With a jam-packed calendar of excellent entertainment, engaging events and fantastic festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And all against a back-drop of beautiful architecture, stunning parks and outside spaces, fabulous independent shopping, incredible heritage attractions and enticing eateries… 123
24th May to 11th August, Bluehouse Hill, St Albans
St Albans Platinum Party
Join together for this action-packed, free street party held in St Albans city centre to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Organised by St Albans City & District Council and sponsored by 123
St Albans Half Marathon
Celebrate the 40th Ruby Anniversary of the Half Marathon which has become a regular date in the 123
Saturday 25th June, Procession Starts at 11am at St Peter’s Church, St Albans
Childwickbury Arts Fair
Showcasing art and craft, in the beautiful grounds of the Childwickbury Estate, witness the creative process in action and engage with over sixty artists and craftspeople from all over the UK. A relaxed atmosphere provides an informal gallery experience where visitors can buy directly from the artists. Fine art, printmaking, ceramics, jewellery, glass, textiles, sculpture, and more. With delicious food and drink and free arty activities for 1, it’s a perfect summer’s day out. www.childwickburyarts.com
Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd July, Childwickbury Estate, St Albans
Wildfest
A great family day out in St Albans where you can explore wildlife in and around Verulamium Park. There will be information stands, bird watching, sweep netting, tree walks, scavengers hunts, river dipping, butterfly walks, nature crafts, storytelling and more- lots of opportunities for people to learn about local wildlife conservation and how they can get involved. Organised by The Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, Wildfest is a celebration of the wonderful wildlife that lives alongside us, plus the great variety of local organisations and groups that look after it and protect our wild spaces. Meet conservation experts and volunteers, explore the local wildlife in and around Verulamium Park, learn about what is going on locally and how you can get involved. Come along and go wild!
Saturday 2 July, 10am – 2pm, Verulamium Park
St Michael’s Folk Evening
After an overture by St Michael’s bellringers, enjoy traditional Morris dancing in the street, Maypole dancing and a ukulele band in the school yard, and the wonderful community spirit of St Michael’s Village. Upbeat music will feature inside and out from the Swan Vesta Social Club in St Michael’s Churchyard, a brilliant line-up of bands in the Six Bells pub and quieter music and singing at the Waffle 1.
1 6th July, 7.15pm, St Michael’s Street
Larks in the Parks
Larks in the Parks is a popular event, offering a day of fun and entertainment for all the family, where communities come together in a nearby 1 space to enjoy a picnic with neighbours. Entertainment includes live music, bands, activities, rides, crafts, inflatables, cake stalls and a Giant Bubbleologist!
Sunday 10th July, 12-midday to 5pm, Various Parks – Victoria Playing Field, Fleetville Community Centre, Batford Springs & Cottonmill Community & 1 Hub
Tudor Summer
Join St Albans Cathedral to be transported back 400 years for a summer of Tudor-filled events, talks and performances. Including 1 Alive: Talk to the Tudors every Saturday throughout August where costumed guides re-enact characters from Tudor’s coloured past. https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/
Various events throughout June to September, St Albans Cathedral
IMAGE: Tudor Summer at St Albans Cathedral ©Emma Collins
St Albans Comedy Garden
St Albans Comedy Garden promises the ultimate remedy this summer with five nights of stupendous open-air stand-up comedy in the glorious surroundings of Verulamium Park. Starring the finest comedians of the moment including, BAFTA and Perrier Award winner Dylan Moran and the guv’nor himself, Al Murray.
27th to 31st July, Various Times, Verulamium Park
Legends Festival
The UK’s largest celebration of the world’s greatest pop and rock acts is steaming into St Albans. With an incredible line up, everyone will 1 this unforgettable weekend of live music. Bring your own picnic and sing along to ten of the world’s biggest arena tribute acts that will play on a massive outdoor stage over two days. The Legends Festival enshrines each star’s legacy allowing fans a chance, once again, to enjoy the majesty of their world-renowned performances.
29th – 30th July, 12 Midday to 10.20pm, The Showground, St Albans
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from small and intimate bed and breakfasts to large hotels including the White Hart Hotel & Restaurant and the Travelodge, both in the centre of town, the stunning country style Manor hotel, St Michaels Manor, luxurious Sopwell House and the Victorian Grade II listed Torrington Hall.
Chair of St Albans BID, Harry Kinsley, says:
“We are incredibly proud to have such a diverse and exciting number of events in St Albans this summer- all promising to draw big crowds of visitors and locals to the city centre and ensure a brilliant buzz is in town. These events are a fantastic showcase of what St Albans has to offer and we are delighted to welcome people to eat, drink, shop and enjoy the vibrancy of our wonderful city.”
Discover more at www.enjoystalbans.com
