed Mon & Tues, 10am - 4pm
Have fun with spooky activities, family fun, an outdoor trail, the chance to explore the House and enjoy delicious treats.
Spooky Afternoon Tea
25th & 26th Oct & 29th Oct - 2nd Nov
Spine-tingling celebration of autumn flavours, ghostly delights and a touch of theatrical flair.
Christmas Fair
22nd Nov - 14th Dec Weds - Sun
Christmas at Waddeson
22nd Nov - 4th Jan various dates
Bucks HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk
Exhibition: Making Headway: Celebrating Sustainability in Hats
20th Sept - 15th Nov
Mon - Thurs & Sats 10am - 5pm free
See incredible hats of many leading UK milliners presented by The British Hat Guild.
Hat Works LU1 2NQ culturetrust.com
Wednesday Wanders
1st Oct & 5th Nov 12 noon - 2pm
Take an informal guided walk and see the diversity of wildlife that calls the reserve home at this time of year.
Rye Meads, Hoddesdon, Ware SG12 8JS events.rspb.org.uk
Harpenden Museum
Exhibition: Everyday Life in Edwardian Harpenden 2nd Oct - 31st Jan
Tues, Thurs & Sat 11am - 3pm free
See what living in Harpenden was like before World War One.
Eric Morecombe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.harpenden-history.org.uk
NOW at the Cathedral
Abbey by Night
1st, 22nd Oct & 12th Nov 8pm & 8.30pm
Be transported back in time to the medieval abbey as you encounter the fantastic stories of the past under candlelight.
Flora & Fauna Tours
4th, 11th & 29th Oct 10.30pm
Exploring how the natural world of Hertfordshire has been depicted in stone, wood, glass and textile in the Cathedral over the centuries.
All Creatures Great & Small
- Pet Blessing Service 5th Oct 2pm
A short informal service for visitors and their pets, to give thanks for the joy and companionship they bring to us.
Grand Designs Tour 6th Oct 10.30am
Discover the skill and artistry of the medieval builders and craftsmen, including stone and wood carvings, stained glass, bell casting, wall painting and illuminated manuscripts.
Magna Carta 800: How 1215’s Crisis Became 1225’s Constitution 9th Oct 7.30pm
Discover the differences between the Charters of 1215 and 1225, and find out how the latter was much better equipped to sink deep roots into the English political community.
George Michael by Candlelight 9th & 10th Oct 7.30pm
Over 25 years of hits from Club Tropicana to the Edge of Heaven will have you dancing in the aisles!
Tour: Let the Women Speak!
17th Oct 10.30am & 25th Nov 2pm
Giving voice to women across the ages who were associated with the history of the cathedral and abbey church.
Royal Choral Society: Verdi Requiem 18th Oct 7pm
Referred to as Verdi's ‘greatest opera without a
stage’, this is one of the most extraordinary choral works in western classical music.
The Teacher of Auschwitz 20th Oct 7.30pm
Discover the true story of the young German Jew Fredy Hirsch who persuaded the SS to let him establish a children’s block in the heart of Auschwitz.
More to Explore Tour: The Graveyard Slot 26th Oct 1.30pm
Hear the stories of people who lie buried in the graveyard and the part they played in the Abbey’s history, and see how death has been portrayed down the ages.
Poppy Fields by Luxmuralis
28th Oct - 1st Nov 5.45pm - 9pm
A moving sound and light show reflecting on the end of WWI and WW2, and looking at the hopes and wishes for peace in our world and the future.
Making Your Mark Tours
31st Oct & 21st Nov 10.30am
Discover how visitors across the centuries have ‘scratched’ their mark on this building. From pilgrims and monks to knights and soldiers, the graffiti they left tell a unique story of ordinary folk. Look for hidden gems from signatures to skeletons, discover animals, crosses and kings and search for hard-tofind examples like the mythical beast.
Tour: Lest We Forget 11th Nov 2pm
Discover some of the memorials in the Cathedral, and hear how those who died, many in the service of others, are commemorated in different ways.
The Music of Coldplay by Candelight
19th Nov 7.30pm
St Albans Bach Choir: Haydn's 'The Seasons' 22nd Nov 7pm
This captivating oratorio portrays the changing seasons through music and text.
More to Explore Tour: Christmas is Coming 23rd Nov 1pm
Learn how Christmas was celebrated in the past. How much of what we are familiar with now was a Victorian invention, and what pre-dated Christmas trees and familiar carols.
Speak Your Mind - Sixth Form Conference
26th Nov 1.30pm
Inspired by BBC's Question Time, this event provides a chance for students to discuss and debate with a platform of speakers on subjects, including ethical, political and global questions.
The Christmas Orchestra 29th Nov 6.45pm
Experience compositions from favourite Christmas films, as well as popular sing-a-long classics, performed by a 16 piece chamber orchestra
Advent Procession 30th Nov 6pm
A beautiful candlelit service with readings and music to mark the start of the Advent season.
Out & About
Whipsnade Zoo
Guided Tours: The Whipsnade Story 10.30am
Hear about the lives of the animals and people that have been a part of the Zoo over the years.
2nd & 12th Oct
Trailblazing, tea parties & train robberies
1950 - 1990s
4th & 16th Oct
Success, bombs & spies 1931 - 1945
18th Oct
Roses, royalty & a breeding revolution
1931 - 1945
Boo at the Zoo 25th Oct - 2nd Nov
Filled with spooky fun, animal secrets, and Halloween surprises.
Dunstable LU6 2LF whipsnadezoo.org
George Street Gin & Jazz
3rd Oct 6pm - 10.30pm Music, bars, shopping and more. George Street, St Albans
Hatfield House
Live Music at The Coach House Kitchen with Roxy Searle 3rd Oct 6.30pm
Hatfield House Music Festival: The Gift of Music 9th - 12th Oct 5pm - 8.15pm
Enjoy a long weekend of concerts.
Willow Family Fun Run, 10k & 5k
12th Oct 10am
Explore the picturesque grounds of Hatfield House. Minimum sponsorship £50, to provide special days for seriously ill 16 - 40 year olds.
John Michael Wright: Conservation & Context
17th Oct 6pm
A rare opportunity to view an important 17th century portrait not normally on public display.
Champagne Carriage Tours
18th Oct 10am - 6pm
Step back in time with this tour of the Old Palace.
Witches & Wizards Week
25th Oct - 2nd Nov 11am - 7pm
Dust off your broomsticks for a spook-tacular adventure from haunted forests to wicked workshops.
Live Music at The Coach House Kitchen with Bob Halford 7th Nov 6.30pm
Winter Walks & Workshops
29th Nov - 21st Dec 11am - 4pm
From festive woodland walks to Christmas decoration workshops at this family event.
Hatfield House AL9 5HX
hatfield-house.co.uk
Quilt St Albans Exhibition
4th Oct 10am - 4pm £2
With over 100 handmade quilts and wall hangings on display and a fabric and haberdashery stall. Profits to Peace Hospice and St John Fisher Church
St John Fisher Church Hall, Redbourn AL3 7PN quiltstalbans.com
Oaktober Fest
4th Oct 11am - 4pm from £7.21
A festive day in the orchard with pumpkin decorating, live shows, zoo visits, tractor rides and street food.
Oaklands College, St Albans AL4 0JA oaklands.ac.uk
Herts Wildlife Trust
Autumn Bird Walk 4th Oct 10am
Enjoy a walk to discover the autumn wildlife, please dress appropriately for the weather.
Stocker's Lake, Rickmansworth WD3 1NB
Bat Walk 7th Oct 6.30pm & 30th Oct 4.45pm
Discover the amazing life of bats, and hopefully see Pipistrelle and Daubenton bats and learn how to identify them using a bat detector.
Stocker's Lake, Rickmansworth WD3 1NB
Smartphone Safari 30th Oct 10.30am
Learn how to take amazing wildlife photos using your smartphone.
Grebe House, St Albans AL3 4SN
Half Term Drop In Session
31st Oct 11am - 1pm
Come and explore the wildlife garden.
Grebe House, St Albans AL3 4SN hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Apple Day 5th Oct 10am - 3.30pm
Step into the legacy of Bernard Shaw, whose orchard was the apple of his eye, whether you’re an apple enthusiast, an orchard owner, or looking for a family day out, there’s something for everyone with tastings, tours, apple identification and apple themed treats.
With live music, homemade cakes, apple juice and cider available to buy, apple juicing demonstrations and apple based games.
Highfield Park, Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA
highfieldparktrust.co.uk
(Left Hand Gate), Down Green Lane, Wheathampstead AL4 8EB
Robert Innes 07596 454 550
The Eric Morcambe Centre
Guys & Dolls
8th - 11th Oct 7.30pm & 11th Oct 2.30pm
A timeless tale of finding love and redemption in the most unexpected places.
Wishbone Ash 12th Oct 7.30pm
Featuring much-loved classics such as The King Will Come, Throw Down the Sword & Blowin’ Free.
The Arts Society Harpenden Area 16th Oct 10.30am
Lecture: Sandro Botticelli, one of the most popular painters of the Italian renaissance.
Imagine Lennon 16th Oct 7.30pm
Celebrating the legacy of John Lennon, brought to life by the internationally acclaimed Tyson Kelly.
Some Guys Have all the Luck 17th Oct 7.30pm
Celebrating the 80th birthday of Sir Rod Stewart, and bringing to the stage an incredible live concert.
Dr John Cooper Clarke 22nd Oct 8pm
Having created some of the most iconic poetry of the modern era, his cultural influence spans literature, music and fashion.
Georgie Carroll: Infectious 24th Oct 7.30pm age 14+
Georgie is razor sharp and riotous, an undeniable comedy powerhouse and a natural storyteller.
Round the Horne 31st Oct 7.30pm
A radio comedy classic live on stage from the producers of the UK tours of the Goon Show and Hancock’s Half Hour.
Thank Abba for the Music 1st Nov 7.30pm
Expect hits Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper, SOS, Take a Chance on Me and many more!
Strange, But True Crime 3rd Nov 7.30pm
Join former forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees to explore some of the most shocking and hard-tobelieve crimes.
Pirates Love Underpants 5th Nov 1.30pm
Join the swashbuckling party of pirates on their quest to find the fabled pants of gold.
Adventures in Modern Recording - an Intimate Evening with Trevor Horn 7th Nov 7.30pm
Responsible for music from Marc Almond, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Tina Turner and many more.
Fleetwood Bac 8th Nov 7.30pm
Regarded as the UK’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute show, focusing on the bands ‘Rumours’ era.
An Audience with Bill Fellows 13th Nov 7.30pm
With a career spanning over 3 decades, he shares the highs, challenges and unforgettable moments that have shaped his journey through film, TV and theatre.
Annabel Croft from Tennis Balls to Glitter Balls 15th Nov 7.30pm
Former tennis pro shares her experiences from the world of tennis broadcasting to dancing on ‘Strictly’.
The Arts Society Harpenden Evening 19th Nov 8pm
Lecture: James Campbell : Shepard’s Christmas
The Arts Society Harpenden Area 20th Nov 10.30am
The science and exact art of colour in English garden design and why gardening can rank as a fine art.
The Crooners Christmas Special 21st Nov 7.30pm
Packed with laugh-out-loud antics, sharp oneliners, and a dazzling dose of big band swing.
One Night in Dublin 22nd Nov 7.30pm
Danny Muldoon and award winning musicians and singers take you on a trip through the emerald isle.
An Evening with Harry Redknapp 27th Nov 7.30pm
Hear stories from Harry’s football and TV career, one of most entertaining, funny talk shows on the circuit.
Rabbit Rabbit: A Tribute to Chas & Dave 28th Nov 7.30pm
With hits Gertcha!, Margate, Ain’t No Pleasing You and of course, Rabbit plus plenty more and some surprises!
Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR everyonetheatres.com
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 for some Entertainment
Abbey Theatre
Sunday in the Park with George 1st - 4th Oct £24
An unmissable award-winning musical.
The Harmony Test 10th - 18th Oct £15
A sharply-written comedy about love, life and everything in between.
It’s a Wonderful Life 14th - 22nd Nov £15
A story of hope, redemption and community in a magical stage adaptation of the beloved film. Abbey Theatre, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk
The Old Town Hall
Fagin's Last Hour 1st Oct 8pm
'Oliver Twist', Charles Dickens' dark tale of crime and punishment, is stunningly re-imagined in this multi award-winning adaptation.
It's a Mystery! 3rd Oct 8pm
A hilarious and moving exploration of the enduring appeal of murder mysteries.
Looking for Me Friend 4th Oct 8pm
An evening of pure joy filled with Victoria Wood’s bestloved songs, including the iconic ‘Ballad of Barry & Freda’ (Let’s Do It) and the classic ‘It Would Never Have Worked’.
Third Class: A Titanic Story 8th Oct 8pm
A one-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor, Edward Dorking.
Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone 10th Oct 8pm
Ruthless: A Night With Ruth Ellis 15th Oct 8pm
Award-winning actor Katherine Moran uses Ruth's own words to create an exciting, visceral reclaiming of the true story of Britain's last woman to be hanged.
WiFi Wars Halloween Special (family-friendly) 19th Oct 3pm
A spooky live comedy game show, where you play along: log in with your smartphone and compete in games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes!
Goosebumps of Delight 22nd Oct 8pm
Two of Dickens' ghost stories adapted with a comic element.
The Ripper Files 24th & 25th Oct
A spine-tingling whodunnit based on the world's most famous case!
Screaming Blue Murder 27th Oct 8pm
Resident monthly comedy club.
A Halloween Evening of Burlesque & Cabaret 31st Oct 8pm
An evening of bizarre burlesque, queer cabaret and sublime circus entertainment.
Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking! 9th Nov 8pm
Christmas Gothic 22nd - 23rd Nov
A Christmas Carol 25th - 26th Nov
The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE oldtownhall.co.uk
Duruflé’s Requiem
4th Oct 7.30pm £20, £10, £5
Hertfordshire Chorus present Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem plus Abendlied - Josef Rheinberger
Spirituals from A Child of Our Time - Michael Tippett
Motets - Anton Bruckner
Crossing the Bar - Rani Arbo
17 Days (excerpts) - James McCarthy
St Peters Church, St Albans AL1 3HG
hertfordshirechorus.org.uk
Pioneer Club
Day Rave - Dance for a Cause! 4th Oct 2pm £10
A chance to let loose and party while raising funds for local charities, The Pioneer Club and Youth Talk.
The Preloved Runway 9th Oct 7pm £15
With rails of preloved fashion, a fabulous runway show, and the chance to shop unique finds. We're with PULP are you? - In conversation with Mark Webber 12th Oct 7pm from £10
An evening with PULP guitarist Mark Webber discussing his life and times.
Book Club Battle 16th Oct 7pm £30 table of 6
If you're a member of a book club, or just a book enthusiast then this is the quiz for you!
It's A Sin - The Alternative 80s Night 18th Oct 8am £12
Playing Yazoo, The Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Buzzcocks and more!
Empire Records Music Quiz
6th Nov 7.30pm £30 table of 6
Get a team together with your mates.
Common People/Get Free 90s/00s Indie Night 15th Nov 8pm £12
A night of banging anthems.
Big Fish Little Fish - Pyjama Party Family Rave 16th Nov 2pm free
Family fun for 0-8 year olds, at this party filled with beats, bubbles, foam and balloons.
Dress code: glam PJ’s, fun onesies, teddy bears Heathlands Drive, St Albans AL3 5AY pioneerclub.co.uk
The Alban Arena
The Smyths 4th Oct 8pm £22.50
For anyone mourning the live absence of the original band, this is the closest you’ll get to being there.
40th Anniversary of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain 6th Oct 7.30pm £33.50
An astonishing revelation of the rich palette of orchestration afforded by ukuleles and a menagerie of voices in a collision of post-punk and old classics. Sandi Toksvig – Friends of Dorothy 8th Oct 7.30pm £32.50
An evening celebrating Sandi’s love and passion for writers and books.
The Bootleg Beatles 9th Oct 7.30pm £39
It’s all there, the costumes, the hairstyles, the banter and the gear.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 14th Oct 7.30pm £18
An unforgettable evening of thrilling adventure on the big screen!
Sensational 60’s Experience 16th Oct 7.30pm
Packed with timeless classics like: The Legend of Xanadu, Storm in a Teacup, Needles and Pins, Hippy Hippy Shake, Hitchin’ a Ride, and more.
Jimeoin – Pandemonium 18th Oct 7.30pm £26
A not-to-be-missed, hilarious evening with one of live comedy’s true masters.
Queenz - Drag Me To The Disco 19th Oct 7.30pm
Prepare to sing your heart out, laugh until it hurts, and even shed a tear as these queens take you on a highenergy rollercoaster of emotion.
Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons 20th Oct 7.30pm £36.50
Jason is back with his brand-new live show.
Ross Noble - Cranium Of Curiosities 22nd & 23rd Oct 8pm £32.50
The Wizard of Waffle, The Rambler Royale, The Noodlers’ Noodler is back with a tornado of tangents.
Milton Jones: Ha!milton 27th Oct 7.30pm £35
A new show of daftness. You know it makes sense.
Kevin Bloody Wilson: Dilligaf Legend, Live 29th Oct 7.30pm £38
He’s more than a storyteller - he’s a way of life.
Illegal Eagles 31st Oct 7.30pm
Featuring the best classics including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy and many more.
Maximum Rhythm & Blues With The Manfreds 1st Nov 7.30pm £40.50 & £42.50
Including iconic songs Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo, 5-4-3-2-1, The Mighty Quinn and more.
Step Into Christmas 18th Nov 7.30pm £34
From heart-warming ballads to upbeat festive anthems.
The Irish House Party 19th Nov 7.30pm £26
Musicians and dancers bring a unique blend of light hearted audience interaction with fascinating stories about the music and the instruments themselves.
Ben Portsmouth: This Is Elvis 21st Nov 7.30pm
Regarded as the closest living performer to Elvis! That’ll Be The Day 25th Nov 7pm
Packed with Christmas classics, laugh-out-loud comedy sketches and heart-warming festive cheer.
Trevor Nelson’s Soul Nation 28th Nov 7pm £32.50
Award-winning DJ and champion for RnB music.
St Albans AL1 3LD everyonetheatres.com
Barn Theatre
Ward/Dawkins Quintet 10th Oct 8pm
An evening of hard-hitting swing, bop and Latin.
Midsummers Night Scream
17th - 25th Oct 8pm & 25th Oct 2.30pm
A spooky, laugh-out-loud reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic, reinvented as a family-friendly horror-comedy.
Shirt & Sweet
28th Oct - 2nd Nov 8pm & 1st & 2nd Nov 2pm
A festival of new short plays by local writers.
Felix Fardel Quartet 7th Nov 8pm A rising Jazz star.
The Children’s Hour
14th - 22nd Nov 8pm & 22nd Nov 2.30pm
Between the dark and the daylight, when the night is beginning to lower, comes… the Children’s Hour.
Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk
St Albans Organ Theatre
Organ Concert 11th Oct 3pm Michael Wooldridge
Mechanical Instrument Concert 12th Oct 3pm
Camp Road AL1 5PE stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk
Dvorak & The Romantics 18th Oct 7.30pm
Enjoy choral music by The Music Makers Choir. High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU musicmakerschoir.wordpress.com
Maltings Arts Theatre
Talking Heads 30th Oct £12 - £15
A Lady Of Letters & Soldiering On, two dramatic monologues written by playwright Alan Bennett. Where the Wild Things Were 7th Nov £20
New stand-up show from Rob Newman.
The Art of Guitar: An Evening of Classical & Spanish Favourites 15th Nov £16
With maestro Mark Jennings. The Maltings Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL ovo.org.uk
St Albans Choral Society 15th Nov 7.30pm
Mark Hogan: Hear my Prayer / Leonard Bernstein: Chichester Psalms / John Rutter: Requiem
St Peter's Church, St Albans AL1 3HG stalbanschoralsociety.org
Out & About
Live Cinema: Love Never Dies
5th Oct 3pm & 16th Oct 7.30pm
This continues the story of The Phantom of the Opera. Featuring one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s finest musical scores performed by a 21 piece orchestra, a cast including Ben Lewis and Anna O'Byrne, over 300 costumes and a magnificent set illuminated by 5000 dazzling light bulbs! Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX campuswest.co.uk
Shuttleworth
Race Day Airshow 5th Oct 9am - 6pm
Experience the early days of Edwardian racing as both visiting vehicles and those from the Collection take to the grass track for high-speed sprint demonstrations.
Murder at the Mansion 31st Oct 7pm
A tongue-in-cheek murder mystery where everyone has a motive and the opportunity, but will the evidence separate the guilty from the innocent.
Remembrance Weekend
8th & 9th Nov 10am - 3pm
Explore a range of history exhibitions, including the House's time as a convalescent home during both WWI and WWII, and take guided tours with the knowledgeable volunteers. Shuttleworth, Biggleswade SG18 9DT shuttleworth.org
L & D Hospital
Quiz Night 8th Oct
In support of the new Intensive Care Unit. Volunteers Needed
There’s lots of opportunities, from supporting patients with Dementia, helping mums to be, or working in the new retail shop. Please contact voluntaryservices@bedsft.nhs.uk bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/charity
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care
24hr Bikeathon 10th & 11th Oct
This unique challenge brings together teams and individuals to ride four static bikes in hourly slots across 24 hours. The aim is for each hour of the Bikeathon to raise enough money for 24 hours of care. £32 per bike per hour Firewalk 13th Nov 6.30pm
This exhilarating Firewalk isn’t just a test of bravery, it’s a chance to support your local
hospice as they deliver care to those who need it most.
Create a stunning, vibrant wreath using fresh autumnal foliage, dried flowers, seed-heads, berries and more, combining rich colours and interesting textures. No experience needed, please book, £60 Knights' Quest
25th Oct & 2nd Nov 10.30am - 4pm
A dragon has escaped the castle dungeon with the king’s jewels, using them to fuel its fiery mischief. The Knights of Dunstable Downs must retrieve the jewels and restore them to the royal treasure chest. Are you up for the challenge? You will need a sword to take with you, the more creative you are, the more protective it will be on your quest!
Halloween: After Dark at the Downs
31st Oct 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Follow the Dragon's trail, get crafty and create a mini paper dragon and listen to some (not-tooscary) spooky tales. Fancy dress encouraged! Please book
Introduction to Watercolour 4th Nov 10.30am
You’ll be guided through watercolour painting techniques, helping you create beautiful art work. No experience needed, please book, £47.50 Chiltern's Gateway Centre LU6 2GY nationaltrust.org.uk
Young Miscellany Folk Dance Group
12th Oct 10.30am - 12.30pm free
A fun, beginner-friendly dance session for ages 6-17yrs to try maypole and folk dancing with live music. No need to book Park Hall, Leyton Road, Harpenden AL5 2LX
Facebook: Young Miscellany
The Great St Albans Challenge
12th Oct starting from 1pm
£60 per team 2 - 6 people
Superhero-themed GPS treasure hunt, starting at St Albans Cathedral and finishing at The Alban Arena. With approximately 2 miles of walking over 2.5 hours with buggy-friendly routes. Medals for all, trophies and prizes for top teams, with some extra surprises along the way. Helping to raise crucial funds for Youth Talk, St Albans based charity that has been providing free, confidential counselling to young people for almost three decades. greatstalbanschallenge.org.uk
Out & About
Ashridge House
The Mud Pack Challenge:
Hospice of St Francis 12th Oct 10am
Choose the 7K or 14K route and raise a minimum sponsorship of £50 to help fund Hospice care. Minimum age 15 stfrancis.org.uk
Hertfordshire's Biggest Christmas Light Trail
27th Nov - 1st Jan from 4pm
Discover over 20 dazzling installations across the Grade II listed gardens, with new features, festive favourites and magical moments.
With immersive scare attractions, speciality acts, street theatre, themed bars and a fun fair. Herts County Showground, Redbourn AL3 7PT halloweenhauntfest.co.uk
Dacorum & Chiltern Potters Guild
19th Oct 9.30am - 4.30pm £45
A day of creative exploration with talks and discussions in poetry, sculpture and pottery.
Trestle Arts Base, St Albans AL4 0JQ trestle.org.uk
Apple Day 19th Oct 12 noon - 4pm
Celebrating all things apple, with many unusual varieties to try and buy, apple juice, produce and craft stalls, children's activities. £1
Shenley Park Walled Garden, Herts WD7 9DW shenleypark.co.uk
Rothamsted Manor
Wedding Show 19th Oct 11am - 3pm
See the beautiful Manor House and gardens, speak to the experienced wedding team and meet their most trusted suppliers.
Murder at the Manor 8th Nov 6pm
A thrilling night of drama, intrigue and excitement. Harpenden AL5 2JQ rothamstedmanor.com
Knebworth House
Wedding Showcase 19th Oct 11am - 1pm
Knebworth House and Barns, is a stunning venue for your special day, meet the experienced Wedding Planners and a hand-picked selection of local suppliers.
Halloween Adventure 28th - 30th Oct
Get your broomsticks, hats and magic wands at the ready and venture into the gardens for fun, games and a pumpkin carving competition.
Hertfordshire Half Marathon 2nd Nov
Half Marathon: 9am / 10k: 9.30am
Starting and finishing at Knebworth House this popular event takes you around the beautiful surrounding rural roads.
Organised by Friends of Cosne, the French town twinning society. Park Hall, Leyton Road
Meetings are also held on the first Wednesday of each month in the Oddfellow Arms AL5 2TG at 7.30pm. All welcome friendsofcosne.com
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Diwali Celebration 25th Oct 11am - 4pm
Enjoy this festival of light, colour and community with dancing, drumming workshops, storytelling, arts and crafts and mouth-watering South Asian food.
Terrible Tuesday 28th Oct 11am - 4pm
Enjoy crafts, clay modelling, storytelling and family activities.
Halloween Spectacular 31st Oct 5pm - 9pm
Listen to spine tingling storytelling, watch out for spooky horses, warm yourself by the bonfire, brave the scary walk, enjoy the amazing fireperformance and more. Please book Newland Park, Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB coam.org.uk
Wrest Park
Halloween Half Term
25th Oct - 2nd Nov 10am - 5pm
From ghostly tales to spooky sword school, there’s plenty to keep little monsters busy. Learn how to fend off vampires, zombies and werewolves, join in with silly games, and hear stories of eerie local folklore.
Christmas at Wrest Park 22nd Nov - 21st Dec Sat & Sun
A magical way to start the festive season.
Wrest Park, Silsoe, MK45 4HR
english-heritage.org.uk
Hertford Castle
Open Day - Guided Tours
26th Oct 12 noon - 4pm free
Discover the Castles history.
Christmas Gala 28th Nov 3pm - 8pm
Christmas Market
28th Nov 3.30pm - 8pm
29th Nov 11am - 6pm
30th Nov 11am - 5pm
Castle Street, SG14 1HR hertford.gov.uk
DJ&M
Plumbing Services Ltd
We care about your small jobs too!
●Electric and Power Showers Fitted
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●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
Out & About
Verulamium Museum
Archaeology for Families 27th & 31st Oct
10.30am & 30th Oct 1.30pm Age 7+
A fun family friendly introduction to archaeology.
Mosaic Making Workshops
28th Oct 10.30am, 11.25am & 12.20pm Age 5+
Create your own Halloween themed mosaic! Evening Explorers at Verulamium 29th Oct 5.30pm
A chance for families to explore the Museum after hours, remember to bring your torch!
St Michael's, St Albans AL3 4SW stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Samhain Celebrations
27th - 31st Oct 10am - 4pm
Enjoy the Haunted Forest, while experiencing the art and culture of prehistory and the Celts like never before!
Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon Lane SG13 8NY celticharmony.org
Climb the Clock Tower
28th Oct 2.15pm & 3pm
Climb to the top of St Albans Clocktower and hear why it was built and how it has been used throughout history.
St Albans Clocktower, High Street AL3 4EL stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Grain, Trade & Pilgrims: Harpenden from Prehistory to Medieval 28th Oct 8pm, free £5
Harpenden and District History Society Lecture by Dr Alexander Thomas High Street Methodist Church AL5 2RU
Natural History Museum Tring
Autumn Owls 28th, 29th & 31st Oct
10.30am -12 noon & 2pm - 3.30pm
Discover the secret lives of owls by taking a closer look at the wonderful specimens and getting crafty! Free, drop in
Museum by Torchlight
30th Oct 5pm, 5.30pm 6pm & 6.30pm
Have your torch at the ready, don your best scary
animal or ghoulish costume and join in with a spooky time in the galleries. Free, please book Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP
nhm.ac.uk
The Libraries
Harpenden Library Craftea
28th Oct & 25th Nov 3pm - 4.30pm
Coffee and craft social, just bring your craft project and join in!
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
Sweeney Todd
30th Oct - 1st Nov 7.30pm & 1st Nov 2.30pm
The unsettling tale of the barber who returns home to Victorian London after 15 years in exile to take revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life.
The SandPit Theatre, Sandringham School
St Albans AL4 9NX sandpittheatre.co.uk
St Albans Fireworks Spectacular
8th Nov 6pm Verulamium Park
Talk: Leigh Family at Luton Hoo 24th Nov 10.30am £7.50
