st albans NOW April 24

Welcome to April

This month you’ll find the magazines are full to the brim with things to do and places to go, from Easter Trails, Egg Hunts and a Dragon Quest to Music by Candlelight at the Cathedral, Reggae at The Maltings and The Elvis Years at the Alban Arena.

To make sure you don’t miss out the magazines are always available to read online, and if you run your own business we’d love to include you it’s so easy, just book your space online today.

Jane & Wendy

@theNOWmagazines

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You can NOW book advertising online

Deadline 8th March for April editions

jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291 www.theNOWmagazines.com

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Out & About

Ashridge House

Sunday Lunch with Jazz Sundays until 21st April

Lunch: 12pm - 4pm / Jazz: 3pm - 5pm

Afternoon Tea 14th April & 12th May

£42.50, under 12 £27.50

Ashridge House, Berkhamsted HP4 1NS

www.ashridgehouse.org.uk

Verulamium Museum

Exhibition: Women doing everything, everywhere, all at once… until 6th June

‘Meet’ the women archaeologists of the 1930s who brought Verulamium to life, then meet four Iron Age and Romanised women who left their imprint in the archaeological record. Free with admission

Workshop: Still Life Drawing - Archaeology

27th April 1.30pm Suitable for all levels. £10 St Michael's Street, St Albans AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: Becoming Us until 30th June

Exploring the role of the African Caribbean community in St Albans over the past 80 years. Free Town Hall Tours: Mayors, Magistrates & Museums

12th April 2.30pm

Discover the fascinating functions and features of the different historic spaces inside the Museum. Free St Albans Museum + Gallery AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Waddesdon

Exhibition: Guercino at Waddesdon:

King David and the Wise Women

20th March - 27th Oct Wed-Sun 11am - 4pm

Over 350 years since they were painted, five paintings by renowned Bolognese painter Guercino are on display together for the first time.

Easter Trail Runs 27th March - 7th April

10am-5pm (closed 2nd April)

£3 per trail, plus normal grounds admission

Great British Dog Walk 28th April

Take part in the 3km or 6km sponsored dog walk and help the charity train more incredible hearing dogs. £12 in advance, £15 on the day, child free Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

Wrest Park

Easter Adventure Quest

23rd March - 14th April 10am - 5pm

Hunt for clues, track down the Easter eggs and receive a chocolate treat. £2 plus entry cost

St George's Festival 20th & 21st April 10am - 5pm

Enjoy shows, battles, games, performances and activities culminating in England's most legendary battle. Cheer on St George as he takes on his fiery green nemesis in the ultimate dramatic show down. Silsoe, Beds MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

Knebworth House

Easter Trail 29th March - 1st April

£2 plus admission cost

Autism Friendly Early Opening 2nd April

The Gardens, Park, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail will open early at 8.30am

Stevenage SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Cracking Easter Family Fun

29th March - 12th April

Crack codes and solve puzzles in the Easter Bunny Hunt, learn about the Mansion and the Leon family or join an egg-citing family tour and drop-in activity sessions (selected dates), free with admission

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Dunstable Downs

Easter Egg Hunt

29th March - 14th April 10.30am - 4pm

Trail sheets from the visitor centre £3

Children's Painting Workshop: 'Sky's the Limit' 18th April 4pm £20

Gentle Stroll: Blossom Watch 23rd April 10.30am

A circular route to Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, with fun facts along the way. £4, child £2, under 5’s free Adult Painting Workshop: 'Look Down'

26th April 5.30pm £25

Whipsnade Road LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Natural History Museum

Egg Hunt Trail

29th March - 14th April (excl Mondays)

£1 per trail, ages 5+

Amazing Amphibians 2nd - 4th & 9th - 11th April 10.30am, 11.15am, 2.30pm

Dive into the world of amphibians, explore their lives in the water and on land, and get up close to amazing specimens. £2, age 5+

Tour - Museum Highlights 18th April 3pm

An audio tour of key specimens, from bizarre cassowaries to a charismatic polar bear and more. Suitable for adults, free, please book

Blossom Walk 28th April 10.30am

Celebrate National Blossom Day with a walk around the grounds and the surrounding area with two local experts. Discover the different species of blossoming plants growing here, and find out what invertebrates call them home. Free please book

Tring Natural History Museum HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

Too Cute for Words’ by Ali Asplin

More Out & About

Shuttleworth Collection

Open House & Tours 1st - 4th April 11am - 3pm

Visit this remarkable estate, explore its captivating story and the Grade II House and historic parkland. Please book, free entry, guided tours £10 Classic & Contemporary Motorcycle Sale

6th April Viewing / 7th April Auction

Motorcycle experts, Iconic Auctioneers are inviting entries of modern, historic and classic bikes for auction, for more information visit www.iconicauctioneers.com

Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Luton Hoo Estate

Spring Open Day 3rd April 10.30am - 1pm

Arts and crafts, plant a seed, bunny hunt and more. £5, child £3, under 2’s free

Friday Talk 26th April 11am

Conservation in the Walled Garden Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

Herts Wildlife Trust

Smartphone Safari 5th April 10.30am

Learn to use your smartphone to take stunning wildlife photographs. £30, child £15

Grebe House, St Michael's Street, St Albans AL3 4SN

Creatures of the Night 8th April 7.30pm

See what creatures come out as twilight beckons with a chance to put your senses to the test, listening for bats and owls, learning the tricks to their superb hearing, practicing improving your sense of smell and testing your night vision. Age 7+

Willow Weaving 9th April 10am

Family friendly creative willow weaving. Age 5+

Panshanger Park, B1000, Hertford SG14 2NA

www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

RAF London

Bubbly Maths Show 6th - 9th April 11am & 2pm

See the world of maths and science come to life through soap bubbles and huge balloons. £5

Easter Have-A-Go Activities 10th - 14th April various times between 10.30am & 3.30pm

Re-enactors will take young aviators through a test of determination, ingenuity, and teamwork skills. London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Beginners Tree ID

14th April 10.30am - 12 noon

Learn to recognise a dozen of the more common trees. All welcome, free, but please book, no dogs Heartwood Forest, Sandridge AL4 9DQ www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events

Hatfield House

The Aston Martin Owners Club 14th April 11am

Display of Aston Martin cars. Included in admission

Lady Salisbury’s Annual Coffee Morning

16th April 10am £4 on the door, child free

Live entertainment, entry to the West Gardens & more www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Royal Gunpowder Mills

14th & 28th April 11am - 4pm £15, child £10

Explore the historic gunpowder factory and discover the secrets of its past. With a rocket-making workshop, tractor-trailer tours, railway rides and more. Beaulieu Drive Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Golf Day 18th April

In aid of Harpenden charity the AT Society. Luton Hoo Golf Club, Beds LU1 3TQ www.atsociety.org.uk

Inflatable 5k Obstacle Run

20th April 9am - 2.30pm from £34

Jump, slide and bounce your way to the finish line. Herts County Showground, Dunstable Rd AL3 7PT www.hertsshow.com/showground-events

Helping Herts 6 Marathon

Walking Challenge

20th April - 2nd May

This challenge will help to improve the lives of countless children and young people in Hertfordshire. To take part or to donate visit www.6marathonchallenge2024.heroes.help

Garden Tour: Blossom Watch

24th April 2pm - 4pm £10, please book

Shaws Corner Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BX www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Photography Exhibition

27th April 10am - 4.30pm free

Work from Harpenden Photographic Society, with images of landscapes, macro and street to abstracts, the natural world and prints from the society’s Photographer of the Year winner, Paul Johnson. High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU www.harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk

A Spring Surprise 27th April 7.30pm

Demonstration with Harpenden Evening Floral Group. Visitors welcome, £8 on the door, for more information call 07747 018620

All Saints Church Hall, Harpenden AL5 4UU

Tapir Weekend 27th & 28th April

Join zookeepers and help raise vital funds and awareness for the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative. Included in general admission Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.hertfordshirezoo.com

Hillbuster 28th April

Charity 25k, 60k, 100k and 125k rides through the stunning Chiltern Hills and countryside. Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead www.dens.org.uk/cycle

NOW for the Kids

Lamb Bottle Feeding daily until 6th May

Wonderful for all ages, meet, hold and feed the lambs. Please book, from £9.95, age 2+ Aldenham Country Park, Elstree WD6 3BA www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk

Easter Eggstravaganza

23rd & 24th March & 28th March - 1st April

An egg-cellent day of fun including an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Grotto, Easter arts and crafts, lamb bottle feeding demonstrations, and the Easter Bunny who will be hopping on the outdoor stage each day.

Willows Activity Farm AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Easter Funfair 28th March - 1st April

Harpenden Common www.harpenden.gov.uk

Easter Egg Hunt

29th March - 1st April 10am - 12.30pm

Mr Bee's long winter nap is over, and it’s time to help him wake up the rest of his garden friends. Make your way along the trail and enjoy nature-inspired family activities. £3 includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg. Please book

Shaw's Corner, Ayot St Lawrence, AL6 9BX www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Easter Weekend 29th March - 1st April

With willow sculptures, an Easter trail, family crafts, pony rides and 45 acres to explore, including enchanting woodlands and an adventure playground.

Easter Holiday Activities 2nd & 9th April

Make puppet straws, ladybugs and Easter headbands, hear storytellers transport you to magical Easter worlds, enjoy clay creation workshops, and then follow the Easter trail.

Earth Day Theme 9th April

Explore the beauty of nature with crafts and games with an Earth Day twist. £15, child £10, under 4 free Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Easter Wonderland

29th March - 12th April

Let the story of Alice in Wonderland come to life, as you follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enter an immersive Wonderland. Along your journey, look out for familiar faces, including the mischievous Mad Hatter and friends.

Mead Open Farm, Billington, Beds LU7 9JH www.meadopenfarm.co.uk

Easter at Whipsnade

29th March - 14th April

Join the Zoonormous Egg Hunt to seek out eggs of all sizes and colours hidden around the Zoo, while learning about egg-ceptional species along the way. Free with zoo entry

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org

Easter Bunny Hunt 3rd April 10.30am - 2.30pm

Collect your quiz sheet from the Visitor Centre to take part in this treasure hunt, then return completed sheets for your Easter prize. Drop-in, £6 Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Easter Dragon Quest

8th - 12th April 10am - 4pm

Find dragon eggs hidden around the magical woodland, make a clay dragon Easter egg, listen to Celtic stories around the fire and more. Please book Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon SG13 8NY www.celticharmony.org

Burston Garden Centre

Make a Flower Garden Photo Frame 10th April

Make & Decorate a Spring Hat 11th April

Both events: 11am, 12 noon & 2pm £6, please book North Orbital Road, St Albans AL2 2DS www.burston.co.uk

The Three Bears 13th April 11.30am & 2.30pm

Bring your bears for an adventure with music, puppets and a tale you thought you knew. Please book, age 6+ The Old Town Hall Arts Centre HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

Spring Transport Festival

20th & 21st April 10.30am

Heritage transport at its best with full size and miniature steam trains offering passenger rides, working fire engine demonstrations and more. £14.50, child £10.50 Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

Chapman Auto Services

NOW for some Entertainment

Hat Factory Arts Centre

The Museum of Marvellous Things

2nd April various times

With giant puppets, magical effects, interactive storytelling, live original music and a chance to make your own puppet. £9, ages 3 - 8

Henning Wehn: Work In Progress 6th April 8pm

Kaleidoscope 25th April £7, ages 6-18 months

A brand new piece of theatre inspired by research into how a baby's sense of sight develops. Bute Street, Luton, Beds LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

The Eric Morecambe Centre

The Amazing Bubble Man 2nd April 2pm

£16.50, child £14.50

From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, and fog-filled bubbles to tornados, trampolines and more.

An Evening with Simon & Oscar from Ocean Colour Scene 5th April 8pm £34.50

Acoustic performances of hits including Traveller’s Tune, The Riverboat Song and Hundred Mile High City.

MozArt Group 7th April 7.30pm £32

Hysterical, even if you don’t know your Mozart from your Bach, but exquisitely performed if you do!

An Evening with Jimmy Tarbuck

12th April 7.30pm £29.50

After over 60 years at the top Jimmy Tarbuck OBE relives iconic moments of a life on stage and screen.

Darkside The Pink Floyd Show

13th April 7.30pm £26

Playing tracks from the bands early days to later iconic albums, with an amazing laser and light show.

Buble Meets Sinatra - The Showdown

18th April 7.30pm £29, child £20

The ‘concert that never was’ sees Frank time-travel to meet today’s contender for his crown, approved by Michael Bublé and Sinatra family’s Europe rep.

Tommy Blaize 19th April 7.30pm £28

The lead singer on Strictly Come Dancing for 20 years, sings songs everyone loves, and tells stories about the legends he’s worked with from Diana Ross and Queen to The Beach Boys and Stevie Wonder.

Harpenden Local History Day

20th April see page 6

Abba Forever 26th April 7.30pm £31.50

Dynamic choreography, stunning visuals, top class

musicianship and an all-live performance.

Talents of Britain 28th April 7.30pm £20

An evening filled with laughter, tears, and pure entertainment.

Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.the-emc.co.uk

The Alban Arena

The Little Mermaid

3rd April 2pm & 5pm £15.50, child £13.50

Expect lots of fun, singing, dancing, sparkling scenery, beautiful costumes and a chance to meet the characters after the show.

Rude Science 4th April 11.30pm £17, child £15

Expect enormous bottoms, f*rt machines, snot cocktails, vast whoopee cushions, pee-powered fireworks and ear-wax-oozing mannequins in this celebration of the fascination of bodily science.

Frankie The Concert 5th April 7.30pm £28.50

An unbelievably authentic celebration of the legendary Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

The Bootleg Beatles

7th April 7.30pm £33.50 - £40.50

Regarded as the Gold standard of Tribute.

LDN Wrestling 10th April 7.30pm £20 & £22

An evening of rip-roaring super-slamming action.

The Amy Winehouse Band

11th April 7.30pm £29.50 & £27

Amy’s original band led by her bass player Dale Davis, fronted by incredible vocalist Bronte Shandé and featuring on-screen visuals and unique footage.

Fastlove 13th April 7.30pm £32

The world’s favourite George Michael celebration, playing all his hits including, Wake Me Up, Too Funky, Father Figure, Freedom, Faith, Knew You Were Waiting, Careless Whisper and many more. Tommy Tiernan ‘Tommedian’

18th April 8pm £29.80

A madcap parade of characters, memories and ridiculous flights of fancy.

The Elvis Years 19th April 7.30pm £29.50

From the early hits That’s Alright Mama, Don’t Be Cruel and I Got Stung’ through to In the Ghetto, The Wonder of You and of course Suspicious Minds.

The Dualers 20th April 8pm £29

A 9-piece Jamaican Rhythm & Blues band from South East London, that really gets the crowd going with their unique sound and style.

United Dance Collective 21st April 6.30pm £17 Featuring the talents and skills of local dancers.

Tim Rice, My Life In Musicals, I Know Him So

Well 23rd April 7.30pm £39.50

Hear Tim reflect on his career, sharing anecdotes behind the songs, along with stories of his life and live performances.

Streisand Woman in Love 24th April 7.30pm £33

Take a journey through the golden years of a legendary career and share in the “mem’ries”, the magic and the music!

Stewart Lee: Basic Lee 25th April 7.30pm £29.50 Lee in streamlined solo stand-up mode.

The Real Thing 26th April 7.30pm £32

With original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith promoting their first new album of original material in 44 years ‘ A Brand New Day’.

On The Town 30th April - 4th May 7.30pm & 4th May 2.30pm £15 - £23

Travel back to New York City in 1944 with St Albans Musical Theatre Company, as three curious sailors go in search of love and romance, and find themselves in a few awkward situations!

Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD www.alban-arena.co.uk

Abbey Theatre

Legally Blonde

4th - 6th April 7.30pm & 6th April 2.30pm

Enjoy this much loved tale of self-discovery, performed by St Albans Youth Music Theatre. £13

STAJE in Concert 11th April 8pm

Local professional and amateur musicians and vocalists showcase the world of Jazz from Big Band Swing to Latin, Jazz-Funk to Soul. £15, child £12.50

Elgar and Alice

19th - 27th April 8pm & 21st April 2.30pm

Gripping drama transporting us to the year 1920 for a glimpse into the lives of Sir Edward Elgar, his wife, Alice and his mistress ‘Windflower’. £14 Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2D www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Bob Marley The King of Reggae

6th April 8pm

A night of dancing, singing, fun and good vibes, celebrating the music of the King of Reggae, £18 The Maltings Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL www.ovo.org.uk

Cartoon Circus Live

8th April 1.30pm

Enjoy this laughter-packed stage show combining the comedy of pantomime with the thrill of the circus. Please book

Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

Live Event Cinema

Macmillan Celebrated – Royal Ballet

9th April 7.15pm & 14th April 2pm

Starts with Macmillan’s first major work Danses Concertantes, followed by Different Drummer and ending with Requiem, his work for the Stuttgart Ballet. Exhibition on Screen - John Singer Sargent

16th April 6pm & 21st April 3pm

This film will examine how his unique practice has influenced modern art, culture and fashion.

An American In Paris - The Musical

18th April 7.30pm

This beautiful musical tells the story of discovering love in the ‘City of Light’.

National Theatre Live: Nye by Tim Price

23rd April 7pm

Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed our welfare state and created the NHS.

Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

St Albans Choral Society

13th April 7.30pm

Gerald Finzi - In terra pax, Op 39

James Francis - Brown The Heavens and the Heart

Cecilia McDowall - Bird of Time

Antonio Vivaldi - Gloria in D, RV589

St George’s School, Harpenden AL5 4TD www.choralsociety.com

St Albans Organ Theatre

Organ Concert with Christian Cartwright

13th April 3pm

Mechanical Instrument Concert 14th April 3pm 320 Camp Rd, St Albans AL1 5PE www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

Oliver!

18th - 27th April 7.30pm & 20th & 27th April 2.30pm

A wild adventure through Victorian England. Barn Theatre, Barn Close, WGC AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk

Great Cathedral Anthems

20th April 8pm

With The Hardynge Choir. £17, students £9, child free High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU www.hardyngechoir.org

International Jazz Day

28th April 2pm - 6pm

Enjoy some free Jazz in the park.

Verdis Italian Kitchen, St Albans AL1 4NF

NOW at the Cathedral

Easter Monday Pilgrimage 1st April

Procession 2.30pm / Service 3pm

Join a thousand other pilgrims from across St Albans Diocese to celebrate the risen Christ, meet on the Abbey Orchard before the service.

Grand Designs Tour 3rd April 2pm

See the skill and artistry of medieval builders and craftsmen, including stone and wood carving, stained glass, bell casting, wall painting and illuminated manuscripts. £10, £9, £3

Exhibition: Enrich Me With Your Difference

8th April - 3rd May

An incredible exhibition by award-winning humanitarian photographer, Jonathan Banks.

Making Your Mark 9th April 2pm

Explore graffiti that has been scratched into the fabric of the Cathedral through the ages. Look for signatures, skeletons, animals, crosses, kings and the mythical beast. £10, £9, £3

Elton John by Candlelight

10th & 11th April 7.30pm £10 - £60

Musicians will perform songs by candlelight, including, I’m Still Standing, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Candle in the Wind, Bennie and the Jets and many more.

The Beatles by Candlelight

12th & 13th April 7.30pm

Musicians will perform best loved songs by candlelight, including Help!, Hey Jude, Let it Be, All You Need Is Love, Yesterday and many more. £10 - £60

Saints in Colour

Daily 10 minute viewings from 14th April 11am, 2.15pm & 3.45pm

Discover how the Wallingford Screen might have looked in the medieval period, with a 21st century twist.

Images of Jesus - More to Explore

14th April 1.30pm Free

Discover the many images of Jesus in the cathedral, his portrayal can be found in stone, stained glass and on wall paintings. Please book

Organ Concert: Lucy Morrell 17th April 12.30pm

Pharaoh & Gall - The Exodus in Context 17th April 7.30pm

An interactive look at the story of the Exodus. £10, £6

Rebirth and Reform 23rd April 2pm £10, £9, £3

Anniversary of the births of composer and Master of the Music, Robert Fayrfax and William Shakespeare.

Visually Impaired Persons' Tours 26th April 1.30pm

Discover over 1700 years of history on this new audio-described tour.

Come & Sing Evensong with the Cathedral Girls

Choir 27th April 4pm Rehearsal / 5pm Evensong

Choir and Lay Clerks. £10

A unique opportunity to sing with the Cathedral Girls

St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

StAlbans

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