It’s festival time so check out page 26 to see what’s on, and that’s not all just browse through the magazine to find an amazing amount to do from Open Air Theatre and Cinema, the Highland Gathering and Summer Holiday activities to the Kimpton Horse Show, Battle of Britain events, Battle Proms, local walks and lots more. To make sure you don’t miss out the magazines are available to read online every month. If you run your own business we‘d love to include you it’s so easy, just book your space online today.
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References
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Out & About
Hertfordshire Health Walks
All walks are free, no booking required. Walkers need to register online or arrive 15 minutes early to fill in a form. Walks range from a gentle 1st Steps (20-30 minutes) up to Grade 4 (90 minutes).
Highfield Park
Mondays 9.30am Grade 3
Tuesdays 1.30pm Grade 3
Tuesdays 1.30pm 1st Steps wheelchair friendly
Meet: AB Salute Gym, St Albans AL4 0DB
Wheathampstead
Tuesdays 10.30am Grade 3
15th July & 17th Aug 10.30am Grade 1
Meet: East Lane car park behind The Bull, AL4 8BL
Harpenden Thursdays 10.30am Grade 4 - 4+
Meet: Conference Centre car park Rothamsted Research AL5 2JQ
Greenwood Park Fridays 2pm Grade 3
Meet: Community Centre, Chiswell Green AL2 3HW
Verulamium Park
2nd, 16th, 30th July & 13th, 27th Aug 7pm Grade 3
Meet: Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2DJ Batford 5th July 2pm Grade 4+
Meet: Marquis Lane car park, Harpenden AL5 5AA Batchwood Hall
9th, 23rd July & 6th, 20th Aug 7pm Grade 3
20th July 10.30am Grade 4
Meet: Batchwood Hall car park, St Albans AL3 5XA
Nomansland Common 16th July 7pm Grade 3
Meet: Ferrers Lane car park AL4 8EJ
For more information please call 01992 555888 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks
Summer at Willows until 18th July
Enjoy adventure play, the Puddle Play Park, funfair rides, adventure golf, tractor rides, farmyard animals, indoor soft play and lots more. From £12.95
www.willowsactivityfarm.com
Waddesdon Manor
Exhibition: Earth Photo
25th June - 20th July 10am - 5pm
A powerful exhibition showcasing shortlisted works that explore themes of nature, people, places, forests, land and seascapes.
Free with grounds admission
Volunteer Catering Open Day 10th July 10am - 12pm
Waddesdon is looking for volunteers; by getting
involved, you could spend time in this beautiful landscape and historic property. Why not go for a chat with the catering team to find out more.
Books at the Barn - Gill Hornby 16th July £17.50
Meet the author of Miss Austen, recently adapted into a BBC drama, as she talks about her new novel. You can buy her new book, The Elopement, at a personal book signing.
Open Air Theatre: Macbeth 19th July
Enjoy this new take on this much loved play. Free included in grounds admission, please book Summer of Play 23rd July - 31st Aug 10am - 4pm
Every day enjoy garden games of cricket, tennis, rounders and lots more. Free with grounds admission
25th - 27th July axe throwing, archery, climbing wall
1st - 3rd Aug Storm in a Teacup Circus
8th Aug Buzz: show featuring puppetry and a giant honeycomb set, join Billy Bumble for a whirlwind ride. 9th Aug Upstream: puppet show showing how we can protect our waters.
10th Aug The Dragon Wagon: an interactive family show packed with puppetry, music and laughter. 15th - 17th Aug En Plein Air by Urban Canvas: dabble in the art of painting in the outdoors. All ages 22nd - 25th Aug 9 hole crazy golf course
23rd - 25th Aug Croquet & Cocktails: enjoy a family game of croquet with instructors on hand to help.
29th - 31st Aug The Actual Reality Arcade: life-sized interactive games inspired by classic arcade games. Waddesdon, Bucks HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk
Helping Herts Week 4th - 11th July
This is your chance to be a local hero, raise money for children and young people and have a bit of fun while you're at it. www.helpingherts.com
Hands-on play themed around milling, baking and rivers. Under 5's
Mill Green Museum & Mill, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk
IWM Duxford
Battle of Britain Tours: The Operations Room 4th, 13th & 28th July £20, child £10
During the Battle of Britain, aerial battles were controlled from the Duxford Sector Operations Room. This room has been recreated, as it was in the summer of 1940. Hear how the details of German raids were established, and how fighters were allocated to intercept them. Then take your place at the plotting table to map out the location, size and height of aircraft formations.
Battle of Britain 85: Anniversary Day
6th July 11am - 7pm £100
A day of talks with historians, authors and pilots, a viewing of a Spitfire Mk Ia, and a private evening flying display featuring a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane.
Cambs CB22 4QR www.iwm.org.uk
Out & About
Become a Bletchley Park Codebreaker
5th July 11am
£16, age 14-17 £13
Solve codes and ciphers and learn the basics of cryptology in this workshop, and see a demonstration of an Enigma machine.
Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB
www.bletchleypark.org.uk
Heartwood Forest
All events are free, but please book
Summer Butterfly Walk 5th July 11am - 2pm
Join experts from Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation to learn about some of the 30 species of butterflies found here, including the majestic Purple Emperor.
Wildflower Walk 6th July 11am - 1pm
Join a wildflower expert who has identified over 200 species of flowering plant at Heartwood.
Moth Trapping Demonstration
12th July 9pm - midnight
Discover the night flying moths of the Forest as you search the trees and investigate with light traps.
It's 17 years since tree planting started here, hear Heartwood's story, from the planning and creation of the forest to how it’s managed today, and the issues facing it in the future.
Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DQ
www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events
Knebworth House
The Paul Simon Story 5th July
Shades of Simon are a 5-piece band rapidly growing in popularity with their acclaimed theatre show in tribute to Paul Simon.
The Great British Food Festival 19th & 20th July
With amazing artisan producers, scrumptious street food, brilliant bars and live entertainment.
Starting on Saturday with local businesses offering discounts and promotions across the weekend, followed by an afternoon of worldly tastes and live music on Sunday.
Teddy Bears Picnic 20th July 12 noon - 4pm
Pack your picnic basket and bring along your favourite teddy for a day of fun and adventure, including a bear hunt inside the castle, entertainment and activities in the grounds, plus take part in the annual Teddy Bears' Parade led and judged by the Mayor. Prizes will be awarded to the 'Best Dressed' teddy.
Hertford Castle SG14 1HR www.hertford.gov.uk
Tring Natural History Museum
Sketch & Scribble 5th July 2.30pm
Marvel at specimens from the handling collection and practice your artistic skills at this fun family drawing session. Free, please book
Treasures of the Rothschild Library Tour 17th July 1.30pm & 3pm £15
Look inside the awe inspiring Rothschild library, containing books dating back to the 1500s.
Workshops: Ocean Exploration
21st - 24th & 29th - 31st July & 5th - 7th Aug 10.30am & 2pm
Explore what animals live in and around the ocean. Free, drop in Tring HP23 6AP ww.nhm.ac.uk
NOW for some Entertainment
The Alban Arena
Addams Family 3rd - 5th July from £16.50
Abbey Theatre Enlightenment
The Addams’ dark, macabre, beloved daughter Wednesday is 18 and has fallen in love with Lucas a sweet boy from a normal family. She has invited his family to dinner, in one fateful, hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for generations: change.
Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass 13th July 4.30pm Get ready for a wow-factor dance fusion of Kathak, Bhangra, Hip-Hop and Salsa all to the best Bollywood music. A family show where the audience is as interactive as the performers!
Taylormania 17th July 7.30pm £31
Katy Ellis, a self-confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers, delivers the most authentic recreation of a Taylor experience.
Dinosaur World Live 18th - 20th July £18
A roarsome interactive show for all the family!
Sweet & Sour Tour 25th July 7.30pm £26.50
Pop anthems, heartbreak hits and rival vibes with the ultimate Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter tribute show. Bringing you the stories, sass and soul of two of pop’s biggest sensations.
Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons 30th July 7.30pm £36.50 age 14+
Jason’s latest comic offering is sure to be expert observational comedy.
The Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD www.everyonetheatres.com
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Edinburgh Preview Show: Pierre Novellie & Andrew Doherty 4th July 8pm £12 age 16+
A sneak peek from award-winning comedians as they make their way to the Edinburgh Fringe with brand new material.
Yeh Dosti: Celebrating 50 Years of Sholay 5th July 7.30pm £22 Age 16+
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of this iconic Bollywood film with spectacular music and dance to transport you back to the heart of Bollywood's golden era, honouring the legacy of a movie that has captivated audiences for half a century.
Wrong Jovi 11th July 8pm £15
Widely considered to be “the best Bon Jovi tribute band in the world".
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton LU1 2EY
www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
4th - 12th July 8pm & 6th July 2.30pm £14
When a student disappears in the Far East during his gap year, his parents are left fighting for answers. As pieces of the puzzle come to light, a darker truth begins to emerge. When the net of lies and deceit closes in, will they be able to find the answers and trust what they find?
The Changing Room 15th - 18th July 8pm £12
Written specifically for a young cast, this 2018 play follows a group of teenagers on a visit to the local swimming pool. The pool works as a metaphor to explore how it feels to be undergoing the change from child to adult.
The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals
16th July 7.30pm, 19th July 2.30pm & 7.30pm £14
With a passing nod to Little Shop of Horrors, this wacky youth musical will leave you enthralled, entertained - and a little bit terrified!
STAJE in Concert 17th July 8pm £15, child £12.50
This collective of local professional and serious amateur musicians showcases the diversity the world of Jazz has to offer, from Big Band Swing to Latin and Jazz-Funk to Soul.
Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 2DL www.abbeytheatre.org.uk
Barn Theatre
Comedy at the Barn 4th July 8pm £10
Host Gary G Knightley, the one man disaster area returns to oversee a night of hilarity.
Jazz at the Barn: 007 in Concert 18th July 8pm £18 Live 17-piece big band and vocal sensation Emma Fraser performs a number of Bond theme classics.
A Night at the Musicals 25th July 8pm
An evening of entertainment taking you through many popular musicals along with some of the classics. Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk
Opera Choruses 5th July 7.30 pm
Enjoy an evening of opera choruses and piano virtuosity with the Hardynge Choir. £18, student £9, child free. 0845 475 1664
St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2SP www.hardyngechoir.org
St Albans Symphony Orchestra Concert 5th July 7.30pm £18, £13 child £2
William Walton - Portsmouth Point Overture
Edvard Grieg - Piano Concerto No.1
Dmitri Shostakovich - Symphony No.10
St Saviour's Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans AL1 4DF www.saso.org.uk
Open Air Theatre: Blink
5th - 12th July times vary £16.50
A love story, a dysfunctional, voyeuristic and darkly funny love story, but a love story all the same. The Living Theatre, Whitwell www.thelivingtheatrewhitwell.org
The Old Town Hall
Gavin Fairhall Lever 5th July 8pm £17, £14
Experience a stunning explosion of colour in the wild and unruly garden of the London folk scene.
BEEE Creative 8th July 2.30pm £10
A series of six short films, showing that dance is for everyone. Each one explores a unique group response to the theme ‘transformation’, such as our experience of small moments of joy, life experiences, journeys or sense of self.
A Room of Ones Own 12th July 8pm £16 £12
Take an amusing trip through the history of literature, feminism and gender. Meet Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn and Shakespeare’s sister Judith! Come and be amused, challenged and changed.
Ordinary Decent Criminal 14th July 8pm £15
Join legendary political comedian Mark Thomas and writer Ed Edwards, as they test drive a few ideas for their new play touring later this year. Age 15+
Dan Tiernan: Work in Progress 18th July 8pm £14
In 2022, Dan won the BBC New Comedian of the Year and British Comedian of the Year, and achieved two sold-out Edinburgh runs during which he received 4 & 5* star reviews. Age 16+
Hannah Byczkowski: Work in Progress
30th July 8pm £12
Hear Hannah dig into death in her hilarious and compelling style, exploring everything from craft projects for loved one's ashes, funeral faux pas and why she's not running from serial killers. Age 16+
Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE www.oldtownhall.co.uk
Romeo & Juliet 10th - 12th July
Open air production presented by the High Street Players takng place outside Cornelia's Cafe, Church Green, Harpenden.
Tickets £10 from Manor Pharmacy, Harpenden www.hsplayers.org.uk
The EMC
The Beat Goes On & On 10th - 13th July £12
With The Hurst Children’s Theatre Group, written with
wit and humour by the director’s father, Mike Hurst, a record producer from the 60’s.
Lecture: The Golden Age of British Comedy 16th July 8pm
With the Arts Society Harpenden Evening
Lecture: London Bridged - 3,500 Years of Crossing the Thames 17th July 10.30am
With The Arts Society Harpenden Area, exploring the way we’ve connected across the Thames & what that tells us about the culture of the capital through time.
A Squash & A Squeeze
29th - 31st July £16.50 ages 3 - 8
A heart-warming, hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs, based on the book of the same name by Julia Donaldson
Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden AL5 2FR www.everyonetheatres.com
Mechanical Instrument Concerts
13th July & 10th Aug 3pm
St Albans Organ Theatre, Camp Road AL1 5PE www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk
Outdoor Cinema 17th July
The Greatest Showman 5pm £8, family £30
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy 7.30pm £8, family £30
Local food stalls and a licensed bar.
KWS School, Lower Luton Road, Harpenden AL5 5FH
www.create-herts.co.uk
Oaklands College
Open Air Dinosaur Show 26th July 1.30pm from £8.30
Step into a prehistoric adventure, as this interactive performance brings dinosaurs to life with thrilling effects and fun-filled storytelling. Age 2+
Mamma Mia! Open Air Cinema & ABBA Tribute Night 26th July 5.30pm £27.80, teen £22.38
An unforgettable evening of music, film and fun that will have you singing and dancing all night long. Age 12+
Oaklands College, South Drive, St Albans AL4 0JA www.oaklands.ac.uk
Beethoven the Revolutionary 27th July 2pm £16.50
Experience Beethoven's genius firsthand through the virtuosic performance of Sinfonia Verdi's world-class musicians.
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Luton LU2 7HA www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Out & About
NGS Open Gardens
15 Gade Valley Cottages 6th July 1.30pm - 5pm
Medium sized sloping rural garden with a woodland area, wildlife pond and views across the beautiful Gade Valley. £5, child free Dagnall Road, Great Gaddesden HP1 3BW
28 Fishpool Street
18th July 6pm - 8pm £7, child free
This secret garden highlights a C17 Tripe House set amongst box and yew topiary, with a rose garden and a tranquil woodland retreat. St Albans AL3 4RT
49 Ellis Fields
20th July 12.30pm - 5pm £5, child free
A small tranquil urban garden, with structural evergreen plants, lots of bee and bird friendly summer flowers and hydrangeas.
St Albans AL3 6BG
34 Church Lane
20th July 2pm - 5.30pm £5, child free
Next to a meadow, this small, cottage style garden attracts an abundance of wildlife, particularly butterflies, bees and insects, and is packed with a variety of hardy perennials. Kimpton SG4 8RR www.ngs.org.uk
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Bucks Music Trust Summer Festival
6th July 12.30pm - 6.30pm £16, child £11
Around 600 amateur musicians will perform in the open air, with groups, ensembles and choirs. There will also be food and craft stalls and the Museum will be open for you to explore.
Carriage Driving Show
13th July 10am - 5pm £16, child £11
See traditional and modern horse drawn carriages in arena parades (weather dependant)
Classic Vehicles Show
19th & 20th July 10am - 5pm £16, child £11
With classic vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles, and live music from Rock Bottom on Saturday and The JJ Cale Story playing rhythm and blues on Sunday.
Heritage Crafts Weekend
26th & 27th July 10am - 5pm £16, child £11
Step back in time and see traditional crafts including natural dyeing, flint knapping, felting, lacemaking and spinning, plus live folk music throughout the weekend. COAM, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk
Lets Do This
Hitchin Triathlon 6th July6.30am £25 - £55
Hitchin Swimming Pool, Hitchin SG5 1HA
Chilterns Summer 10k 6th July8.30am £22
Church Farm, Aldbury, Tring HP23 5RS
3 Brewers 10k 27th July10am £31
Symondshyde Farm, Hatfield AL10 9BB
The Cambridge Cycle Challenge 27th July8.30am £75
52 mile round-trip from Letchworth to Cambridge Letchworth Garden City SG6 3EW www.letsdothis.com
Highfield Park
Family Nature Walk 6th July 2.30pm £6
A gentle stroll around the park to investigate the flora and fauna. All ages, please book
Forest School 30th July 10am £10 ages 4 - 11
Culture Wood Forest School offer a hands on woodland experience, exploring the park, building dens, going on bug hunts, learning about nature, bush craft and more. Please book Rounders Game 31st July 11am £3.50
A fun event, for all ages, please book
St Albans AL4 0DY www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk
Shaw’s Corner
Garden Trail: Shaw's Scrumptious Veg
10th July - 31stAug Thurs - Sun only 10am - 5pm
Bernard Shaw loved his vegetable patch, this summer, children can help the housekeeper and gardener look after the imaginary patch on this interactive garden trail. Pick up a trail sheet from the kiosk. Free with garden entry
Outdoor Theatre: Arms & the Man 25th & 26th July 6.30pm £22
An exciting new production of Shaw’s play; a sparkling comedy that has more than a little to say about the state of the world today.
Bibbs Hall Lane, Welwyn AL6 9BX www.nationaltrust.org.uk
St Mary’s Village Show
12th July 12 noon - 3pm
With afternoon tea, cakes, bottle tombola, pre-loved accessories, plants and other stalls, plus competitions for flower arranging and fancy hats, and lots of doggy activities so don’t forget to take your furry friends.
St Mary’s Church, Kinsbourne Green AL5 3QE
Wheathampstead Village Day
12th July 1pm - 5pm
This year’s theme is Folklore and Fairytales, with a creative market, village street parade, funfair, live entertainment, delicious food and lots more.
Marford Playing Fields, Wheathampstead www.wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk
It’s Festival Time!
Roman Theatre Open Air Festival until 31st Aug
Bold, imaginative surprising live theatre and music, in the UKs oldest producing theatre. www.OVO.org.uk
Hitchin Festival 28th June - 31st July
Enjoy events including poetry, art exhibitions, concerts, theatre, kids entertainment, walks, talks, comedy, an art trail and more. www.hitchinfestival.co.uk
Bedford Summer Sessions
Simple Minds with Alison Moyet & KT Tunstall
3rd July 5pm, from £64.40
Rag'n'Bone Man with Gavin James & Elles Bailey 5th July 5pm, from £57.15
Proms in the Park 6th July 4.30pm, from £50.40, child £5.60
Russell Watson, Lesley Garrett & Robert Emery
The Human League with Thompson Twins', Tom Bailey & Blancmange 10th July 5pm from £55.45
Café Mambo in the Park 11th July 5pm, from £47.60
With Melanie C, Jax Jones & Fedde Le Grand Supergrass with the Coral & Willie J Healey
12th July 5pm, from £55.45
McFly with Twin Atlantic & Devon 13th July 5pm, from £53.20
Bedford Park MK40 2PF www.smmrsessions.com
Chilfest 4th & 5th July
It’s all about the 80’s and 90’s, Friday is Totally Tribute to kick start the festivities, while Saturday’s line-up includes, Adam Ant, Kim Wilde, Bad Manners, Haircut 100, the Real Thing and more. Fri from £35, child £18, Sat from £68, child £35 Pendley Meadow, Tring www.chilfest.co.uk
Kimpton Folk Festival
5th July 11.30am - 11.15pm
Three stages of music, folk, dance, workshops and family entertainment. £27 - £58 www.kimptonfolk.uk
M Fest 5th July 2pm £30, student £18
An amazing afternoon of music with tribute acts, party bands and lots more, plus a silent disco, rodeo bull, inflatable obstacle course, fairground rides, arts and crafts and more. Raising funds for local causes. Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans AL1 2QA www.mfestival.co.uk
Redbourn Festival 5th - 6th July
Entertainment, a fun fair, over 30 community groups offering free activities and a Pop-up Pub. On Sunday the Fete de Velo will include cycle races and cycling activities, music and entertainment. Free entry Redbourn Common AL3 7DA www.redbournfestival.org.uk
Todd in the Hole 11th - 13th July from £29.50, child from £9.50
A family friendly festival with headliners Massoake, Definitely Could Be Oasis, and Furnace and the Fundamentals. Plus a dance den in the woods, kids arena, vintage funfair and more.
Todd’s Green, Stevenage SG1 2JE
www.toddinthehole.co.uk
Buzzstock
12th & 13th July from £41, child from £15
Family-friendly event with entertainment from the UK’s best tribute acts, local bands, delicious food and drink and family friendly fun.
Billington Old Car Boot Field, Stanbridge Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9HL www.buzzstock.co.uk
Bedford Festival Fringe
23rd - 27th July
With comedy, theatre, music and dance from household names, to those new to the circuit. Checkout the website for more information www.quarrytheatre.org.uk
St Albans Comedy Garden
Another unrivalled showcase of stand-up super talent live in the Big Top. All shows £27.50
24th July gates 6pm, shows 7.30pm
Ed Gamble, Michelle De Swarte, Lindsey Santoro, Rosie Jones and John Robins.
25th July gates 6pm, shows 7.30pm
Phil Wang, Bridget Christie, Dane Buckley, Sarah Keyworth and Jen Brister.
26th July gates 12 noon show 1pm
Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Michael Odewale, Joel Dommett and Thanyia Moore.
26th July gates 3pm show 4.15pm
Russell Kane, Rachel Parris, Celya AB, Josh Pugh and Andrew Maxwell.
26th July gates 6.30pm show 7.45pm
Fern Brady, Tom Davis, Janine Harouni, Rhys James and Suzi Ruffell.
Enjoy aircraft displays, explore the collection of vehicles and aircraft, and stroll through the Regency Garden. Enjoy free activities at the Discovery Zones, rides and a fun fair. Please book
DH.60 Centenary Fly In 31st July & 1st Aug 10am - 5pm, from £17.50, child free
This action-packed day has all things Moth, with a collection of de Havilland types flying in from all over the UK and Europe, an uncovered zone on the airfield and on the Friday a short flying display. Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org
Highland Gathering 13th July 10.30am - 5pm
A Scottish themed family fun day, with marching pipe bands, Highland dancing, falconry, haggis hurling and more. £10 Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2LX
Sunday at the Mills
13th & 27th July 11am - 4pm
Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of the historic gunpowder factory. Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com
Luton Hoo Walled Garden
Much Ado About Nothing
16th July 7pm £20.50, child £5, £13
Performed by The HandleBards, a bicycle-powered production with riotous amounts of energy, chaos and a great deal of laughter.
Bug Hunt! 25th July 10.30am - 1pm £5, child £2
Crafty fun with a creepy crawly theme.
Children’s Summer Garden Workshops
Ages 4-7 & 8-11, 10am £10, please book 31st July Herbs
Learn about some of the common butterflies found in Hertfordshire, looking at their life cycles, ecology, conservation status, and how to tell them apart from moths. Suggested donation £5
www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Hatfield House
Sherborne Abbey Choir in Concert
18th July 7pm £15
One of the UK’s finest boys and adults’ choirs, present A Cappella music by Victoria, Byrd, Palestrina, Bairstow, Wood and Stanford in the Old Palace.
Battle Proms 19th July 4.30pm, from £55, child £23
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a vintage spectacular, featuring live music, fireworks, Spitfire flyovers, cannons, cavalry and parachutes.
Folk By The Oak
20th July 12 noon - 10.30pm, from £55
A family-friendly summer festival of the finest folk, roots and acoustic music.
6 Weeks of Summer 11am - 4pm £16, child £8
Meet the Makers 23rd - 27th July
Enjoy hands-on craft workshops and discover the fascinating lives of bees.
Stage & Screen 28th July - 3rd Aug
With Immersion Theatre, cinema screenings and a woodland storytelling adventure.
Transport Week 4th - 10th Aug
Enjoy talks on the history of transport in Hatfield and create planes, trains and automobiles.
History Week 11th - 17th Aug
Family house and Old Palace tours and Classic Ibiza.
Art Week 18th - 24th Aug
Nature collaging and arts and crafts workshops. Nature Week 25th Aug - 2nd Sept
Wildlife-themed activities.
Hatfield AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk
Stockwood Discovery Golf
19th July - 29th Aug £5
Launching the brand-new crazy golf course packed with 9 holes of non-stop fun, perfect for all the family!
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com/whats-on
Bishop of St Albans Garden
Open Days 19th, 20th, 26th & 27th July
& 23rd, 24th, 30th & 31st Aug 2pm - 4pm adult £5
In aid of Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust.
Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane AL3 4HD
Summer of Fun & Games
19th July - 31st Aug 10am - 5pm
Enjoy activities for all the family, from soft play and mini golf to archery and den building.
Adult from £17.70, child from £10.90
Wrest Park Silsoe, Beds MK45 4HR
www.english-heritage.org.uk
NOW at the Museums
Harpenden Museum
Exhibition: Harpenden in WW2 until Sept free
Open Tues, Thurs & Sats 11am-3pm
Drawing on the Museum’s archives and using photographs and personal testimonies, this exhibition reflects 80 years on, how the town and its people adapted to the war.
Exhibition to Celebrate the Life of George Hogg 1915-1945 from 24th July
This man, little-known in the UK and even in his home town of Harpenden, is renowned in China with statues in multiple cities and celebrated as a hero for rescuing a school of 60 boys by marching them 700 miles out of danger away from the invading Japanese army. He died 80 years ago aged just 30, an event commemorated in China, and now in Harpenden too.
EMC, Rothamsted Park AL5 2FR
Lecture: Son of Harpenden, Hero in ChinaGeorge Hogg 1915-45 22nd July 8pm
Hear George Hogg’s nephew and biographer
Mark Thomas tell the story of this former St George’s schoolboy, what he did in China and his leadership and legacy. Members & students free, or requested donation £5
High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU
www.harpenden-history.org.uk
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Wild About Hertfordshire until 6th July
Celebrating the flora, fauna and habitats of our county. Free
Exhibition: Firm FoundationsSt Albans School of Art until 21st Sept
Celebrating the School’s 150th anniversary, with work by generations of artists, designers, cademics and creatives, reflecting on the school’s innovative ways of teaching.
World War II Commemoration until 28th Sept free
A display telling the unique personal stories of eight local people, including topics from evacuation to life as a Prisoner of War.
Generations: Stories from South Asian St Albans 18th July - 16th Nov
From post-War factories to local politics and everything in between, South Asian communities and individuals have helped shape St Albans. This exhibition spotlights local stories and experiences using objects and photographs from personal collections, and creative storytelling, as it explores the complex relationship between the UK and South Asian countries.
Town Hall Tour 11th July 10.30am free
Discover the hidden stories of this local landmark, from the glittering galas and balls in the Assembly Room to the Cells where prisoners were held.
Exploring Indian Cultural Heritage Through Classical Music & Dance
18th July £10, online £6
Join classically trained Indian dancer Meera Vinay for this talk and demonstration exploring the performance, heritage and storytelling of Indian classical music and dance.
Henna Workshop 19th July 11am £20
Henna artist Syeda Batool teaches you how to create and apply your own henna designs. Decorate either a pillar candle or try out your new skills on yourself.
Summer Holiday Activities
24th July - 2nd Sept
Activities every day for the whole family, including dressing up, colouring in and museum and city trails. Free
St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Verulamium Museum
Romans v Celts Wargames
26th July 11am - 3.30pm included with entry
Roman and Ancient Briton mode soldiers will be gathered for a large war-game in the museum. Join in, roll some dice, and see if you can decide the fate of Roman Britain.
Archaeology for Families 29th July & 12th
& 19th Aug 10.30am-1pm included with entry
A fun family friendly introduction to archaeology, learn how archaeologists record what they find in the ground by analysing genuine finds.
Summer Holiday Activities
24th July - 2nd Sept
Explore the collection with Tessa Wheeler’s trail, touch genuine Roman objects and dress up as a Roman.
Included with entry
St Michael’s, St Albans, AL3 4SW www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
NOW at the Cathedral
Talk: The Way of St Alban: Pilgrimage to the Protomartyr in the Middle Ages
3rd July 7.30pm, please book, in person & online
James Clark traces what is known of these devotees of Alban and his co-martyr Amphibalus, their reasons for making their pilgrimage and what happened to them when they knelt before the shrines.
Monstrous Regiments 8th July 8.30pm £28
Dame Mary Beard’s captivating storytelling is illustrated by spellbinding songs and arias performed by soprano Nardus Williams and lutenist Elizabeth Kenny. Please book
The Great Survivor Tours
10th & 30th July 11am & 13th July 2pm £12
Stand on the hillside where Alban, Britain’s first Saint was buried. Walk around the outside of cathedral and learn how it has survived revolt, partial collapse and decay. Hear the stories of how it has been added to, rebuilt and restored. Please book
Tower & Treasures Tours 22nd & 25th July & 8th, 13th & 18th Aug 10.30pm £20
Exploring the grandeur of the cathedral with its shrines, wall paintings and medieval architecture, then climb the tower to see the ringing chamber, belfry and views from the roof.
Stained Glass Tours 23rd & 26th July & 12th & 15th Aug £12
Kenny Thomas Live 25th July 7pm
A multi-platinum soul icon.
Ibiza Proms 26th July 6.30pm
Listen to a 40 piece orchestra on a musical journey to the White Isle.
Music in the Abbey: More to Explore Tour 27th July 1.30pm free, please book
Exploring the place of music in the Abbey’s life, looking out for musical instruments real and imagined and hearing the story of the musicians whose music has filled the abbey since its construction.
Summer Holiday Club
28th July - 1st Aug 10am - 3pm £150
Activities from cooking, sports, drama, arts & craft, music, storytellers, dramatists and much more.
St Albans International Organ Festival
Events at the Cathedral unless otherwise stated BBC Sunday Worship St Peter’s Church
6th July 7.45am free, please book
The St Albans International Organ Competitions
7th & 8th July St Peter's Church
9th - 11th July Cathedral
Young organists from all over the world, perform in front of a jury of organists of international standing. From £15 per event, child free
Jean-Baptiste Robin Interview 9th July 1pm
Hear from the composer of the commissioned work for this year’s Organ Competition, a member of this year’s distinguished jury, and who is Organist of the Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles and one of France’s most prominent concert organists, teachers and composers. Free please book
By Candlelight: Ja-kyung Oh - Harpsichord
9thJuly 10pm St Michael's Church AL3 4SL
£15 please book
Bach Corner: Carolyn Craig 10th July 1.15pm
JS Bach Passacaglia in C minor, BWV582; O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde gross, BWV622; Pièce d’Orgue, BWV572. Free, donations welcome
London Handel Players: Vivaldi, Handel & Bach 10th July 8pm £10 - £30
Bach Corner: Luke Mitchell 11th July 1.15pm
JS Bach Fantasia in C minor, BWV562; An Wasserflüssen Babylon, BWV653; Trio on Allein Gott in der hoh sei ehr, BWV676; Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV548. Free, donations welcome
Alim Beisembayev - Piano 13th July 8.30pm £15 - £30
Margaret Phillips - Organ 14th July 1pm £15
Three Choirs 14th July 7.30pm £17 - £40
Jacqui Dankworth, Live in Concert 15th July 8.30pm £15 - £30
Lucy Crowe - Soprano & Anna Tilbrook - Piano 16th July 8pm £15 - £30
Bach Corner: Hamish Wagstaff 17th July 1.15pm free
Cloister, a Novel: Music Obsession Death 17th July 5pm free
Bach Corner: Daniel Colaner 18th July 1.15pm free
Presentation of Prizes 19th July 11am £15
Out & About
Dunstable Downs
Celtic Codebreakers
19th & 20th July 10am - 4.30pm £2
Young explorers can become mini archaeologists and crack the code of a Celtic message that ‘may’ have been left behind by the Iron Age Catuvellauni tribe, who once lived among the rolling hills, and earn their own dig licence. On Sunday, join archaeologist Dr Wendy Morrison for demonstrations, real and replica artefacts, and insights into what’s beneath your feet.
Summer of Play: The Dunstable Downs
Sports Village 21st July - 31st Aug free
Enjoy outdoor activities like football, cricket, hockey, tennis, table tennis, athletics, frisbee, golf and mini croquet. Just pick up the equipment from the Sports Village for these self-led activities.
Family Walk 24th July 10.30am free
Step back in time on a family-friendly walk led by Dr Morrison. Young explorers can join in with an Eye Spy challenge, spotting key features on the way.
Expert Led Walk 24th July 1.30am free
Explore the rich history of the Downs and Five Knolls, as Dr Morrison highlights archaeological features in the landscape: from prehistoric burial grounds to more recent remnants of the past.
Adults only
Ranger's Ramble: Bird Watch
27th July 10.30am £3, child £1.50
Join one of the rangers and explore the habitats most favourable to local breeding birds. Whipsnade Road, Dunstable LU6 2GY www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Roald Dahl Museum
Goodies & Baddies Clay Creations
24th & 25th July & 12th - 15th, 19th & 20th
Aug 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm £5 age 5+
Sculpt a character out of clay, either a big baddie or a small hero, just like Miss Trunchbull and Matilda.
Matilda’s Missenden Story Trail
24th July - 31st Aug 10am - 4.30pm
Pick up a self-guided walk, and explore the village of Great Missenden with Matilda, discover the sights that inspired the book including Matilda’s library and the storytelling chair. Free with museum entry
Crunchem Hall Playground
24th July - 31st Aug 10am - 4.30pm
Play traditional games with a Roald Dahl twist, like the Matilda vs Miss Trunchbull giant Connect 4, Splat the Snozzcumber or Dream Jar Hoopla, and splash about in the water play troughs!
Free with museum entry
Miss Honey’s Magical Garden
29th - 31st July & 1st Aug 11.30am, 12.15pm, 2pm & 2.45pm £5 age 5+
Craft a garden, with inspiration from the book Matilda.
Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0AL www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Kimpton Horse Show 27th July
The spirit of the show is to provide fun for all, from the scruffiest little pony to the most smartly turned out show horse, while raising funds for local causes.
Hitchin Road, Kimpton www.kimptonhorseshow.co.uk
Index of Businesses
● Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Cloakrooms and Kitchens from Design to Completion
● Local Family Run Business, Over 40 Years Experience
● Honest and Reliable Service
● Free Consultation/ Quotation for all Enquiries
given on all Bathrooms & Kitchens supplied
● Electric and Power Showers
● Repair/Renew Stopcocks, Taps and Outside Taps
● Blocked WC’s, Sinks, Baths and Basins
● Leaking Pipes and Overflows
● Washing Machines and Dishwashers Installed
Dean Herrington 07830 159010 01727 764217 info@djmplumbing.co.uk www.djmplumbing.co.uk
