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May 2026 promoting local businesses, events and much more since 2006
Welcome to May
With the better weather here there’s loads of local events to keep you busy and get you outside enjoying the sunshine. It’s also the start of the festival season with the Herts Book Festival, Alban Day Festival, Foodies Festival, Sausage & Cider Festival, Festival of Flight and the Roman Theatre Festival. To make sure you don’t miss out, the magazines are available to read online every month, and as always there’s lots of local businesses to help you with whatever you need doing. Run your own business? We‘d love to include you too, just book your space online today.
Jane & Wendy @theNOWmagazines
Advertise in the June editions of the NOW magazines
Deadline 6th May Book online today theNOWmagazines.com jane@theNOWmagazines.com 07983 588291
Out & About
Willows Activity Farm
Tulleys Tulip Fields until 31st May
Set in the fields next to Willows, with vibrant seas of colour, Dutch-inspired street food, traditional snacks and gourmet treats, while roaming musicians create a magical springtime atmosphere.
Dino Venture Bank Holiday Fun 2nd - 4th May
Enjoy a Dino Hunt, fossil finding in the giant sandpit, Jurassic arts & crafts, see Tank, Raptor and Rex in their own shows and more.
Dragon & Princess Adventure
23rd - 31st May
Meet a fire-breathing dragon in The Arena, see The Tower Princess in in The Indoor Theatre, enjoy arts & crafts. dressing up and more. St Albans AL4 0PF willowsactivityfarm.com
Hangar Nights: Aircraft Access
until 19th June please book, from £100
Explore the Museum after hours. Adults only RAF Museum London NW9 5LL rafmuseum.org.uk
Whipsnade Zoo
Toddler Safari until 15th July term time only
The perfect way for kids to let off steam and learn about some of the animals in this mini adventure. Up to 5 years, free with admission
Big Birthday Bash 2nd - 4th May
To celebrate 200 years of ZSL enjoy a streetparty filled with fun, food and nostalgia with games, crafts and a gigantic picnic. Free with admission
The Biggest Ever Paint-by-Numbers
23rd - 31st May
Help build a huge collaborative artwork aiming for the highest number of contributions to a paint-bynumbers for a Guinness World Records® attempt to mark ZSL’s 200th anniversary. Free with admission
Dunstable LU6 2LF whipsnadezoo.org
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Exhibition: Draw with Rob until 20th Sept
Celebration of the work of this best-selling author and illustrator. Free
Shop Small Pop Up Creative Market
9th May 10am - 4pm free
Locally made jewellery, gifts, candles, games, treats, clothes, cards, prints and much more.
Curator Talk: Horticultural History of St Albans
12th May 7pm in-person £10 / Zoom £6
A deep dive into the hidden gems from the archive.
English Civil War Battle Games
17th May 10.30am - 3.30pm Age 7+
Come and roll some dice and find out more about St Albans in the English Civil War.
Colourful Clay Charm
26th May 10.15am & 11.30am £8.50
Make a colourful polymer clay model inspired by flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Young Gardeners
27th May 10.15am & 11.30am
Make seed bombs and a bug hotel to create colour and encourage biodiversity.
£6.50 ages 5 - 11
Printing Workshop for Families
28th May 10.15am & 11.30am £6.50 age 7+
Work out your design, draw it onto a polystyrene tile, then start printing.
St Peter’s Street stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Scott’s Grotto
until 30th Sept Sats & Bank Holiday Mons
2pm - 4pm £2, child free
Built in the 1760’s by local poet John Scott, this magical place of rooms and passages is clad in shells, fossils and other materials, with passages extending over 20 metres into the hillside. It is unlit so a torch is needed and flat shoes recommended. Scott’s Road, Ware SG12 9JQ scotts-grotto.org
Barn Theatre
The Late Edwina Black 24th April - 2nd May 8pm
This ingeniously plotted mystery will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. Poetry at the Barn 15th May 8pm
Enjoy a short set from 3 featured poets.
Cabin Pressure
26th - 30th May 8pm & 30th May 2.30pm
Buckle in for the flight of your life!
Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ST barntheatre.co.uk
Abbey Theatre
George Orwell’s 1984 £15, £13
24th April - 2nd May 8pm & 26th April 2.30pm
This stage adaptation of Orwell’s dystopian novel remains even more relevant in times of ‘alternative facts’, tech companies competing with our sleep and AI bending our reality.
The Taming of the Shrew 15th - 23rd May
Shakespeare’s battle of sexes with a bold new spin.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous
Breakdown 20th - 22nd May 7.30pm & 23rd May 2.30pm & 7pm
Musical telling the tale of a group of women in late 20th-century Madrid whose relationships with men lead to a tumultuous 48 hours of love, confusion and passion. A rarely performed musical theatre gem. £24
The Girl on the Train 12th & 13th & 17th - 20th June 8pm & 14th June 2.30pm £15
Gripping psychological thriller where memory is unreliable, obsession is relentless and truth lurks just out of reach.
St Albans AL1 2DL abbeytheatre.org.uk
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Out & About
The Alban Arena
The Spongebob Musical 29th April - 3rd May
Bikini Bottom comes to life in this bold, bright, buoyant musical adventure.
An Evening with Sir Bradley Wiggins 4th May 7.30pm
Join the Tour De France and Olympic winning Medallist as he discusses his career, what brought him to cycling, his new book and everything in-between!
Danny Baker: Aye Aye! Ahoy Hoy! 6th May 7.30pm
The unstoppable talking panjandrum is back, celebrating 50 years afloat on the showbiz seas!
Country Hits Live 8th May 7.30pm
Transporting you to the heart of downtown Nashville.
Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra 9th May 7.30pm
Jools continues to dazzle and impress audiences.
David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time 12th May 7.30pm
Join David as he uncovers the story of four firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors.
Dr Louise Newson: Breaking The Cycle, The Power of Hormones 13th May 7.30pm
Unpacking the history and science of hormones.
Fastlove 14th May 7.30pm
The world’s favourite George Michael tribute. Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs Live! 16th May 3.30pm
For the first time since 1881, the home of dinosaurs is going on tour!
The Sooty Show 17th May 2.30pm Spectacular mix of magic, music, mess and giggles.
Elvis Years: The Story of The King 20th May 7.30pm
Copacabana Magic: The Barry Manilow Tribute 21st May 7.30pm
The story of one of the greatest showmen of all time. Killer Couples with Emma Kenny 22nd May 7.30pm
Exploration of romance gone horrifically awry.
Rude Science 29th May 11.30am & 3pm
The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show.
K-POP ALL STARS 30th May 3pm
Celebration of the music, the artists, and the culture taking over the world.
Murder Trial Tonight 4: Death of a Landlord 31st May 2.30pm
A trial where you’re the jury, you hear the case and deliver your verdict!
What’s Love Got To Do With It? 7th June 7.30pm
Celebrating the music of the one & only Tina Turner. Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf 19th June 7.30pm
St Albans AL1 3LD everyonetheatres.com
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Out & About
Kimpton May Festival 1st - 3rd May
With a comedy night, wine tasting, Kimpton Entertains, a music night and more. ticketsource.com/kimpton-may-festival
Hatfield House & Park
Tudor Women 1st May 6pm £50
Exploring some remarkable women, each one connected to Hatfield Park or the Cecil family.
Live Music at The Coach House Kitchen 1st May 6.30pm - 9pm £10
Enjoy romantic jazz from the 30s to the 50s.
Slam Dunk Festival 23rd May 9am
The UK’s biggest independent Rock Festival. Hatfield AL9 5HX hatfield-house.co.uk
Waddesdon
The Tree Listening Project 1st - 31st May
Using advanced acoustic technology hear the natural sounds of trees amplified, and discover what happens behind the bark. Included with grounds admission, please book Art in Nature 23rd - 31st May Workshops, master classes and talks, art trails with artwork from leading artists. Included with grounds admission, please book Bucks HP18 0JH waddesdon.org.uk
Eric Morecambe Centre
The West End Tenors 1st May 7.30pm
A Tribute to The Carpenters 2nd May 7.30pm
The Sound of Springsteen 7th May 7.30PM Lindisfarne 24th May 7.30pm
Long-time members along with founder Rod Clements.
Fun For Little Ones Live 26th May 11am Fun, interactive show with audience participation. An Evening with Harry Redknapp 28th May 7.30pm
Jack J Hutchinson Acoustic 29th May 7.30pm “One of the strongest debuts from a British artist this year.” (Planet Rock)
The George Harrison Project 30th May 7.30pm Celebration of Harrison’s music.
Flowers & Friendship Bracelets 13th June 6pm
An explosion of music, dance and excitement.
Mississippi MacDonald: Acoustic Night 26th June 7.30pm
Songs direct from the classic southern soul-blues songbook Rothamsted Park, Harpenden AL5 2FR everyonetheatres.com
The Old Town Hall
Simon Evans is Staring at the Sun 2nd May - 12th June 8pm
This highly acclaimed stand-up comedian is squinting at an uncertain future, and revisiting the blue remembered hills of his youth. £18, 14+
07983 588291
Patrick Monahan: The Good, The Pat & The Ugly 6th May 8pm
New stand-up show covering topics from life, love and mishaps with flat pack furniture, marathons, and almost being scammed! £18, 16+
The Chas & Dave Tribute: Rabbit Rabbit 16th May 8pm
Sing along to the feel-good songs the boys recorded over three decades. £26
Alex McAleer: Mind Reader 22nd May 8pm
Blending razor-sharp humour with jaw-dropping feats of psychological trickery, leaving you amazed, laughing and questioning reality. £17 12+
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks & the Really Big Adventure 25th & 26th May 11am & 2pm
Marking the 20th anniversary of this modern-day classic, featuring live music, puppets, interactive storytelling, magical props and more laughs than you can waft away with a stinky sock! From £10
Hemel Hempstead HP1 3AE oldtownhall.co.uk
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Exhibition: Luton Made: Vauxhall
2nd May - 28th June 11am - 5pm (closed Mons & Tues in term time) free
From the factory floor to the design studio, telling the story of Vauxhall Motors through the voices of those who lived it.
Hickory Dickory Dock 28th May 11.30am & 2pm
A merry slapstick show with glove puppets, silly museum curators, dozy delivery drivers and a magnificent clock. £10 ages 3 -8
Stockwood Discovery Centre culturetrust.com
Highfield Park
30th Anniversary Sunrise Walk & Breakfast 2nd May 5.30am & 8am £6
Hedgehog Talk 6th May 7.30pm £10
Learn how to protect them and help them thrive.
Forest School 28th May 12 noon & 1pm £10
Family focused sessions exploring the park, building dens, going on bug hunts, bush craft and more. St Albans AL4 0RA highfieldparktrust.co.uk
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Heritage Crafts: See Traditional Skills in Action
Amber Jewellery 2nd May
Spinning 9th, 16th & 17th May
Chair Making 17th & 31st May & 7th June
Blacksmithing 23rd May & 20th June
Wheelwrighting 30th May
Spoon Carving 6th June
Roman Gladiators 3rd & 4th May Immerse yourself in the sights & sounds of ancient Rome. Cavalry & Cannons: The Napoleonic Experience
24th & 25th May
With over 150 re-enactors from riflemen to cavalry. English Civil War: Muskets, Cannons & Pikes
13th & 14th June
Step back into the turbulent 1640s.
Father's Day: Motors & Music 21st June With the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club & Hemley Hillbillies. Newland Park, Bucks HP8 4AB coam.org.uk
Could you join the Samaritans as a Listening Volunteer?
The Luton, South Beds and Harpenden branch of the Samaritans are celebrating 60 years of offering emotional support to people in times of crisis and difficulty.
Did you know that every 10 seconds someone contacts us and we are available 24/7.
The Samaritans’ organisation can only exist if more people volunteer to provide our listening service.
You may have seen our float at the Harpenden carnival and wondered if this was the right volunteering role for you.
You will receive full training to prepare you for the kinds of conversations you’ll have, you’ll have a mentor with you and support will be given to enable you to fulfil the role. You will also become part of a friendly, supportive branch.
“I’ve learned so much about life and people.
It’s humbling and rewarding to be able to help in some small way by being there for people who need us” a Samaritans volunteer said
To find out more and apply visit: samaritans.org/volunteer
Out & About
Knebworth House & Gardens
Hertfordshire Garden Show 2nd - 4th May
A must-visit for plant enthusiasts and garden lovers. Ghost Tour & Bat Walk 14th May 6pm
Explore the grounds by night. £35 includes a light meal
Medieval Jousting 21st June displays 12 noon & 2.30pm
Cheer as you watch costumed Knights on majestic warhorses galloping at full tilt across the arena. Stevenage SG1 2AX knebworthhouse.com
Hertfordshire Zoo
Star Wars Cosplay 4th May 10am - 4pm
Action-packed day with interactive activities and the chance to step into the galaxy yourself. Included with admission
Bluey 16th & 17th May 10am - 3.30pm
A day of fun, laughter and unforgettable memories. Included with admission
Hertfordshire Zoo EN10 7QA hertfordshirezoo.com
St Albans Cathedral
Tour: Rogues & Rebels 4th May 2pm £12
Hear stories of men and women associated with or depicted within the Abbey Church who, over the centuries, followed their own path.
Tour: Flora & Fauna 9th May 10.30am £12
See how the natural world of Hertfordshire has been depicted in stone, wood, glass and textile over the centuries.
More to Explore Tour: Visit the Organ Loft 17th May 1.30pm £12
A unique opportunity to visit the organ loft and meet the Assistant Director of Music Dewi Rees.
Tour: Grand Designs 18th May 2pm £12
Discover the artistry of medieval craftsmen, including stone and wood carving, stained glass, bell casting, wall painting and illuminated manuscripts.
Young People's Puppet Theatre Present:
- The Crossing Place 20th May 6.30pm £7
A re-imagination of the Alban story.
- A Grim Day Out 20th May 7.45pm £7
A story about two children who fall backwards through time to the Victorian age, a time of great change and warring political factions in the Cathedral.
Tour: Royal Connections 29th May 10.30am £12
Explore over 1200 years of royal connections.
00's Silent Disco 29th May 8pm, from £32
Expect some of the UK's best DJs playing all your favourite tunes.
Phil Collins & Genesis - The Candlelight Concert 4th June 7.30pm, from £21.50
The Music Of Westlife by Candlelight 10th June 7.30pm, from £20
Queen by Candlelight 11th June 7.30pm, from £35
Alban Day: Pilgrimage & Festival 20th June, from 10.45am
Witness the spectacle of 12ft puppets weaving through the streets, retelling the story of St Alban. stalbanscathedral.org
See and tour the Capability Brown designed walled garden and its unique service buildings.
Luton Hoo Estate LU1 3TQ lutonhooestate.co.uk
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Preview: Glenn Moore & Garrett Millerick 7th May 7.30pm £13.20 age 16+
Claytime! 30th May 11.30am & 2pm & 31st May 10am & 2pm ages 3 - 6 £10
A play with clay, with audience participation. Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY culturetrust.com
Songs of the People 9th May 7.30pm £17
Join Music Makers for pieces by Elgar, Stanford, Seiber, Guerrero and Bartók and Rutter.
St Nicholas Church, Harpenden AL5 2TP
Judie.caunce@gmail.com / 07775 652578
Oaklands College
Lambing Weekend 9th & 10th May 11am - 5pm
A fun-filled weekend where you can meet the lambs, enjoy activities and learn all about farm life.
Foodies Festival 29th - 31st May foodiesfestival.com/events/st-albans/
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience 26th June ibizaorchestraexperience.co.uk/st-albans
Sausage & Cider Festival 27th June sausageandciderfest.co.uk
Summer in Nashville 28th June
summerinnashville.com/st-albans
St Albans AL4 0JA oaklands.ac.uk
St Albans Organ Theatre
Organ Concert 9th May 3pm
Mechanical Instrument Concert 10th May 3pm
320 Camp Road AL1 5PE stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk
Heartwood Forest
All events are free, but please book Bat Walk 9th May 8.15pm
Join an expert with a bat detector. Age 8+
Dawn Chorus 10th May 6am
Join an expert guide to identify birds from their song, and possibly see them through a telescope.
Spring Tree ID for Beginners 16th May 10.20am
For everyone from 8+
Dawn Chorus at Heartwood Arboretum 17th May 6am
Celebrating 10 years of this native arboretum.
Spring Butterfly Walk 30th May 11am
With Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation. Sandridge AL4 9DQ woodlandtrust.org.uk/events
Sounds of Jazz: Gershwin + Shostakovich 10th May 4pm £8 - £18
de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra present a vibrant celebration of classical jazz music.
Weston Auditorium, University of Herts, Hatfield AL10 9EU uharts.co.uk
We are a small friendly law firm and understand that when facing a legal problem it can be stressful, so our aim is to make you feel as comfortable as possible and assist you with achieving the results you desire by listening to you. We specialise in Conveyancing, Family Law, Immigration, Litigation, Landlord and Tenant, Road Traffic Offences and Private Client, and our rates are very reasonable for this area. Book a free 20 minute appointment to discuss how we can help. There is free parking for an hour right outside. Prepare for the future and protect yourself and your family.
Out & About
Hertford Castle Eco Fest & Family Fun Day
10th May 12 noon - 4pm free
Eco-themed activities, stalls, entertainment and a chance to learn more about living sustainably.
Cars at the Castle 7th June 12 noon - 4pm free With over 60 modern, classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, live music and food and drink stalls. Hertford SG14 1HR hertford.gov.uk
St Albans South Signal Box 10th, 24th & 27th May & 14th & 28th June 2pm - 5pm 5 Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AJ sigbox.co.uk
Shuttleworth
Season Premiere Air Show 10th May 9am - 6pm
Experience the thrill of a stunning air display from both visiting and Collection aircraft. From £35, child free 150th Anniversary of Shuttleworth House 17th May 10am free
Discover the rich history of this opulent building with a guided tour, the 'Shuttleworth House Through the Ages' exhibition, and cream teas, beer, wine and cider.
Wings & Wheels Air Show 30th May 9am
See all aspects of this unique Collection, from airworthy vintage aircraft to veteran vehicles, bicycles, carriages and heritage machinery. From £37, child free Festival of Flight 27th & 28th June 9am
See air displays from UK and international visiting aircraft and the Collection. From £40, child free Shuttleworth SG18 9DT shuttleworth.org
NGS Open Gardens
Ashridge House Gardens 11th - 13th May 9am - 4pm 190 acres with formal gardens, avenues of trees and an arboretum. Berkhamsted HP4 1NS
The Manor House 16th & 17th May 11am - 5pm
Six acre garden, walled garden, glasshouses, rose and herb beds, topiary and more. Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BP
Amwell Cottage 24th May 2pm - 5pm
Informal garden, orchard of mature trees, tall yew hedges, woodland pond and more. Amwell Lane, Wheathampstead AL4 8EA
16 Langley Crescent 29th May 5pm - 8pm & 30th May 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Compact walled garden with a wide range of unusual herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees. St Albans AL3 5RS
24 Rose Walk 30th May 1.30pm - 5.30pm
Newly designed family garden with mature trees, pond and a vegetable patch. St Albans AL4 9AF findagarden.ngs.org.uk
The Creation of Lokkelbury Vineyard 12th May 7.45pm £5
Harpenden Gardening Society talk. All Saints Church Hall, Harpenden AL5 4UU
The Arts Society St Albans
L S Lowry: A Visionary Artist 13th May 10.30am
Is Lowry’s work the visual counterpoint of T S Eliot’s poetry and can we claim him as our English Van Gogh. £7.50 from janesayers110@yahoo.co.uk
Abbey Theatre, St Albans AL1 2DL
Professor Victor & Dr Albert’s
Prescription for Joy 15th May 2.30pm £15
Musically talented identical twins who have crafted a modern take on a traditional music hall variety show. ‘A Morecambe and Wise for the 21st Century’ The Maltings Theatre, St Albans AL1 3HL ovo.org.uk
Shaw's Corner
House Tour: Shaw's Circle 15th May 5.30pm
Shaw knew many people, but only some were invited to his sanctuary, find out who made the cut, and the impressions they left behind. Please book
House Tour: Masterpieces at Shaw's Corner 17th June 2pm please book
See Bernard and Charlotte's fabulous art collection. Garden Tour: William Morris 22nd June 2pm
See the inspiration for William Morris’ designs with a tour of the flourishing summer garden. Please book Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BX nationaltrust.org.uk
Brambleton Model Railway
16th May 2pm - 5.30pm
A chance to run the railway as it was originally intended. £4, child £3, family £12 off Highfield Oval, Harpenden AL5 4FB brambleton.org.uk
Amadeus Chamber Orchestra
16th May 7.30pm £18, child £1
Mendelssohn: The Fair Melusina / Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 / Wagner: Siegfried Idyll Haydn - Symphony No. 100 in G 'Military' St Saviour's Church, St Albans AL1 4DF ticketsource.co.uk
Herts Book Festival
16th May 10am - 4pm - BEAM, Hertford 17th May 10am - 4pm - Southern Maltings, Ware Join lively talks, workshops and readings for all ages, as you dive into stories, meet authors and celebrate reading together. hertsbookfestival.com
Hospice of St Francis
Plant Sale 16th May
Summer bedding plants, perennials, vegetables and more. The Hospice of St Francis HP4 3GW
Hackney Half Marathon 17th May
Join this run through the heart of East London. £30, includes personalised running top.
Hemel Hempstead 10K 17th May
£25, includes personalised running top.
Respite for Good
This new chargeable service offers short-term residential care for those who rely on family carers. Four rooms with adjustable beds, en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi/smart TV, home-cooked meals and views. stfrancis.org.uk
Out & About
Scale Model Show
17th May 10.30am - 4.30pm
Model clubs and vendors, book sellers and other exhibitors. £10, child £5 de Havilland Museum, London Colney AL2 1BU dehavillandmuseum.co.uk
Wheathampstead 10k & 2k Fun Run
17th May from 10am Memorial Hall, Marford Rd, Wheathampstead AL4 8AY
Herts Showground
Herts County Show 23rd - 24th May
Showcasing local farming, agriculture and related skills, crafts, trades and professions. Food, Farming & Sustainability Careers Day 30th June 3.30pm
Speak with industry experts and employers and explore job paths and opportunities. Herts Showground AL3 7PT hertsshow.com
Mystery Mission
23rd - 31st May 10am - 5pm
A top-secret message has gone missing, your mission is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message. Included with admission. Wrest Park, Silsoe MK45 4HR
Aldenham Country Park
23rd - 31st May
Meet and feed the farm animals, say hello to Winnie the Pooh, enjoy the bouncy castle, minitractor play and activity areas, and visit 100 Aker Wood, woodland and reservoir walks and the Adventure Playground.
Elstree WD6 3BA aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk
Harpenden Museum
Talk: The ‘Naughty’ Vicar & the Missing £20k 26th May 8pm £5
Learn to take amazing nature photos with your phone.
Guided Walk: Dark Waters 28th May 8.30pm
Experience the nocturnal wildlife of the Park after dark.
Both events: Stanborough Park, WGC AL8 6DF hertswildlifetrust.org.uk
Roald Dahl Museum
George’s Marvellous Miniature Farmyard
26th, 27th & 29th May 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm
Use a mixture of natural and craft materials to create a landscape which you can fill with animals and farm buildings. Age 5+, £5
Animal Antics with Jungle Juniors
28th May 11.30am - 2.30pm, £5
Learn about some fascinating bugs and get up close to a range of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Awesome Animals Village Trail
29th May 11.45am & 2.15pm, £5
Guided whistle stop tour around the Roald Dahl sights of Great Missenden, with storytelling along the way.
Great Missenden, Bucks HP16 0AL roalddahlmuseum.org
Roman Theatre Open Air Festival
5th June - 31st Aug
A season of bold and imaginative productions. Roman Theatre of Verulamium, St Albans AL3 6AE ovo.org.uk
Tour de Vale Charity Bike Ride
7th June 9am 25k / 45k / 70k & 110k
WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport has announced that this will be the last Charity Bike Ride. Since 2004 the event has welcomed thousands of cyclists onto the roads, raising over £1 million to provide disabled people with opportunities to lead active lives.
5 or 10 mile charity walk, starting at Berkhamsted Castle, to raise funds for Herts Homelessness
Charity DENS. dens.org.uk/walk
Two By Two
20th June 7.30pm
St Albans Choral Society Concert
Benjamin Britten - Rejoice in the Lamb
Harry Baker - Three Teasdale Poems
Eric Whitacre - Animal Crackers Vol 1 & 2
Joseph Horowitz - Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo
St Peter's Church, St Albans AL1 3HG stalbanschoralsociety.org
Ayot St Lawrence Art Show
Preview 19th June 7pm - 9pm £13
20th - 21st June 10am - 5pm £2.50, child free
St Lawrence Church, Ayot St Lawrence AL6 9BZ ayotartshow.co.uk
Canal Boat Day Hire
I've been running a canal boat day hire business for the last 4 years for someone else but late last year, I decided to buy my own boat and start my own business. After shopping around for a few months, I found a 30ft boat called 'Tilly' and fell in love with her straight away. I found a local surveyor who specialised in stability testing and much to my delight (and the other 9 people we had sitting on one side of Tilly that day) she was granted a license to carry up to 10 passengers for day hire. In November 2025 we left Whilton where I bought her and made our way south towards Apsley Marina, Hemel Hempstead. I had help along the way from my two sons and my wife. On the journey we met the previous owners of Tilly who were really pleased to see her again and we were approached by 2 different dog walkers whose dogs were named Tilly and had their photos taken with the boat.
The business 'Canal Boat Day Hire' officially started just before Christmas 2025 out of Apsley Marina. The route south is my preferred location as it passes a private fishing lake which almost acts as a local nature reserve. We pass the old Ovaltine factory which is now converted into accommodation. The route goes underneath the M25 viaduct which is far more scenic and interesting than it sounds. During the day hire, there is also enough time to travel as far as Hunton Bridge where you can often see film sets being created at Leavesden Film Studios, last week there was a giant medieval castle on the hill. The marina itself is surrounded in history and is opposite the old paper mill but it also has a vibrant modern feel to it with many wonderful restaurants and coffee shops on one side and a great pub/ restaurant over the other side by Apsley train station.
Tilly is a 12 year old 30ft semi-trad narrowboat, we are pet friendly and provide all of the training required on the day for you to be able to safely handle the boat with confidence. No license is required.
Paul Musgrave canalboatdayhire.co.uk
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