st albans NOW Sept 23

Welcome to September

With the children back at school, now’s a good time to think about sorting out those jobs around the house, as always we have a host of trades people and many other local businesses besides, so have a flick though and see who you might need to call.

It’s a great month to get out and about with so much going on why not try something new, there’s charity events, music, theatre, walks and lots more to entertain you. 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

Advertising Rates

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You can NOW book advertising online

Deadline 8th Sept for Oct editions

jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291

www.theNOWmagazines.com

Passionate About Natural Health and Wellbeing A Natural Way to Better Health A Practice for Women and Children

Reflexology is a relaxing experience and effective for releasing stress and tension, improving blood and lymphatic flow, eliminating toxins, purifying internal organs and relieving negative emotions.

Please get in touch to see how I can help 07535 891513

www.reflexologyhealthcoaching.co.uk

Personal Counselling in St Albans

Philip Orr - Therapist

Helping you heal and grow through therapy

Are you feeling depressed or anxious? Is life getting on top of you?

Are unresolved issues interfering with your happiness?

Talking to a trained counsellor can help. I offer my clients a confidential and safe space to experience counselling at a quiet venue in St Albans with free car-parking, or if preferred, we can meet on-line. For more information please have a look at my website www.ptorr.com

If you would like an initial conversation to explore whether counselling could help you, do get in contact by email at philipthomasorr@gmail.com or you can text me at 07711 916042.

We can start with a chat to see if I am the right counsellor for you.

‘Philip is a brilliant counsellor, highly perceptive and non-judgemental’

Philip Orr MA, PGCE, MRIA, Dip.Couns, MBACP

Chapman Auto Services

NOW for some Entertainment

Roman Theatre Festival

The Threepenny Opera 31st Aug - 6th Sept

A bold and imaginative production of Kurt Weill's riotous musical comedy. Age 10+

Dark Side of the Uke 4th Sept 7.30pm

A reimagining of Pink Floyd’s classic album, 50 years on. Performed by Ver Players. £20, child £15

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

The Alban Arena

Gyles Brandreth Can’t Stop Talking

1st Sept 7.30pm £26.50

This jumper-loving This Morning and Just A Minute star, has been babbling since he was a baby, and in his hilarious new show is trying to work out why.

Some Guys Have All The Luck -

The Rod Stewart Story 2nd Sept 7.30pm £27

Taking a musical journey that spans 6 decades this show brings an incredible live concert celebrating one of rock music’s most influential icons.

Illusion Impossible 5th Sept 7.3pm £29.50

With breath-taking magic from card tricks and mind reading stunts to grand scale stage illusions.

Manchester United Legends 6th Sept 7.30pm £37.50, meet & greet £92.50

See legends Brian McClair and Andrew Cole as they give you a full insight into their careers.

A Celebration of Opera 7th Sept 7.30pm £24 - £28

London Festival Opera presents a musical feast of some of the greatest opera ever composed.

Central Band of The Royal Air Force

10th Sept 2pm £30, £25

A rare and unique opportunity to hear one of the worlds renowned and finest military bands.

The Illegal Eagles 12th Sept 7.30pm £34

Celebrating over 50 years of The Eagles, with acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship.

The Carpenters Story 13th Sept 7.30pm £34

A musical journey through the career of pop’s most famous brother and sister duo.

Story of Guitar Heroes 15th Sept 7.30pm £27.50

World-class musicians, state-of-the-art video and hits from Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Brian May and more.

Lost in Music – One Night at the Disco

16th Sept 7.30pm £31.50

With a sensational live band, relive some of the greatest songs from artists such as Donna Summer,

Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire and Sister Sledge.

Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare

19th Sept 7.30pm £26, £23 age 16+

A combination of a hacked-to-bits Shakespeare script, 6 professional actors and a bucket load of booze!

Re-take That 21st Sept 7.30pm £32

Enjoy the ultimate Take That party night, bringing the world’s biggest boy band’s greatest hits to life.

Tim Vine - Breeeep! 23rd Sept 7.30pm £26.50

Enjoy a mountain of nonsense, daft one-liners, joyful songs, wobbly props and ridiculous humour. Age 12+

The Eric Morecambe Centre

Abigail’s Party

1st & 2nd Sept 7.30pm & 2nd Sept 2.30pm £24

Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 70s British life.

One Night In Dublin 7th Sept 6.30pm £25

Kick back in Murphy’s Pub, sing along and imagine yourself on the emerald isle.

Ministry of Science 10th Sept 2pm £18, child £17

Take an anarchic approach to science communication while looking at the scientists, engineers and inventors who have shaped the modern world.

Ruby Wax – I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was 16th Sept 7.30pm £29 18+

Ruby returns to the stage following her critically acclaimed, sell out tour, How To Be Human. See her in the rawest, darkest and funniest stage show yet.

The Nick Ross Orchestra - The Glenn Miller & Rat Pack Era 23rd Sept 7.30pm £27.50

Recapture the sounds of a bygone era with the classic big band sounds of the 40s & 50s. EMC, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR the-emc.co.uk

Hardynge Choir

Workshop: Sing Local 2nd Sept 10am - 1pm free Featuring choral music connected with Hertfordshire. Please book chairman@hardyngechoir.org

St George’s School, Sun Lane, Harpenden AL5 4TD

Our Fair Ladies 23rd Sept 7pm

Exploring Hertfordshire’s rich musical and literary heritage including the world premiere of Three Songs by Sasha Johnson Manning. £15, students £8

St John's Church, Church End, Markyate AL3 8PY www.hardyngechoir.org

Luton Culture Trust

Exhibition: Showtime For Hats

4th Sept - 27th Oct except Saturdays & Sundays

Focusing on hats for theatre, film, TV and opera, see handcrafted pieces, including Timothy Daltonʼs topper from Bond, Michele Pfeifferʼs transparent lace hat from the film Cherie and more. Free

Hat Works, Guildford Street, Luton LU1 2NQ

Music In The Museum: Elizabeth Green

10th Sept 2pm £11

Harpist, Elizabeth has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and English National Opera. Wardown House, Old Bedford Road, Luton LU2 7HA

You are the Sun

28th Sept 10.15am, 11.30am & 2pm

Combining the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play, this is the first opera for babies and grownups that explores the magic of nature. £7 Hat Factory Arts Centre, Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY www.culturetrust.com

Pub in the Park 8th - 10th Sept

A celebration of the best music, drink, and food, hosted by chefs Tom Kerridge and Ainsley Harriott, and with headline acts Rudimental DJ Set, Sam Ryder, Craig David, and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell. www.pubinthepark.seetickets.com

Romance is in The Air! 9th Sept 7.30pm

Concert of popular romantic songs from stage and screen with Felici Opera singers. £15, child £5 St Peter’s Church, Ayot St Peter AL6 9BG www.feliciopera.com

Open Rehearsal 12th Sept 8pm

With Harpenden Choral Society, new singers welcome. URC Church, Harpenden AL5 4HA membership@harpendenchoralsociety.org

Do you Love to Sing?

13th and / or 20th Sept 8pm

The Music Makers Choir of Harpenden invite you to join them, having some ability to read music would be preferable. For more details contact Karen on 01582 712986 or kb@karenbowen.co.uk

High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU

Luna Cinema All films 7.30pm £18.50

The Great Gatsby 13th Sept

Elvis 14th Sept

Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone 15th Sept

Top Gun: Maverick 16th Sept

Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH www.thelunacinema.com

Live Event Cinema

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

13th Sept 7pm £18.50

A spellbinding re-imagining of this classic.

Royal Opera House: Das Rheingold

20th Sept 7.15pm & 24th Sept 2pm

A Little Life 28th & 30th Sept 7pm £18.50

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

Abbey Theatre

The Weekend 15th, 16th & 19th - 23rd Sept 8pm & 17th Sept 2.30pm

Michael Palin’s first stage play takes a sharply observed and darkly humorous look at family relationships, friendship and failure. £14, concs £12

Nine the Musical 28th - 30th Sept 7.30pm & 30th Sept 2.30pm

Nine celebrates our mothers, our sisters, our teachers, our wives, our mistresses, our muses. Our women, our world. £20

Westminster Lodge, St Albans AL1 2D www.abbeytheatre.org.uk

Comedy at The Old Town Hall

Fiona Allen: On the Run 15th Sept 8pm £14

Double Emmy Award winner and star of Smack The Pony, this show is about family, marriage, and things that truly annoy Fiona. Age 16+

Markus Birdman: Platinum

23rd Sept 8pm £15.50 Age 14+

Star of Britain’s Got Talent 2023 Markus thundered back into comedy with his Edinburgh Fringe show.

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club: Matt Green & Darius Davies

25th Sept 8pm £10 18+

Justin Moorhouse: Stretch & Think

30th Sept 8pm £15 Age 14+

Still funny, yet middle aged, go along it’ll be fun!

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

The Barn Theatre

A Night at the Musicals 16th Sept 8pm

An Evening of 2 One Act Plays: Good Grief & Vanilla 27th - 30th Sept 8pm £13

Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST www.barntheatre.co.uk

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

21st Sept 7.30pm

One of the UK’s favourite comedians returns to the stage with a brand-new show. £29, age 14+

The Radlett Centre WD7 8HL www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra Concert

30th Sept 7.30pm

Fauré - Masques et Bergamasques Suite

Mozart - Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola and orchestra. Beethoven - Symphony no.8

On the door £18, in advance £15, child £3

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

Check out the new Stylists at Tielsi Hairdressing

New Star Hairdresser joins Tielsi Salon...

...bringing a Fresh Approach and Years of Expertise.

Tielsi Salon is thrilled to announce the exciting addition of an exceptional talent to their team – Jemma Krewne. With an impressive journey and a passion for hairdressing that started from a young age, Jemma is set to make a significant impact on the salon's offerings.

Inspired by her mother, who is a seasoned hairdresser, Jemma knew from a very young age that she wanted to pursue a career in hairdressing. Her journey began as a Saturday girl in a prestigious salon in NW London at just 14 years old. The dedication and talent she demonstrated led to an apprenticeship offer at the age of 16, where she embarked on her professional training.

Seeking more opportunities to hone her skills and explore her passion further, Jemma made a bold move when she saw a promising salon in St Albans looking for an apprentice. She promptly applied and secured the position, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the hairdressing industry.

Under the guidance of the United Kingdom Training and Development (UKTD) programme, Jemma rapidly progressed from apprentice to colour technician by the age of 17. By the time she turned 18, she had become fully qualified in cutting, styling, hair up, and other essential techniques.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Jemma pursued her NVQ 3 certification immediately after completing NVQ 2, proving her commitment to excellence. Her passion for the craft also led her to take on a teaching role at a model school right after qualifying. For two years, she shared her knowledge and expertise with aspiring hairdressers, leaving a lasting impact on future talents in the industry.

Despite taking a break to focus on her family, Jemma returned to the salon in 2017, fully reinvigorated and eager to continue her hairdressing journey. Since then, she has been providing exceptional services, specialising in colour, precision cutting, hair up, and keratin blow-dry.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the talented team at Tielsi Salon," Jemma said. "My passion for hairdressing has been a lifelong journey, and I cannot wait to bring my expertise to Tielsi and make a positive impact on our clients' lives."

Tielsi Salon is equally excited about this new addition to their team, as Jemma brings with her a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that aligns perfectly with the salon's commitment to innovation and exceptional client experiences.

Congratulations to our new Rising Stars, Keira and Yasmin… who have reached a significant milestone in their journey. With unwavering determination, they've successfully completed their NVQ Level 2 in hairdressing here at Tielsi.

Keira and Yasmin's dedication to their craft has been evident from day one. Their commitment to learning, refining their skills, and mastering the art of hairstyling is commendable. Throughout their apprenticeship, they've not only honed their technical abilities but also cultivated a keen understanding of their clients' desires, transforming them into reality.

As they graduate to the next phase of their careers, Keira and Yasmin carry with them the knowledge, experience, and creativity that define a true professional. Tielsi Hairdressing's nurturing environment has played a pivotal role in shaping their journey, providing them with the guidance and support necessary for their success. The ups and downs that we have been through together, through the pandemic, laughter and tears, I would like to personally thank you and look forward to you both finally taking clients here at the salon.

Tony, Salon Owner

Out & About

Aylett Nurseries

Autumn Festival

26th Aug - 10th Sept 10am - 4pm

Enjoy the Celebration Garden and Dahlia Field ablaze with seasonal colour.

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

29th Sept 9am - 12 noon

Goodwill coffee morning, funds from all hot drinks will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Aylett Nurseries, St Albans AL2 1DH www.aylettnurseries.co.uk

Open Wednesdays

until 27th Sept 10.30am - 4pm

Includes a free guided tour. £7.50

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

St Albans Museum + Gallery

Exhibition: Time for Tea until 5th Nov

Exploring the fascinating journey of tea from leaf to cup with activities, talks and creative workshops. Echoes from the Future until 8th Oct free Artists present work inspired by the Museums' Collections.

Guided Tour: Mayors, Magistrates & Museums

15th Sept 2.30pm

Discover the functions and features of the spaces within the Museum. From the glittering galas and balls in the Assembly Room to the Cells where prisoners were held, come and discover the hidden stories of this local landmark. Free, please book St Peter’s Street AL1 3DH www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Mill Green Museum

1st Sept on the hour 10am - 4pm

Learn about the history of the Mill and the River Lea. Mill Green Museum & Working Mill, Hatfield AL9 5PD www.millgreenmuseum.co.uk

Forest Family Fun Day 2nd Sept 10am - 4pm

With stalls, rides, animal encounters, a nature trail, appearances from children’s favourites, Bluey and Bingo and much more. Child £3.50, adult £2.50, The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Bedford MK43 0PR www.marstonvale.org

Redbourn Classics Motor Show & Fete

2nd Sept 12 noon - 5pm

With over 300 classic vehicles, including vintage cars, vans, motorbikes and tractors, live music, street food, a licensed bar, children's funfair and a miniature railway. Suggested donation £3, child free, all donations go to supporting local charities.

Redbourn Common AL3 7BU

www.redbournclassics.co.uk

Hitchin Foodfest

2nd Sept 12pm - 6pm & 3rd Sept 10am - 4pm

As well as local eateries promoting gastronomic delights, with street food and drink, local produce and foodie activities.

Hitchin Market Place, Town Centre SG5 1DR

www.hitchinherts.com

Hatfield House

Corona Sunsets Festival

2nd Sept 12.30pm - 10.30 pm

More than a music festival, there’ll also be live art installations and culinary experiences to encourage you to connect with nature.

Fiat Abarth Club Hertfordshire

3rd Sept 11am - 2pm

The Club will be displaying their collection of cars, visiting the vehicles is free but tickets are required to access the grounds. Please book

The Enfield & District Veteran Vehicle Society

10th Sept 11am - 2pm

In 1961 the group set up a trust to raise funds and in 1985 bought a disused pumping station and converted it into a Museum of Transport. The Society are displaying some of their magnificent vehicles.

Firework Champions

16th Sept 4pm - 10pm

Three firework companies will compete against each other with 10 minute displays choreographed to music, followed by a huge finale display. Vote by text for your favourite team.

Chamber Music Festival: A Family Affair

28th Sept - 1st Oct 12 noon - 10pm

Exploring repertoires which highlight the importance of relations between composers, as well as celebrating family connections between artists.

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

Grand Autumn Show

9th Sept from 2.15pm

Organised by Redbourn in Bloom Horticultural Society, with plants, produce and preserves. Presentation of trophies 4.30pm

Redbourn Village Hall, High Street AL3 7LW www.redbourninbloom.org.uk

Tour: Woodland Wildlife Safari

9th Sept 6pm - 9.30pm

Explore the 170-acre site and discover its hidden wonders. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, after dark tours have seen deer, badgers, foxes and owls. £25, please book, age 14+

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Herts Open Studios 9th Sept - 1st Oct

With hundreds of artists working in many different media, all sharing their creative talents with visitors, there’s something to appeal to everyone’s taste. Follow the yellow signs across the county to visit venues, studios, pop-ups, galleries, shops, theatres, museums and much more. You'll see finished and 'in progress' artwork; be able to chat to artists and find out more about the tools and techniques they use. www.hvaf.org.uk

Out of Town

Chilli Fest

1st & 3rdSept 10am-5pm & 2nd Sept 10am-8pm

The festival will bring you local artisan producers and some of the nation’s best independent traders who are all passionate about chilli. Also enjoy live music, children’s activities and a walk around the gardens. Waddesdon HP18 0JH www.waddesdon.org.uk

Shuttleworth

Bedfordshire Vintage Air Show 3rd Sept 9.30am

Celebrate Shuttleworth's long connection with vintage agricultural equipment, steam engines, aircraft and vehicles and see the inspiring machines that helped shape the course of history. £35

ModelAir - Festival of Flight

16th & 17th Sept 9am free

With model flying, traders and children’s activities.

Autumn Market 30th Sept 10am free

Biggleswade SG18 9DT www.shuttleworth.org

Knebworth House

DogFest 9th & 10th Sept

The ultimate dog’s day out; try your hand (or paw) at a variety of activities, enter the Fun Dog Show or take part in the Big Dog Walk.

Petrolheadonism Live 16th & 17th Sept

Bringing together over 1,000 cars, including some of the world’s most exclusive supercars, classics, Americana, highly-modified vehicles and much more.

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

RAF London

Spitfire Family Run 17th Sept 9.15am £5

This 1k run is perfect for all the family. Runners will receive a medal. Under 8’s must be accompanied. Spitfire 10K 17th Sept 10am £25

Complete this unique course around the edge of the historic Aerodrome. Runners will receive a Spitfire 10K race medal on completion.

RAF London NW9 5LL www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Bletchley Park

Talk: Meet The Author: Alan Turing's Manchester 19th Sept 6.30pm online

Jonathan Swinton talks about his book in which he explores the complexity of the city Turing encountered in 1948. The book is a richly illustrated account of the lives lived, and of one cut tragically short. www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Tring Natural History Museum

Rothschild Library Extinct Bird Tour

21st Sept 10.30am & 11.30am

Take the rare opportunity to look inside the inspiring Victorian Rothschild Library containing books dating back to the 1600s. £10

Akeman Street, Tring HP23 6AP www.nhm.ac.uk

Night of Legends 21st - 23rd Sept 6pm

The grounds of Wrest Park will come to life with medieval myths and legends with stories of doomed lovers, witches’ curses and mounted knights! From £14 Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR www.english-heritage.org.uk

Wolf Weekend 30th Sept & 1st Oct

Enjoy unique wolf-themed photo-ops while raising funds and awareness for them and their rapidly decreasing wild habitats. Included with admission Paradise Wildlife Park EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com

Traditional Harvest Festival

30th Sept & 1st Oct

Visit the Bodger’s Area, the fire kiln, saw pit, straw plaiting and the blacksmith. £14, child £8, U4’s free Chiltern Open Air Museum, Bucks HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

BICYCLE

Heritage Open Days

This year’s theme is 'Creativity Unwrapped' celebrating the history of creativity, from the famous to the 'familiar only to locals'.

Rothamsted Manor Harpenden AL5 2BG

9th Sept 10am, 11.30am & 1pm

This Grade I listed Manor House, rarely open to the public is set in the beautiful grounds of Rothamsted Research estate. Enjoy self-guided tours of the Manor House and garden, science activities, the discovery room and cream teas in the library. Free, please book www.rothamstedenterprises.com

Ayot St Peter’s Church Welwyn AL6 9BG

9th Sept 10am- 5pm

A complete and beautifully preserved Victorian Arts and Crafts church of 1875 which will be decorated with flowers and produce for the Harvest Festival, taking place the following day at 11.15am.

Tours: Bute Mills Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY

9th Sept 2pm & 3pm

This Edwardian steam mill underwent a transformation in 2015 to become an award-winning youth centre. See both the signs of its previous life and the current creative interior. Please book

St Albans South Signal Box

Ridgmont Road AL1 3AF

9th & 10th Sept 10am - 5pm

Visit the largest preserved Midland Railway signal box in the UK and one of the few that's open to the public and next to a main line railway. There will be signalling demonstrations, a video of the restoration and railway-related exhibits. In the garden you can operate working signals and a point; see lit oil lamps, a telegraph 'pole route' and the garden railway. Free, donations welcome

Panshanger Park B1000, Hertford SG14 2NA

Talk: Chalk Streams & Geology

9th & 10th Sept 11am

The River Mimram is a chalk stream that flows through the centre of Panshanger Park. Join volunteer Jane as she talks about these habitats, the wildlife dependent on them and the geology that forms them.

Open Weekend 9th & 10th Sept 10am- 4pm

Explore areas of the Park not usually open.

Heritage Walk

9th & 10th Sept 10.30am & 1.30pm

Find out more about the history of the Park.

Ramble Around Panshanger Park

10th Sept 10.30am

Enjoy a 5 mile walk around the Park.

Smallford Station & Hatfield & St Albans

Railway Smallford AL4 0HB

10th Sept 10am - 4pm

Guided walk 12 noon & 2pm

This 150-year-old Grade 2 listed building served the Hatfield and St Albans Railway. The original track-bed is now The Alban Way, a foot- and cycle-path between Hatfield and St Albans.

Hertford Castle Castle Street SG14 1HR

10th Sept 12 noon - 4pm

The castle grounds will be transformed to include interactive medieval encampments on the main lawn, fire breathing, falconry flying displays, storytelling and re-enactment battle scenes.

Luton Hoo Walled Garden LU1 4LF

13th Sept 11am - 3pm free

Visit this historic Capability Brown designed Walled Garden with it’s rich and diverse history.

www.lutonhooestate.co.uk

St Albans Cemetery Hatfield Road AL1 4LU

13th Sept 11am

Take a tour of the cemetery, and see 147 First World War burials, 93 of them forming a war graves plot. Some of the 79 Second World War graves form a separate plot. Please book

St Helen’s Church Wheathampstead AL4 8AA

16th Sept 9.30am - 12 noon

17th Sept 11.30am - 3pm

History tours, crafts and activities.

www.wheathamspteadheritage.org.uk

St Albans Clock Tower

Market Place, St Albans AL3 5DR

16th & 17th Sept 10.30am - 5pm

Step back in time with a visit to the only medieval town belfry in England, marvel at the great bell, Gabriel and enjoy the rooftop view.

Piccotts End: Pre-Reformation Wall Paintings Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AU

16th & 17th Sept 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm

A rare opportunity to see these unique early wall paintings in a Grade I listed 16th century Hall House recently featured on Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip.

St Albans School Abbey Gateway AL3 4HB

17th Sept 11am - 4pm

The Abbey Gateway is one of the oldest Ancient monuments in the city, dating from 1365. Since 1871, it has been the home of St Albans School.

Please book

Codicote Village Museum High Street SG4 8UB

17th Sept 2pm - 5pm

Village museum in a restored Edwardian Club House, with children's corner and tours of the village and parish.

www.heritageopendays.org.uk

More Out & About

Creative Writing Workshops

10th, 17th & 24th Sept 10am

Join local author, Steven Mitchell, for a course of fun, introductory creative writing workshops using Highfield Park as inspiration. Whether you’re keen to write fiction, non-fiction or poetry, these sessions are for you. £21, age 18+

Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans AL4 0RA www.highfieldparktrust.co.uk

St Albans Cathedral

Organ Concert: Tom Winpenny 10th Sept 3pm

Marking the release of the new recording of the Cathedral organ 'The St Albans Experience'. Free

The Sixteen - Choral Pilgrimage 2023: A Watchful Gaze 16th Sept 7.30pm

Celebrating the legacy of William Byrd - one of choral music's most treasured composers. £12 - £30

The Best of Hans Zimmer & John Williams

Illuminated 21st Sept 7.30pm

Cinema's most magical music, performed by the London Film Music Orchestra, including Star Wars, Gladiator, Pirates of The Caribbean, Harry Potter, Inception, The Dark Knight and more.

Talk: Uproar! with Alice Loxton 27th Sept 7.30pm

Join Alice as she delves into the delights of Uproar!: Satire, Scandal and Printmakers in Georgian Londona brilliant new history of Georgian Britain through the eyes of the artists who immortalised it. In person & online £12

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

Talk: The Legendary Faberge Goldsmith

15th Sept 7pm £20

By John Benjamin ‘Mr Jewellery’ of BBCs Antiques Roadshow, who will also offer valuations afterwards, contact margaretp3581@gmail.com for information.

St Helen’s Church, Wheathampstead AL4 8AA

Herts Wildlife Trust

Dragonfly Walk 16th Sept 11am & 2pm

Join dragonfly expert Steve Brooks for a walk and learn about the lifecycles of dragonflies. Please book

Panshanger Park, Hertford

Hedgehogs & How to Help Them 16th Sept 2pm

Learn about hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation at this beautiful hedgehog sanctuary. Please book Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary, Harpenden www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Steam & Agricultural Show

23rd & 24th Sept 10.30am - 5pm

This heritage railway with a full-size restored steam locomotive will be offering passenger rides, plus miniature and model railways, tractors, traction engines and a Railway Museum. £12.50, child £8.50 Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org

St Albans Feastival 24th Sept

This promises to be an incredible foodie experience where the streets in the city centre will be filled with food and drink stalls, street entertainment, bars with live music, art and craft activities, cookery demonstrations and more.

St Albans Beer & Cider Festival

27th - 30th Sept

One of CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) most prominent festivals, where 35,000 pints are consumed! Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, guest speakers and auctions, as well as hundreds of traditional ales, craft beers and real ciders.

Alban Arena, St Albans AL1 3LD

hyh Great Big Walk for Herts 30th Sept

Walk the Hertfordshire Way from Markyate to St Albans to raise money for Herts Young Homeless (hyh). With other local charities, each taking a section of the walk the 195 miles of the Hertfordshire Way will be walked in one day. Registration £15, family £40, minimum sponsorship £100 www.hyh.org.uk

StAlbans

NOW for the Kids

RSPB Rye Meads

Self-Led Pond Dipping until 2nd Sept 10am - 4pm (Weds - Sat)

Discover the creatures lurking in the depths, from the tiny water flea to the mighty dragonfly nymph. £3

Summer Activity Trail & Crafts until 3rd Sept 9am - 5pm

Balance like a heron, leap like a grasshopper, create a flying minibeast and more. Trail £1, arts & crafts £3

Big Wild Pyjama Party 1st Sept 6.30pm - 9.30pm

Don your PJs, pop on your wellies and enjoy a family -friendly evening in the great outdoors. .

RSPB Rye Meads, Ware SG12 8JS www.rspb.org.uk

Big Friendly Summer until 3rd Sept free with Museum entry

The BFG Storytelling Tuesdays - Sundays

Listen to storytellers and join in with noises and actions or just sit back and let the words wash around you.

Build a BFG Thursdays - Sundays

Pick up a free trail sheet and find out fantastic facts about the BFG as you build your very own giant.

Titchy Toddlers Tricks & Inventions

8th Sept 10am - 12pm

Enjoy exclusive access to the Museum and join in with special activities and storytelling. Catch Esio Trot, invent a hidden animal trick and build a Hut like Roald Dahl’s, make George a marvellous medicine and get messy mixing a witchy potion.

Age 6 months - 4 years and their adults.

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden HP16 0AL www.roalddahlmuseum.org

Willows Activity Farm

Summer Spectacular until 3rd Sept

Get lost in the a-maze-ing maize, enjoy the splashtastic puddle play park, adventure play, funfair rides, tractor rides, indoor soft play and more.

Potato Shindig 9th Sept - 1st Oct

Get your dungarees on and dig up your free bucket of potatoes from the Potato Patch. With more than 20 tonnes of potatoes waiting to be harvested (that’s the equivalent of 3 ½ elephants) grab a spade and start digging.

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

Whipsnade Zoo until 4th Sept

Take a comic strip trail, meet amazing animals and enjoy games and interactive challenges. Age 5+ Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable LU6 2LF www.whipsnadezoo.org

Train Fun Day 2nd Sept 10am - 2pm

Model railway layouts, Station Master Joe's story time, kids activities and crafts and more.

In aid of The Haven and All We Can charities. £1 High Street Methodist Church, High Street, Harpenden AL5 2RU

Oaklands Zoo Open Day

3rd Sept 10am -1pm & 1pm - 4pm

The St Albans campus is home to a range of livestock, a fully functioning equine yard, the Habitat Centre and the animal care unit which houses a wide range of species and exotic animals. See lemurs, marmosets, meerkats, rabbits, aquatics and reptiles. £7, please book

Oaklands College, St Albans Campus AL4 0JE www.oaklands.ac.uk

PAW Patrol 10th Sept

PAW Patrol's Chase and Skye will appear throughout the day, so don't forget your cameras! You can also enjoy steam train rides, visit the Railway Museum, watch model trains and ride the miniature railway and lots more. Please book, under 5s

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

Statty Funfair 12th - 16th Sept

Thrilling rides, exciting stalls and much more! Harpenden Common www.harpenden.gov.uk