st albans NOW July 23

Welcome to July

This months magazines are packed with events from the Roman Theatre Festival, Harpenden Live and the International Organ Festival to Battle Proms, Open Air Theatre, Classics on the Common and so much more. We’ve also included an interview with comedian Rhys James, who’s appearing at St Albans Comedy Garden in Verulamium Park this month along with lots of other big names in comedy.

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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Out & About

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Time for Tea until 5th Nov

Exploring the fascinating journey of tea from leaf to cup. With 36 billion cups consumed a year in the UK, 3,000 varieties available and tea being the second most popular drink only to water, it is firmly entrenched in British culture. Taking you through what tea is, how it comes to the UK, is packaged, stored, made, and then drunk from different vessels. There will be lots of activities including talks, creative workshops and a Georgian Costume Ball on 26th August.

Museum Minis 10th July 11.30, 1pm & 2pm

Enjoy a tea-themed story, craft activities and a treasure hunt. The stories are Pass the Jam, Jim! by Kaye Umansky and The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr. £5, ages 2-4

Talk: Spilling the Tea: A History of Protest and Change 20th July the Museum will be open for you to explore from 6.30pm

From the suffragettes to the abolition of slavery, British history is full of examples of how tea and its culture have played a significant role in protest movements and social change. Discover how the nation’s favourite drink repeatedly influenced the course of our history. £10, online £6

St Peter’s Street AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Bishop of St Albans

Summer Garden Opening

Sundays until 6th Aug 2pm - 4pm

Dogs welcome on leads. £4, child free

Abbey Gate House AL3 4HD

National Garden Scheme

2 Barlings Road Harpenden AL5 2AN

30th June & 1st July 5pm - 8pm

A haven of privacy and peace with mature trees, shrubs, climbers and perennials giving year-round structure and colour. £5

14 Watling Street St Albans AL1 2PX

14th July 6pm - 9pm

A vibrant garden with perennials, striking foliage including Chinese rice-paper plants, foxglove trees, chusan palms, cardoons, echium and honey flowers. Ending in a glade of bamboo shaded by maple trees. £4 www.ngs.org.uk

Summer Fair 1st July 12 noon - 4pm

All the fun of the fair with a crockery smash, coconut shy, candy floss, BBQ, laser tag, toys, books, vintage/bric-a-brac, crafts and more.

St George's School, Harpenden AL5 4TD

OakFest 1st July

A summer festival like no other, with live music from supergroup Boyz on Block featuring Shane Lynch (Boyzone), Abz (Five), Ben (Phats & Small) and Bradley (S Club 7). Plus BBC’s Bluey, a funfair, bar, food stalls, DJ and more.

Oaklands College, Smallford Campus AL4 0JA www.oaklands.ac.uk

Highfield Park

Family Solstice Guided Walk 1st July 2pm

Learn about different habitats and wildlife and get to experience some mindful moments. £5

The Mikado 9th July 3pm

With a fresh take on a well-loved story, sing along on this hilarious journey. £6 - £22

Bat Night 14th July 10.15pm

Go out into the night with bat detectors to listen to and identify the bats who live in the park. £5

Forest School 25th July 10am free

Den building, bug hunting and learning about nature and bush craft. Ages 4 - 11, please book Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0DY www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Hitchin Festival 1st - 30th July

A celebration of arts and culture with concerts, talks, walks, shows and more. www.hitchinfestival.co.uk

Sustainable St Albans

Open Food Gardens

Visit local gardens and pick up tips about growing food and plants, or share your own ideas. Free

2nd July 3pm - 5pm

23 Gresford Cl, St Albans AL4 0UB

15th July 2pm - 4pm

11 Woodvale Park, Sutton Rd, St Albans

16th July 1pm - 4pm

Russell Avenue Incredible Edible Come and Grow (suitable for wheelchair users)

29th July 2pm - 4pm

2 Cowper Rd, Harpenden AL5 5NG

Guided Walk: Our Planet Our Future: Exploring Batford Springs

11th July 7.30pm

Hear about the green space development plans and activity at Batford Springs, followed by discussions at the Amble Inn, Station Road. Please book, meet at Volunteers HQ Building, 32 Lower Luton Road AL5 5AQ www.sustainablestalbans.org

Chapman Auto Services

More Out & About

Hedgehogs & How to Help Them

18th July 2pm

Learn about hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation at this beautiful local hedgehog sanctuary. Adults only, please book, £8 www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Family Prehistory Adventure

21st July - 4th Aug Tues - Thurs / Fri - Sun

Sleep in a roundhouse with the modern comforts of home. Enjoy activities from archery to prehistoric pottery, watch the sunset as dinner is served before sitting around the fire and enjoying the entertainment. Please book

Celtic Harmony Camp, Brickendon SG13 8NY www.celticharmony.org

Verulamium Museum

Meet Boudicca 24th July 11.30am & 2pm

Sandridge Summer Market

8th July 11am - 5pm

Stalls from 30 small businesses, creative workshops and activities, BBQ, bar, ice cream van, face-painting, hair and make-up and more. Sandridge Scout Hut, Sandridgebury Ln AL3 6JB

Summer Festival

8th July 2pm - 7pm

A fantastic afternoon of activities and entertainment with a licensed bar, delicious food, inflatables, a host of games, activities, crafts, performances and more. Grove School, Dark Lane, Harpenden AL5 1QD

Wheathampstead Village Weekend

8th July - The Meads

Wheathampstead's Got Talent Sat: 3pm Picnic on the Meads Sat: 4pm - 9.30pm

9th July - Marford Memorial Hall AL4 8AY

Village Day Sun: 1pm - 5pm

This year’s theme is ‘A Day at the Beach’ with crazy golf, tug of war, music and dance, fairground rides, Punch and Judy and more. www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk

Harpenden Highland Gathering

9th July 11am - 5pm

With marching pipe bands, Highland dancing, tug-of-war, haggis hurling, go-karting, craft stalls and more.

Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2LX www.harplions.com

Kinsbourne Common Community Fete

15th July 12 noon - 3pm

BBQ, afternoon tea, bar with fizz and local beers, cakes, pottery, beat the goalie, toys and games. Plus a Children’s Baking Competition; you bake something, they judge it, give a prize and then sell it on the day! Harpenden AL5

Classic Car & Motorcycle Show 16th July

With a range of cars, stalls, licensed bar, refreshments and family activities in aid of Hospice of St Francis.

Dudswell, near Berkhamsted, HP4 3TA www.stfrancis.org.uk

Meet this battle-hardened warrior Queen, who burned Verulamium to the ground in 61AD in a rebellion against Roman rule in Britain. Free with admission

Mosaic Making Workshop

25th July 10.30am, 11.25am & 12.20pm

Working with a local mosaic artist, select colours of glass and embellishments, then make and grout a unique design. Age 4+ £7.50

Natural Dye Workshop 29th July 11am

Join textile artist Gal Lesham to explore historic dyes made from natural roots and plants. Make dyes from scratch and use them to design a canvas bag. Please bring lunch, £50, age 13+ St Michael's Street AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Classics on the Common

26th July 11.30am - 7pm, free

See a spectacular array of over 1,000 classic cars and scooters, with everything from a 1913 model T Ford and a 1916 Stanley Steamer, to Rolls Royces and Maseratis.

Harpenden Common AL5 3NU www.classicsonthecommon.com

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Open Wednesdays 10.30am - 4pm

Explore this Capability Brown designed walled garden and take a tour of the garden and historic service buildings. Artists are also invited to draw inspiration from the unique structures and beautiful plants in the Garden, and can enjoy the annual art exhibition and monthly sessions from visiting artists.

Luton Hoo Estate, Luton LU1 4LF 01582 721443 www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

The Clock Tower

Weekends & Bank Holidays 10.30am - 5pm

Climb the circular staircase for a wonderful panoramic view over the rooftops and miles beyond from this 600-year-old medieval clock tower. £2, child free Market Place, St Albans AL3 4EL

St Albans International Organ Festival

Enjoy the 60th anniversary events, with music by inspirational performers, celebrating the organ and so much more, from solo piano, jazz and classical song, to choral music, chamber ensembles, classic silent horror film with improvised live music to a film showing, the Master of the King's Music Judith Weir in conversation and an art exhibition

Interpretation & Improvisation Competitions

3rd - 14th July

Organists aged 33 and under compete from around the world. From £15 per session, concs free

Please check the website for locations

St Peter’s Church

Song Recital: James Gilchrist with Anna Tilbrook

3rd July 8.15pm £15

Documentary: Organ Stops: Saving the King of Instruments

4th July 12.30pm free

St Albans Cathedral

Rachel Podger with Christopher Glynn

4th July 8.30pm

Recital of Mozart Sonatas. £25

Talk: Judith Weir in Conversation

5th July 1pm free

Bach Corner 1.15pm free

6th July Paul Greally

7th July Ophelia Amar

13th July Johannes Güdelhöfer

14th July Charles Francis

The Tallis Scholars Birthday Concert

6th July 8pm £10

Britten Sinfonia & St Albans Bach Choir

8th July 7.30pm £10

Angela Hewitt, Piano 9th July 8.30pm

Solo Bach and Schumann £15

Elaine Delmar 10th July 8.30pm £15

One of the truly legendary jazz singers

Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective

11th July 8pm £15 at

Der Golem, Silent Horror Film

12th July 9.30pm £18

Presentation of Awards & Prize-Winners’ Concert

15th July 11am £15

www.organfestival.com

NOW at the Cathedral

Medieval Poetry Recital 4th July 1.30pm

With Trestle Theatre. Free

The Lady Chapel - More to Explore

16th July 1.30pm free

Explore the stories of this beautiful space, created in the early 1300s and restored by the Victorians.

1323 - And the Walls Came Tumbling Down

17th July 8.30pm free

Hear a story of rebuilding and renewal, to mark the 700th anniversary since part of the nave collapsed.

Gilded Illumination Workshop 22nd July 10am

Join illuminator Toni Watts and learn how to design, gild and paint your own illuminated letter inspired by medieval manuscripts. £70

Gin & Rum Festival 22nd July 12.30pm - 10.30pm

With over 120 Gins and Rums, seasonal Cocktails, authentic sipping Tequilas, Beer, and of course Fizz!

A Day in the Life of a Monk

26th July & 23rd Aug 10.30am

Learn about the medieval Monastery, Medieval Medicine, Illuminated Lettering and Medieval Singing. Ages 8-12 and accompanying parents. £10

Cathedral at Night and Compline 28th July 7pm

See history brought to life with the stunning ‘Saints in Colour’ project and become immersed in an atmosphere of tranquillity and reflection. Free

Organ Concert: Oliver Morrell 30th July 3pm free St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

Hitchin Lavender

The Old Lavender Barn is now open, the play area and museum are free and the Café will be serving lunch, homemade cakes and ice cream. The Lavender Field opens on 1st July 9am8pm, please book £7

Situated on the gentle rolling slopes of Wilbury Hills, the farm has become synonymous with stunning countryside views and relaxing walks, making it a much loved landmark of North Hertfordshire.

Mid June - mid July

Strongest scents of lavender, early blooms, wildflowers and lush colours.

Mid July - mid Aug

The majority of the field in full bloom

Mid Aug - early Sept

Sunflowers predicted and later lavender blooms

Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin SG5 3UA www.hitchinlavender.com

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NOW for some Entertainment

Roman Theatre Festival until 6th Sept

A little bit about what's planned for July

Romeo and Juliet until 29th July

A new adaption, set on the streets of Northern Ireland’s capital in 1998.

Private Lives 23rd June - 19th Aug

Noel Coward’s brutal comedy.

A Little Night Music 28th June - 2nd July

The story of the secrets, betrayals and loves of 3 wealthy families and their domestic servants.

Much Ado About Nothing 5th - 8th July

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is transposed to 80s Britain.

The Railway Children 14th July - 20th Aug

An imaginative and humorous stage adaptation of this children's classic.

Norses Off 16th & 17th July

A new telling of marvellous myths of the Viking gods.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland 24th July

A delightfully anarchic show that gets curiouser and curiouser with live music and audience interaction.

Classical Crossover 25th July

A journey through the best that music has to offer...all with a classical twist.

A Summer Evening of Opera 30th July

75 minutes of magic; arias, songs and ensembles.

The Canterbury Improv Tales 31st July

Guaranteed fun, bawdry and bedlam.

Roman Theatre of Verulamium St Albans AL3 6AE www.ovo.org.uk

Abbey Theatre Home 30th June - 1st July & 4th - 8th July 8pm & 2nd July 2:30pm

Five people meet, exchange pleasantries and make small talk in an informal garden one autumnal day. While their conversation seems inconsequential, they gradually reveal, through their comments and anecdotes, what brings them together. £13, £12

Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL 01727 857861 www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Football Freddie 1st July 11.30am & 2pm

A warm and witty show for children and their grownups about football, team-work and the

joy of joining in.

Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

Choral Discoveries: Rachmaninov

1st July 6pm

The Lea Singers perform Rachmaninov’s Liturgy of St John Chrysostom. £20

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

St Albans Symphony Orchestra

1st July 7.30pm

Mussorgsky’s Prelude to Khovanschchina, Scriabin’s Reverie, De Falla’s El Amor Brujo Suite and Borodin’s second Symphony

£13 - £18, student £5, child £2

St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF www.saso.org.uk

M Festival 1st July

A great family day out, with 8 live music acts, kids entertainment, pyrotechnics, silent disco, food, drink and firework finales. The festival has raised over £110k for the school and other local causes. Please book, adults from £26, students from £13

The Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans AL1 2QA www.mfestival.co.uk

Shenley Park Walled Garden

Jazz Picnic 1st July gates 1pm

Join the Herts Big Band for a summer's afternoon of the best in jazz from swing, Latin and funk. £5, £3 Emma 16th July 7pm

A hilarious new adaptation of Jane Austen’s satirical story. £15, child £9

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland 23rd July 3pm

A hilarious take on Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical novel. £15, child £9

The Comedy of Errors 29th July 7pm

Cartoonish capers in Shakespeare’s funniest farce! £15, child £9

Shenley Park Walled Garden WD7 9DW www.shenleypark.co.uk

Open Air Theatre

Twelfth Night 14th - 30th July

Fridays & Saturdays: 7pm, Sundays: 4pm

Expect mistaken identity, forlorn lovers and plenty of mischief in this exciting and innovative version. £18, concs £12

The Living Theatre, Whitwell www.thelivingtheatrewhitwell.org

Jane Austen’s Persuasion 22nd July 7pm

This multi-roleplaying production is bound to delight all Austen fans. £18

Shaw’s Corner Welwyn AL6 9BX www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Wizard of Oz 31st July 1.30pm

A magical family show guaranteed to have you in stitches from beginning to end. £16, child £10 Hatfield Park AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Sounds of Summer 2nd July 2pm

St Albans Chamber Choir perform Weather ReportBob Chilcott / Early one Morning - Percy Grainger / Who killed Cock Robin? - Jonathan Dove / To be sung of a Summer Night on the Water - Frederick Delius, plus songs by The Beatles. £16 St Saviour’s Church, St Albans AL1 4DF www.ticketsource.co.uk

Comedy at The Old Town Hall

Hal Cruttenden: Its Best you Hear it From Me

4th & 5th July 8pm

Dominic Holland: Takes on Life 8th July 8pm

Paul Chowdhry & Rob Auton 19th July 8pm

The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk

St Michael's Folk Evening 5th July

With Morris dancers, bellringers, maypole dancing, live music, food and drink. St Michael's Street, St Albans

The Alban Arena

Bugsy Malone

6th & 7th July 7.30pm & 8th July 2pm & 6.30pm

Youth production of this popular show with songs such as ‘Bugsy Malone’, ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’ and ‘Bad Guys’ and exciting dance routines. £20

Beyond 15th July 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Energetic and talented performers combine dance, musical theatre, singing with a live band.

Cirque - The Greatest Show 21st - 23rd July

Musical theatre meets circus spectacular as showstoppers from favourite West End hits combine with aerialists, contortionists, and trapeze artistes.

Troy Hawke - Sigmund Troy’d!

27th July 7.30pm Age 16+ £20

Dragons & Mythical Beasts 28th - 30th July

Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this new interactive family show. £14

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

A New Heaven

8th July 7.30pm

An eclectic and exciting mix of choral music presented by Music Director Olivia Tait and The Music Makers Choir of Harpenden, including works from Thomas Tallis, John Rutter, Gerald Finzi, Charles Stanford, Hubert Parry and David Bowie. £10 - £17, light lunch included

High Street Methodist Church Harpenden AL5 2RU www.ticketsource.co.uk/musicmakers

St Albans Organ Theatre

Theatre Organ Concert with Andrew Nix

8th July 3pm

Sunday Opening 9th July 3pm

Hear the mechanical organs and musical boxes. www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk

The Sandpit Theatre

Honk JR 9th July 1pm & 6pm

Delightful adaptation of The Ugly Duckling; a celebration of being different with sparkling wit and unique charm. £17.50, child £12.50

Urinetown The Musical 23rd July 3pm & 7pm

In a Gotham-like city, a water shortage has led to a ban on private toilets. Hilariously funny and touchingly honest. £17.50, child £12.50

Grease

27th - 29th July 7.30pm & 29th July 2.30pm

This fantastic production will have you dancing in the aisles.

The Ridgeway, St Albans AL4 9NX www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Much Ado About Nothing

13th & 14th July 7.30pm & 15th July 2.30pm

Open air production presented by High Street Players outside Cornelia's Café, Harpenden. £10 Tickets from Manor Pharmacy, Harpenden www.hsplayers.org.uk

The Eric Morecambe Centre

Sherlock & the Case of the Horrible Thing

13th - 16th July

Performed by Hurst Children’s Theatre Group. A show for the whole family with songs, dances, chases, disguises and plenty of laughs along the way. £16, £14, £10

Talk: Saints & their Emblems in Medieval & Renaissance Art 20th July 10.30am

The Arts Society Harpenden Area

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

Out of Town

shaped the course of aviation history.

£35, child free

Summer Evening Picnic Air Show

15th July gates 12 noon

Enjoy a picnic while watching a spectacular air display from the vintage collection and visiting aircraft. £32.50, child free Walk & Lunch with the Head Gardener

21st July 10.30am £40

ModelAir – Scale Weekend

22nd & 23rd July gates 9am

Waddesdon

Wedding Cake Tours until 26th Oct

Thursdays 10.30am - 4.30pm

Selected Sundays 10.30am - 1.30pm

See this 12-metre-tall sculptural pavilion in the form of a 3-tiered cake among the trees. Please book, grounds admission plus £15, age 12+

Meet the Aviary Keeper until 29th Oct Weds-Fri 2pm *

Learn about the rare and endangered birds at Waddesdon and the important conservation work of this registered zoo.

Guided Garden Walks until 29th Oct Weds-Sun 11.30am & 2.30pm *

Explore the gardens seasonal highlights and the history of Waddesdon and the Rothschild family.

Much Ado About Nothing 23rd July 2pm

A new production of this iconic comedy. *free with grounds admission

Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

Knebworth House

The Paul Simon Story: Shades of Simon

1st July

This 5-piece band from Essex will be performing some of Simon & Garfunkel’s most beloved music.

The Luna Cinema 5th - 8th July

The Great Gatsby 5th July

Elvis 6th July

Top Gun: Maverick 7th July

Dirty Dancing 8th July

The Great British Food Festival

15th & 16th July

With amazing artisan producers, street food, bars and live entertainment. Tickets include access to the Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground with Fort Knebworth andDinosaur Trail.

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

Shuttleworth

Military Air Show 2nd July gates 9.30am

Showcasing iconic military aircraft which have

For lovers of model flying. £12 - £18, child free Classic & Contemporary Motorcycle Sale with Silverstone Auctions

29th July: viewing / 30th July: auction Shuttleworth, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Hertford Castle

World Food Festival 9th July 12 noon - 6pm

With a beer tent, a gin and Prosecco area and over fifteen world food stalls this is an afternoon filled with worldly tastes and live music to get your senses singing. Free The Castle will be open until 4pm

Teddy Bears Picnic 23rd July 12 noon - 4pm

Pack your picnic basket and bring your teddy for a day of fun and adventure including a bear hunt, games and the Teddy Bear’s parade led and judged by the Mayor. www.hertfordcastle.co.uk

Tring Natural History Museum

Behind the Scenes Tour 13th July 11am

Take a special look behind the scenes at Tring's remarkable world-renowned bird collection. £10

Insect Inspiration 25th & 27th July

10.45am, 11.30am, 2pm

Uncover the fascinating world of insects and discover what makes them so unique. £2

Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP

www.nhm.ac.uk

Hatfield House

Battle Proms 15th July from 4.30pm

Summer celebration with an orchestral concert of well-known uplifting classical pieces and the traditional ‘last night of the proms’ under a sky of breath-taking fireworks, plus a Spitfire, cannons and cavalry!

Folk By The Oak 16th July 12 noon - 10.30pm

With music from award winning musicians and inspiring new talent plus festival fun for all ages. The Wizard of Oz 31st July 1.30pm - 4pm

A magical family show guaranteed to have you in stitches from beginning to end.

Hatfield House AL9 5JX www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Chatting with Rhys James…

St Alban's Comedy Garden returns to Verulamium Park, 26th - 30th July with the best names in comedy plus craft beers, street eats and more. You are currently on tour, what has been your highlight?

I got chatting to a man in the audience in Hull. A pretty normal chat about new years resolutions, which was interrupted by his girlfriend yelling "Ask him his name... it's Alan Key." Very tough to move back into the show after a revelation like that. All the classics followed: Do you have lots of brothers and sisters all different sizes? Is one of them called Mark? etc. etc.

If you had to describe your comedy act in a sentence, what would it be?

Unlikely to thrive on Britain's Got Talent. If you could become a double act with another comedian, who would it be?

Logically you're thinking Romesh - he gets a LOT of TV shows. But maybe Ed Gamble and I should just fully commit to the 'could be brothers' bit and lean into a Succession style power pursuit.

What excites you about the comedy festivals?

Usually the catering is sensational.

Have you got anything else exciting in progress?

Well my tour resumes in Autumn, but let's put it this way: I just decided to take up golf. That's not really a "I've got a quick 10 minutes free" activity

What advice would you give someone trying to start stand-up?

Gig as much as possible. Go out and watch as much comedy as possible. Have conviction in your ideas and don't play to 'the back of the room' (other comics). Get a portable clothes steamer. Lint roll. Buy tickets to my tour.

Where would you like to do stand-up where you haven’t before?

The U S of A, baby! Somehow I've never been there to do comedy. I think my style would be really disarming over there and it would be good to see if that is a good thing or a horrifying thing.

If you could appear on any TV show, what would it be?

Would love to be in the Question Time audience dressed as Where's Wally to see how Fiona Bruce described me when selecting me to ask a question. Book your tickets for St Albans Comedy Garden now www.stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk

Time to Get Fit

Triathlons & Trails

Hitchin Triathlon 2nd July 6.30am

There's the choice of a Sprint and Nitro event, with beautiful countryside surroundings too.

Hitchin Swimming Centre SG5 1HA, UK

Dunstable Downs Trail Half

16th July 10.15am

An off-road half marathon on the stunning trails of the Downs, with some slight undulation, this is a great run for those branching out into this trail distance. £30 - 32

Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade LU6 2GY, UK

Chess Valley Train to Trails - The Chilterns

22nd July 9pm

Enjoy a 14 mile guided run with picturesque lake views, this is the perfect opportunity to try out a new distance or to try trail running. £20

Chesham HP5 1DB

Tri Nitro - Race Two 26th July 6.30pm £20

A stripped down version of your typical weekend triathlons, come for a budget friendly event.

Hitchin Swimming Centre SG5 1HA, UK www.letsdothis.com

The Hospice of St Francis

Hospice Golf Days

4th Aug Stocks, Aldbury

6th Sept Ashridge, Berkhamsted

Grab a team for a fun-filled day of golf

Edinburgh 7 Challenge

22nd - 24th Sept

A marathon distance with views of Edinburgh from the 7 highest viewpoints around the city. www.stfrancis.org.uk

Skydive

9th Sept closing date 21st July

To take part in this adrenaline filled, bucket list experience and raise funds for The AT Society, just email sally@atsoicety.org.uk

The AT Society supports people living with the disabling and life-limiting condition ataxia telangiectasia and funds research to find a cure. www.atsociety.org.uk

St Albans & District Footpaths Society

Enjoy long or short Hertfordshire walks with a friendly welcome every Thursday morning, for details please visit www.stalbansfootpaths.org

NOW for the Kids

Mead Open Farm

Summer Camping

Selected dates in July & Aug

Buzzstock Festival Camping

30th June & 1st July

Shaggy’s Summer Spectacular

22nd July - 3rd Sept

Join lovable mascot Shaggy for water zorbing, Battle of the Beats silent disco, selfies with Shaggy and the famous foam party!

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

Whipsnade Zoo

Welly Walk! until 11th July

Tuesdays 10.30am (term time only)

Splash in a puddle like a penguin, follow tracks and trails, go bug hunting or finding rainbows in the Butterfly House. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Under 5s. Free with entry fee

Guided Walks Around the Zoo

Thursdays 10.30am free

6th July: Listen, Learn, and Inwardly Digest

Who knew there were so many different digestive systems in one zoo.

13th July: Whipsnade: The 50s & Beyond

Explore different areas of the zoo and hear its funny, sad and sometimes crazy stories.

20th July: Sustainability at ZSL

Learn what’s happening at ZSL to reduce their impact and demand on ecological resources and services.

Beano Goes Wild 22nd July - 4th Sept

As part of its 85th anniversary celebrations, take a leaf out of the Beano and learn how to protect our wildlife. Take a comic strip trail, meet amazing animals and join in with blamtastic games and interactive challenges. Age 5+

Late Openings on Summer Saturdays

29th July, 5th, 12th & 19th Aug 10am - 9pm

See the animals in a relaxed setting as the sun goes down. Included in day ticket

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

Willows Activity Farm

Summer Fun 5th June - 21st July

Enjoy a wonderful family day out with adventure

play, funfair rides, a tractor ride, farmyard animals, indoor soft play, the Puddle Play Park, Peter Rabbit and friends, Mr Toads Lair, Cotton-tail Village and more.

Camp With Us! 30th June - 2nd July

Choose to spend one or two nights under the stars, pitch your tent or choose a pre set up one, then enjoy full access to the farm, marshmallow toasting, evening entertainment and more.

Willows Activity Farm, London Colney AL4 0PF www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Paradise Wildlife Park

Conservation Conversation: Sun Bears

3rd July 7pm

Learn about the sun bears behaviour and how the Park is making an impact on their conservation. £10, age 14+

Summer Evenings at the Zoo

21st July - 19th Aug 6.30pm

Fridays & Saturdays

Enjoy a night of live music, wildlife stilt walkers, walking hedges, drumming and more. £18

Reptile Weekend 22nd & 23rd July

Join the zookeepers for a fun filled weekend dedicated to celebrating the reptiles at the Park while raising funds and awareness for the Asian Turtle Programme. Free with admission

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com

Day Out With Thomas

22nd & 23rd July 10.30am - 5pm

Peep peep! Enjoy a day filled with discovery, adventure and friendship including activities, train rides with Thomas, interactive re-enactments, meet the Fat Controller and more.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

Summer of Play

22nd July - 3rd Sept 10am - 4pm

Drop-in for free family daily activities and games including, football, hockey, tennis, athletics, volleyball and more.

Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Road LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Dinosaur Adventure Live!

26th July 11am & 2pm

An interactive show for all the family, immersing you in the enthralling and realistic world of Dinosaurs. From £13.50

Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Magical Honey

31st July 11.30am & 2 pm

Join Maya's world of magical honey with dance, magic, storytelling and live music, please book Stockwood Discovery Centre Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

Index of Businesses

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