family

World Food Festival – 13 and 14 May

Welwyn Garden City Town Centre www.wonderfulwgc.co.uk/worldfood-festival

The festival will feature over 30 food stalls producing culinary delights for visitors to taste, live cooking demonstrations, a relaxing picnic area, craft market and fun children’s activities. 11am to 5pm. FREE.

Funfair at Harpenden Common – 25 to 29 May

Harpenden

An exciting funfair on Harpenden Common, a fantastic way to celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend!

Tots Tales at Verulamium Museum – 26 May and 30 June St Michael’s Street, St Albans, AL3 4SW 01727 751 810 www.stalbansmuseum.co.uk

A story, craft activity and a museum hunt, inspired by a popular story. May: Sam plants a sunflower by Kate Petty and Axel Scheffler. June: How to Catch A Rainbow by Naomi Jones. For ages 2-4. £5 per child.

May Half Term Trail at South Mill Arts – 27 May to 3 June

Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www.southmillarts.co.uk

Free museum trail. People have been carrying money in purses and bags throughout history. Can you find some around the museum? Aimed at children aged

Otter Weekend at Paradise Wildlife Park – 27 and 28 May Broxbourne, EN10 7QA 01992 470490 www.pwpark.com

There will be lots of fun events taking place outside the Otter Rocks, the new habitat at Paradise Wildlife Park. This weekend will be part of the general admissions ticket!

Dino-ventures Half Term Fun at Willows Activity Farm – 29 May to 4 June

St Albans, AL4 0PF 0333 3312060 www.willowsactivityfarm.com

A ROAR-some family outing with Dinosaurs to meet, fossil finding fun in our giant sandpit, a Dino Hunt around the farm park with a certificate and Jurassic arts and crafts.

Half Term Family Activities at Hertford Museum – 30 May and 1 June

Hertford 01992 582686 www.hertfordmuseum.org

Drop in and take part in arts and crafts at the museum. £3 per child (free places available to low-income families, contact the museum for more info). 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Money that Moves at South Mill Arts – 30 May to 1 June

Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www.southmillarts.co.uk

Celebrate the new King Charles bank notes by designing one for yourself, then make a magic wallet which moves your bank note each time you open it. Drop in between 10am and 2pm, £1 per child.

Foodies Festival at Oaklands College – 2 to 4 June

St Albans 0131 220 3276 www.foodiesfestival.com

Visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule of TV cooking show champions and live music. Plus, The Kids Cookery School and Foodies SuperChefs make cooking fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which they can take away and enjoy. 12pm to 9pm.

Cars at the Castle at Hertford Castle – 4 June Hertford SG14 1PX www.hertford.gov.uk

With over 50 exhibiting cars and motorcycles, live music and food & drink stalls it’s a perfect day out for car enthusiasts and all the family. Plus, the Castle will be open for the public to explore. 12pm to 4pm.

SustFest 2023 – 10-18 June St Albans www.sustainablestalbans.org/ sustfest

This award-winning annual community festival all about sustainable living and the environment. The 9-day festival will see 100s of events across the district.

Stevenage Day at George V Playing Fields – 11 June

Stevenage, SG1 3LR www.facebook.com/RITPStevenage

The theme this year will focus on arts and culture in the community, the Kings Coronation and the Women’s World Cup with lots of free fun activities, and a main performance area.

Stevenage Festival – 12-25 June www.stevenage-festival.co.uk

Stevenage Festival provides a showcase for all the exciting talent in the Stevenage area. It involves around two thousand local performers and artists of all descriptions. The core of the festival is a series of performances at Gordon Craig Theatre.

Funfair at Harpenden Common - 17 June www.harpenden.gov.uk

Summer Carnival brings an exciting action-packed programme of entertainment and activities. With musical performances, food and drink, and an unrivalled atmosphere!

Father’s Day Medieval Jousting at Knebworth House – 18 June

Stevenage SG1 2AX 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com

The turrets and towers of Knebworth House will provide a spectacular backdrop to the costumed knights on majestic warhorses galloping at full tilt across the arena in a fantastic display of horsemanship. There are two scheduled jousting displays at 12pm and 2.30pm. Tickets for this event also include access to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Dinosaur Trail and Adventure Playground.

Pop Princesses

Tues 30th May 6pm

Tickets: £18.50, £24.50 VIP MEET & GREET (Meet and Greet one hour before show)

Four Fairy Tale Princesses perform an array of pop music from Little Mix and Ariana Grande to Taylor Swift and Meghan Trainor, plus music from your favourite films and musicals!!

Fireman Sam

Saves the Circus

Thurs 17th Aug 12pm & 3.30pm

Tickets: £18, £17 child, family of 4 £66 selling hot food, drinks, gifts and crafts, as well as loads of free family activities and games. FREE.

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus.

Clubs, Classes and Camps

Awesome Engineers

St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden, Rickmansworth www.awesome-engineers.com

Awesome Engineers run STEM sessions for primary school children using LEGO. For more information visit website.

Signing Toddlers www.signingtoddlers.co.uk

Fun sessions where your child can learn signs to add to their word bank! Exploring new vocabulary through signing, turn-taking, sharing and listening.

Best Theatre Arts and Best Beans

St Albans, Hertford 01727 759634 www.besttheatrearts.com

Best gives young people aged 4 to 18 the best possible introduction to the theatre. As well as classes in acting, dancing and singing, Best can help teach confidence, self-discipline and communication skills. For ages 2 to 4.

Dinky Dancers

St Albans, Redbourn, Harpenden 01438 831281 www.dinkydancers.com

Vintage Festival at Welwyn Garden City – 24 and 25 June

Welwyn City Centre www.jiveswing.com/ wgcvintagefest/

Bringing together over 100 of the finest internationally acclaimed musicians, singers, DJs, performers, swing, lindy hop, jive, rock n roll dancers, dance instructors, swing dance classes, vintage and classic cars, fashion, vintage stalls and children’s entertainers across five stages and arenas. FREE.

The Alban Weekend – 24 and 25 June

St Albans www.enjoystalbans.com/ albanweekend/

On Saturday, witness the spectacular procession through the City’s streets, telling the story of Alban, England’s first saint. On Sunday, St Peter’s Street will close for around 100 traders

Dance, PE, Music and Action activities for boys and girls aged 2+ yrs. Exploring a new theme each half term, developing Childrens’ social, physical and creative skills. classes@dinkydancers. com.

Gwen Halam Dance Harpenden, Redbourn 07792309401 www.ghdance.com

Exciting pre-school dance classes for boys and girls from 18 months to 4 years. Choose a class where you can accompany your child and dance together, then watch their confidence grow as they venture into class alone. Call to book a free trial class call.

Imagination Dance

Hitchin, Hertford 07394 934911

Sensory and creative dance classes specifically for those with suspected or diagnosed additional needs. Imagine and Move: suitable for children who need to improve their social skills and awareness of self and others (age guidance 3-6, £4). Magic Movers:

Perfect for those who love to dance and express themselves! (Age guidance 7+, £6.50). Call for more information, or email info. imaginationarts@yahoo.com

Jigsaw Performing Arts

St Albans, AL1 2QA 01727789441 www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk

Jigsaw Performing Arts is dedicated to developing performance skills, promoting self-expression and building confidence. Classes run on Saturday mornings at the Marlborough Science Academy.

KMDT Self Defence

St Albans, Hatfield www.kmdt.co.uk

KMDT is an all-inclusive, friendly club, encouraging families, juniors and adults to train together. Learn and train in the skills to keep you safe, including techniques to deter bullies. Call 07824883853 or email info@ kmdt.co.uk for more information or to book a free trial.

Perform

Various locations in the region 0207 7255 9120 www.perform.org.uk

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. Classes are designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Every child can try a free no-obligation class, visit www.perform. org.uk/try.

Venues: St Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, Bishops Stortford and Broxbourne. enquiries@perform.org.uk

Toddler Sense East Herts

Ware and Broxbourne 07984 428466 www.toddlersense.com/ hertford-east/

Toddler Sense classes are energetic and fast paced with a mixture of free play time where you’ll find everything from a bouncy castle to soft play, balancing equipment, tents, tunnels and more for them to explore, followed by exciting sensory activities which are designed along a different theme every week. Age 12 months to 5 years.

Libraries

Hertford Library

Hertford, SG14 1DR

0300 1234049 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk

Lego club: Tuesdays (term time only). For children aged 5 and over, 4.15pm-5.15pm. £3 per ticket.

Toddler Tales: Thursdays (term time only) For toddlers and pre-school children, a lively mix of stories and rhymes. 10.30 –11.30am.

Baby Rhyme Time: Mondays (term time only). A fun half hour session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers.

Baby Rhyme Time at other local libraries (FREE) 0300 1234049 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ services/libraries-and-archives Hatfield (every Fri), Woodhall (every Mon), Welwyn Garden City (every Thur), Marshalswick (every Thur), St Albans (every Tue), Harpenden (every Mon). Baby Rhyme Time helps your child to learn language skills and is an opportunity for you to meet other families too.

Holiday Clubs

Holiday Art Camp at ArtShed –30 May to 2 June

St Albans and Harpenden www.shedloadsoffun.com Book one or more days of fun, with a different drawing and painting project each day. Children get lots of time for play and take home their very own painting on canvas or watercolour. Ages 6 to 13.

Camp Beaumont

Berkhamsted, St Albans 01603 851000 www.campbeaumont.co.uk The multi-activity holiday day camps provide fun-filled, exhilarating experiences for 3–16-year-olds.

FunFest Holiday Camp

St Albans 07767 877198

Harpenden 01582 369000 www.fun-fest.co.uk A school holiday club which provides children with a choice from an exciting range of holiday club activities, with sessions ranging from Mission Impossible and Sports Action to Cupcake

Heaven and Crafty Creations.

Re:play Holiday Club

St Albans 07913 323608. Replay is a fabulous holiday club for children 4 to 11 years old. Lots of fun activities and crafts, indoor and outdoor space. Run by an enthusiastic and caring team.

Happy Days Holiday Club

Stevenage 07883 511319 www.leys.herts.sch.uk/parentsholiday-club Happy Days

Holiday and Afterschool Club provides a friendly, fun and safe environment together with highquality childcare for all pupils aged 3-13. Open during school holidays from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Multi Active School Holiday Club www.multi-active.co.uk The Holiday Camps provide fun and fulfilling experiences for kids.

Venues: Abbots Langley, Bishops Stortford, Hertford, Hitchin, Letchworth, Rickmansworth, Royston, South Oxley, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Ware.

Premier Education Holiday camps www.premier-education.com/ holiday-camps Holiday Camps designed to help kids get active, introduce them to new and exciting activities, and create a fun-filled experience they will remember forever. Venues: St Albans, Stevenage, Bushey, Welwyn Garden City and Cheshunt.

Rising Stars Wrap Around Holiday Clubs 01462 790152 www.risingstars-wraparound. co.uk Holiday course activities include sports such as trampolining, inflatables, team games and gymnastics as well as creative activities. Venues: Stortford, Hitchin, Lutterworth and Stevenage.

Theatre

The Smeds and the Smoos at The Radlett Centre – 2 & 3 May Radlett WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. For ages 3+.

I Spy with My Little Eye at Sandpit Theatre – 6 May

St Albans AL4 9NX 0113 2243732 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Based on the picture book by Steven Lee, this beautifully interactive musical celebrates everything great about being a kid - and everything great about having one. 2.30pm.

Excelmazing at Sandpit Theatre – 20 and 21 May

St Albans AL4 9NX 0113 2243732 www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Students from Excel Performing Arts perform in their brilliant spectacular annual show, with an entertaining mix including ballet, tap, lyrical contemporary dance, jazz, commercial street, hip hop dance, drama and singing.

PQA presents Matilda the Musical Jr at South Mill Arts –21 May

Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3JG 01279 710200 www.southmillarts.co.uk

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Musical Theatre International. 11am, 2pm and 5pm.

Dragons and Mythical Beasts at The Radlett Centre – 23-25 May

Radlett WD7 8HL 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Calling all brave heroes! Enter a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new show for all the family. Recommended for ages 3+.