st albans NOW JUNE 23

Welcome to June

Summer’s here, so it’s time to dust off your BBQs and paddling pools, and enjoy some fun with friends and family. Alongside our advertisers we’ve squeezed in as many events as we can, there’s sure to be something new to try or somewhere new to visit, so why not grab a cuppa and take 5 minutes to see what's going on locally. As always please mention st albans NOW when you call any of the advertisers.

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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Deadline 8th June for July editions

jane@theNOWmagazines.com

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Out & About

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

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 Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: The Earth As Art 27th May - 11th June Works by The Take Five Artists Art Group including glass art, sculptures, acrylic and oil paintings, ceramics, textiles and more.

Exhibition: Seeking Asylum in St Albans

19th - 25th June

Thought-provoking artwork by asylum seekers from the Noke Hotel, through writings and music used as a storytelling tool, you will embark on a journey in the authors’ lives, experiences and hopes for the future. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

Robin Hood 1st June 7pm £18

The Three Inch Fools are back with their calamitous take on this legendary tale, the problem is no-one can agree how the story goes. Robin must use every string to his bow to bring his band of merry misfits together.

Open Farm Sunday 11th June 10am - 3pm

Activities include a toddler straw maze, welly wanging, coconut shy, grind your own flour, handsome hound competition and more. Free

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

Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust

Spring Smartphone Safari 1st June 10.30am

Learn to use your smartphone to take stunning wildlife photographs with a professional photographer. Grebe House, St Michael's Street AL3 4SN

Peregrine Watch 3rd, 4th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th & 25th June 11am - 3pm

A pair of Peregrine Falcons that bred on St Albans Cathedral last year are back again, find out more about them and get a close up view through telescopes and binoculars. www.stalbanscathedral.org www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Foodies Festival 2nd - 4th June

A huge celebration of food, drink and live music, with MasterChef champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs, Great British Bake Off stars, Kids Cookery Theatre and more. Oaklands, St Albans www.foodiefestival.com

Hertford Castle

Cars at the Castle 4th June 12 noon- 4pm

With over 50 exhibiting cars and motorcycles, live music and food and drink stalls.

Open Air Theatre:

Wind in the Willows 17th June 2.30pm £10

A Midsummer Night's Dream 17th June 7pm £10

Hertford Castle, Castle Street SG14 1PX www.hertford.gov.uk

Sustainability Festival 10th - 18th June

The Great Big Green Week

Here’s just a few of the events taking place:

St Albans Community Showcase

10th June 11am - 3pm free

St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY

Repair Fair

10th June 2pm - 5pm free

Greenwood URC, Watford Road AL2 3HG

Adopt a Plant for the Pollinators

10th June 12 noon - 5pm

Greenwood URC, Watford Road AL2 3HG

‘Smalls for All’ Collection Point

10th June 12 noon - 5pm

Greenwood URC, Watford Road AL2 3HG

Plant Pot & Compost Bag Recycling

10th - 18th June

Aylett Nurseries, North Orbital Road AL2 1DH

Community Garden Open Day & Seedling Swap

11th June 10.30am - 12.30pm

Bottom of Berners Drive AL1 2JB

BioBlitz In The Abbey Orchard Meadow Space

11th June 11am

Abbey Orchard, St Albans Cathedral AL1 1BY

Reuse, Repair, Share and Wear Day

11th June 11am - 5pm free

Marford Memorial Hall AL4 8AY

Change the World through Music

14th June 6pm - 8pm free

The Mermaid, Hatfield Road AL1 3RL

Rethink & Relove Fashion with Twenty Outfits

15th June 7.30pm £26 - £30

Mad Squirrel, Heritage Close AL3 4EB

Bat Walk at Jersey Farm Woodland Park

16th June 8.30pm www.sustainablestalbans.org

LEAF Open Farm Sunday

11th June 10am - 3pm, free

With tractor trailer tours, educational and fun science activities, lawn games and more.

Rothamsted Manor, Harpenden AL5 2BG www.rothamstedenterprises.com

St Albans Half Marathon 11th June

Community event raising money for local charities and organisations. www.stalbanshalfmarathon.com

Walk Your Ridgeway 11th June

Exploring this is stunning ancient walkway with amazing views of Ivinghoe Beacon.

13 miles: Wendover - Ivinghoe Beacon £18

26 miles: Princes Risborough - Ivinghoe Beacon £24 www.stfrancis.org.uk

More Out & About!

Artisan Food, Art and Craft Market

11th June 11am - 4pm free

With a varied selection of handmade crafts, food and drinks, there's something for everyone.

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX www.culturetrust.com

Tour de Vale 11th June

Fantastic charity bike ride with 3 routes (25k, 75k or 110k), starting on the track at the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, and taking you through the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside. www.tourdevale.com

Harpenden Carnival 17th June 12 noon - 6pm

Harpenden Common AL5 3NU www.harpenden.gov.uk

Art on the Common

17th June 10am - 5pm & 18th June 11am - 5pm

Featuring work by local artists including fine art painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery, wood and glass. Harpenden Common www.artonthecommon.co.uk

Inflatable 5k 17th & 18th June

Tackle 32 gigantic obstacles, choose from 2.5k, 5k, 10k and 15k, fun for all the family! £18 - £48

Herts County Showground AL3 7PT www.letsdothis.com

Ayot St Lawrence Art Show

17th & 18th June 10am - 5pm

19th June 10am - 2pm

Browse fantastic art in a variety of styles and media with framed and unframed art for sale. £2, child free

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

St Albans Cathedral

Bishop of St Albans Summer Garden Opening

Sundays 18th June - 6th Aug 2pm - 4pm

Dogs welcome on leads. £4, child free Abbey Gate House AL3 4HD

The Alban Pilgrimage 24th June

11am - Procession with 12ft tall carnival puppets, representing figures from the story of Saint Alban from St Peter's Church to the Cathedral. 5pm - Pilgrimage Evensong, ending with a procession to the shrine of Saint Alban.

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard AL1 1BY www.stalbanscathedral.org

Highfield Park

Luna Open Air Cinema: Mean Girls 22nd June 9.15pm

Top Gun: Maverick 23rd June 9.15pm

Magic Mike’s Last Dance 24th June 9.15pm

Highfield Park, St Albans AL4 0DY www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

Out of Town

1940s Week 27th May - 4th June

Learn about WW2, from the Blitz, to rationing and the fighter planes that fought in the Battle of Britain. Please book. RAF Museum London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Shuttleworth

Around the World Air Show 4th June 9.30am £35

A show of world-wide aviation, both in the air and on the ground.

Spitfire Photography Experience Day

8th June 10am £175

Best of British Evening Air Show

17th June 2pm £32.50, child free

With Wing Walkers and Barnstormers taking to the skies in an evening of early-aviation entertainment. Shuttleworth, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Knebworth House

Garden Opera 8th June 7pm

A love story built around opera classics sung by the stars of tomorrow and played by a string quintet. Bring picnics for a magical evening of opera. £35, child £10

Father’s Day Medieval Jousting 18th June *

Displays 12 noon & 2.30pm

See the knights on majestic warhorses galloping at full tilt in a fantastic display of horsemanship. £19.50, child £19. Also have-a-go at archery for £2

PAW Patrol Character Appearance *

25th June 9.30am - 5pm

See Chase and Marshall between 10am and 2pm.

*Tickets include access to Knebworth Park, Gardens, Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail Knebworth House, Stevenage SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com

Waddesdon

Wedding Cake Tours 8th June - 26th Oct Thursdays & selected Sundays from 10.30am

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

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. *free with grounds admission

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

Wines of South Africa Summer Tasting 24th June 2pm - 6pm £36

Taste over 100 wines, with a jazz band, traditional Zulu dancers and authentic South African street food. The Riding School, Hatfield House AL9 5HX www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Chapman Auto Services

NOW for some Entertainment

Barn Theatre

Closer by Patrick Marber

31st May - 3rd June 8pm & 3rd June 2.30pm

Being Jane Eyre

21st & 22nd June 8pm & 24th June 2.30pm

Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST

www.barntheatre.co.uk

The Old Town Hall

Remi Harris and Tom Moore

2nd June 8pm £17

An evening of music from the acoustic jazz of the 30s and 40s to the electric blues of the 60s and 70s.

Locomotive for Murder:

The Improvised Whodunnit

9th June 8pm £17

A totally improvised, totally outrageous murder mystery where killing the cast and cracking the case is in your hands. Expect dubious accents and shaky alibis, along with thrills, spills and good old-fashioned kills.

Tom Houghton: Absolute Shambles

10th June 8pm £15

Taking a look at the pitfalls of online celebrity.

Nell Bryden 17th June 8pm

Expect one fabulous song after another from this New Yorker, with themes of heartbreak, self-empowerment and resilience.

Bennett Arron: Loser 30th June 8pm £15

“Genuinely Original and Funny” - The Times

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

The Alban Arena

UK Pink Floyd Experience

3rd June 7.30pm £27

Recreating the atmosphere of Floyd live, featuring top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and incredible music!

Midnight Train to Georgia

9th June 7.30pm £27.50

Capturing the essence of the Multi Award Winning Gladys Knight, Hayley Ria Christian emulates the true magic that the Empress of Soul delivers with hit songs including ‘Baby Don’t Change Your Mind’, ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’, ‘Part

Time Love’, ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ and more.

Sun Records - The Concert

16th June 7.30pm £26

70th Anniversary of Elvis’ First Recording Session. Featuring a multi-talented cast of amazing musicians, the sound of Sun is brought to life in a concert show that takes you back to the birthplace of rock’n’roll.

Do You Believe In Ghosts

21st June 7.30pm £28.50

An experiential ghost story, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Welcome to a haunting night at the theatre, and hear all the secrets of what goes on when the theatre goes dark. Age 18+ Arrival - The Hits of ABBA

22nd June 7.30pm £27

Celebrating the legacy of Scandinavian pop royalty.

The Serial Killer Next Door

24th June 7.30pm £27.50

Hear about what creates a serial killer, and if anything could have prevented their potential being activated, or were they simply born to kill? Age 16+

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

Roman Theatre Festival

A little bit about what's planned for June and a taster of what's to come.

Romeo and Juliet 5th June - 29th July

A new adaption, set on the streets of Northern Ireland’s capital in 1998. £28.50, £23.50, child £15.50

A Room of One’s Own 11th June

A 21st century take on Virginia Woolf’s celebrated pre-TED talk. £23.50, child £15.50

Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Lipstick, Ketchup and Blood 13th - 18th June

In a blasted world, two survivors – a doctor and an actor – pass the time by staging their favourite story salvaged from the flames. £28.50, £23.50, child £15.50

Private Lives 23rd June - 19th Aug

Noel Coward’s brutal comedy. £28.50, £23.50, child £15.50

Eliza Carthy Trio plus Lizzy Hardingham

25th June

Eliza is one of the most impressive and engaging folk performers of her generation. £20, child £18

Much Ado About Nothing 5th - 8th July

Little Women 2nd - 5th Aug

The Railway Children 14th July - 20th Aug

The Threepenny Opera 31st Aug - 6th Sept

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

Death by Design

8th - 10th June 7.30pm

A comical murder mystery, with all the action taking place in one room! £10, child £5 Kimpton Memorial Hall, Kimpton SG4 8RD www.thekimptonplayers.co.uk

Abbey Theatre

Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense’

9th,10th & 13th - 17th June 8pm & 11th June 2.30pm

Based on the eccentric stories of P.G. Wodehouse, this comedy features three actors playing multiple parts. Bertie Wooster begins to tell a story, but soon calls for his trusty manservant, Jeeves, who steps in to bring sense from confusion. Assisted by Seppings, the butler, they bring to life some of Wodehouse’s best-loved characters. £13, £12

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

Live Cinema

Royal Opera House: Il Trovatore

13th June 7.15pm & 18th June 2pm £22.60

Passions run high as Manrico and the Count di Luna compete for the affections of Leonora. Soon a curse from the past will rise up from the ashes with devastating implications.

National Theatre Live: Fleabag

15th June 7pm £18.50

The hilarious, award-winning play that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag, was captured live on stage from London’s West End in 2019.

Berliner Philharmoniker LIVE: Summer Concert

16th June 6.30pm £22.60

One of the world’s most acclaimed classical orchestras.

Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty

28th June 7pm

A darkly romantic take on a classic tale. £18.50 Campus West, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX www.campuswest.co.uk

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy

14th June 11.30am

Enjoy this award-winning comedy show for parents... and babies! Enjoy a cuppa or something stronger and if you need to whip out a bum (the baby's please!), a boob or a bottle then feel free. The comics won't mind being heckled by our younger guests either! Watford Palace Theatre WD17 1JZ www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

The Eric Morecambe Centre

Radio Ga Ga 14th June 7.30pm

The ultimate celebration of Queen, one the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage.

Painter and Plantsman: Cedric Morris, Irises and Beyond 15th June 10.30am

Presented by The Arts Society Harpenden Area. The Very Best Of Tommy Cooper (Just like that!) 16th June 7.30pm

Including many of Cooper’s great one-liners, dazzling wordplay and celebrated tricks, including Glass/Bottle, Dappy Duck, Spot the Dog and Jar/Spoon.

80s Live 23rd June 7.30pm

The biggest 80s party show to tour the UK.

Magic of the Beatles 24th June 7.30pm

This incredible cast not only look and sound like the Fab Four, they also generate that famed, incredible excitement with their unique sense of humour too.

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

Wrest Park

The Woodcutter 14th June 10.30pm & 2.30pm

The story of Hodge, a lazy, obstinate woodcutter, who is unexpectedly granted three wishes by Oberon, King of the Fairies. Granted with such power can Hodge make the right decision?

National Garden Scheme Tour

28th June 5.30pm - 8pm

Meet the Head Gardener and members of their team for a tour of Wrest Park gardens. £25 Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

StAlbans

Music & Arts

Accredited Museum Status

The University of Hertfordshire Art Collection has been awarded Accredited Museum status by Arts Council England in recognition of the high standard in care of the collection and engagement with users. Established in 1952, as part of the post-war building programme, when the fivefounding works were purchased, including works by Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth, UH Arts’ wonderfully diverse collection now has 500 artworks displayed across its campuses that bear witness to the University's history and development. With 14 impressive external sculptures and a portfolio of paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, ceramics and mixedmedia works it’s well worth a visit.

www.uharts.co.uk

Fleetwood Mac and Cheese 16th June 7.30pm

Featuring a 5 piece tribute to Fleetwood Mac, plus some familiar cheesy dance floor classics! £15

www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

Bedford Park Concerts

23rd June: The Jacksons, Sister Sledge, The Real Thing

24th June: Sting

25th June: West End Proms

29th June: Scooter

30th June: George Ezra

1st July: Ministry of Sound Classical

www.bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk

DJ&M

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●Outside Taps Dean Herrington 01727 764217 07830 159010

info@djmplumbing.co.uk

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see our main advert on the inside back cover

NOW for the Kids

Kids Rule!

27th May - 4th June 10am - 5pm

Get ready for a right royal knees-up to celebrate the King’s coronation with hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun.

Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Top Trumps 27th May - 4th June

Grab your super Top Trumps card at the entrance, then look out for the giant Top Trumps cards to play against, there'll also be themed talks about the top traits of the featured animals.

Ages 5 - 9

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

Mead Open Farm

Dino Week 27th May - 4th June

There are 5 roaming Dinosaurs to meet around the farm. Also explore the Giant’s Rock-Climbing Wall, the Sky Trail High Ropes and huge Jumping Pillows, Go Karts, JCB Digger Village and lots more.

Krafty Kidz

10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th & 25th June

Spark their imagination with squishy, slimy, glittery, arty, messy fun!

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

Willows Activity Farm

Dino-ventures Half Term Fun

29th May - 4th June

Enjoy ROAR-some family fun with Dinosaurs to meet, fossil finding fun in the giant sandpit, a Dino Hunt, Jurassic arts and crafts and the Puddle Play Park.

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

The Alban Arena

In The Night Garden 31st May 1pm & 4pm & 1st June 10am & 1pm from £21

Join Igglepiggle looking for his friends by following their funny sounds.

Milkshake! Live 2nd June 12pm & 3.30pm £18, child £17, family £66

Milkshake! Monkey is back in the most dazzling new show you have ever seen!

ZOG

13th June 4.30pm & 14th & 15th June 10.30am & 4.30pm £16.50, child £14

Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Dragon’s school, and he tries so hard as he bumps, burns and roars his way through.

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

Day Out With Thomas

3rd & 4th June 10.30am - 5pm

Thomas and The Fat Controller are coming all the way from the Island of Sodor for a day of discovery, adventure and friendship. With short train rides with Thomas, interactive reenactments, meet the Fat Controller, miniature train rides and much more.

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

STAHS Children's Book Festival

10th June 10am - 5pm

With fantastic events to inspire and immerse young readers in a world of fairy-tale, mystery, science and adventure. Dig for dinosaur bones, fly like Peter Pan, visit the enchanted forest and enjoy arts, crafts and games. Meet and be inspired by authors and illustrators, including Nick Butterworth, Ross Welford, SF Said, Sarah Roberts, Isabel Thomas, Kimba and Nick Dee, and ask them questions and get your books signed.

St Albans High School Prep, Wheathampstead AL4 8DJ www.trybooking.com

Jaguar Weekend 10th & 11th June

A special weekend to celebrate the return of the park’s Jaguars, with lots of fun events taking place outside their exciting new habitat Jaguar Jungle. The weekend will also be raising vital funds and awareness for The Belize Project charity.

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

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