Events and Things to Do in St Albans
If you would like to include your event please fill out the form at the bottom of the listing.
29 April until 31 October 2010
Name: Butterfly World - Special offer to loyalty card holders
Address: Noke Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 3NY
Telephone: 01727 869203
Website: www.butterfly-world.org
Email: info@butterflyworldproject.com
Map: View here
Butterfly World, dubbed London’s Eden Project is ready to open its wings and amaze visitors of all
ages providing a fun, exciting and educational day for all the family.
Packed with 600 exquisite fluttering tropical butterflies, a butterfly breeding house, an insect study
centre, 12 inspiring individual gardens designed by some of Europe’s best-known designers, 20
acres of stunning wildflower meadows brimming with colour, butterflies, bees and moths and a
chrysalis shaped lake, home to hundreds of plants and mini-beasts.
Please click here for more details about Butterfly World
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Thursday 9 September - 7.30pm - 10pm
Locomotive Club of Great Britain St Albans
Address: United Reformed Church Hall, Watford Rd, Chiswell Gn, St Albans,AL2 3HG
Telephone: 01727 861839
Website: www.lcgb.org.uk
Email: ibarbarry@talktalk.net
Map: View here
'I Moved It My Way' Illustrated talk by Andrew Goodman, MD, Moveright Int Ltd. Collection
of Stories covering movement of a wide range of heavy railway equipment around the world.
Donation on door £2, Age limit 12+ Refreshments included.
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Friday 10 September - 7.30pm (bar closes at 12.30am)
A Night at the Races in aid of the Willow Foundation
Address: Woollams Pavilion, 160 Harpenden Road, St Albans, AL3 6BB
Telephone: 01707 259777
Email: linsey.taylor@willowfoundation.org.uk
Website: www.willowfoundation.org.uk
Enjoy all the excitement of a night at the races on the big screen.
Place your bets for just £1 each.
Tickets £12.50 - includes fish and chip supper. Whether you win or lose, you'll be helping to
improve the lives of seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds.
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Sunday 12 September 2010
Grove House Event: Chill Out Sunday
Website: www.grove-house.org.uk
Now in it’s fifth year, the ever popular Chill Out Sunday has developed into a range of Sundays across the year. Come to Grove House and get pampered from head to toe with everything from massage to pedicure to hairdressing. For more information contact Maria on 07932 020115 or email m.1.mauro@hotmail.co.uk
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Tuesday September 7 - Dec 14 2010
The Nextstage Choir
Address: Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans, Herts AL4 0JQ
Telephone: 01727 850950
Email: info@nextstagedrama.co.uk
Website: www.nextstagedrama.co.uk
Map: View here
Time: 7.15-9.15pm
A Brand New Choir
BIG BAND to ROCK and POP
Directed by RUSSELL SCOTT - Singer, Voice Coach and Artistic Director
For the Complete Beginner to the Advanced. Whether you feel you cannot sing a note or you
have a practiced confident voice this Choir maybe just what you are looking for
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Thursday 9 - Sunday 12 September 2010
Heritage Open Days
Each September for one weekend, St Albans opens its doors to allow you to visit many of the museums and attractions free, and to explore buildings that are normally closed to the public.
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Friday 10 September – 8.00pm
The Best Of Brian Conley
Name: Alban Arena
Address: Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD
Telephone: 01727 844488
Website: www.alban-arena.co.uk
Email: alban.arena@leisureconnection.co.uk
Map: View here
Tickets: £22.00, £20.00
Brian Conley will return to the stage this autumn when he embarks on his latest UK Tour.
Showcasing the best sketches from his magnificent television series ‘The Brian Conley Show’
with a full supporting cast. ‘The Best of Brian Conley’ will be a complete entertainment spectacle
with some of Brian’s best loved characters. Combining a first-rate mix of comedy, dancing and
singing the show allows Brian to share with his audience his roots in theatre. This brand new UK
tour will have all corners of the country laughing and promises to be a great show for all the family!
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Saturday 11 September – 10am - 4pm
Charity Book Stall St Albans Market
Name: St Albans District Soroptimists
Address: St Peters Street, St Albans
Telephone: 07834 345796
Website: www.soroptimist-gbi.org/st-albans-and-district/
Email: sistalbans@hotmail.com
Charity Book Stall Saturday 11th September, St Albans Market (by Clinton Cards). Mark International Literacy Day by visiting the bookstall run by the St Albans District Soroptimists, raising funds for the St Albans Hertsmere Womens Refuge
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Tuesday 14 September 2010 – 8pm - 10pm
RSPB St Albans Local Group Evening Meeting
Address: St Saviour’s Church Hall, Sandpit Lane, St Albans, AL1 4DF
Telephone: 01923 678534
Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/stalbans
Email: peter@antram.demon.co.uk
Price: £2.00 RSPB members, £2.50 others
RSPB St Albans Local Group. It is quite a while since we heard about the application of wildlife
protection legislation in our local area. Join us as we put that omission right with a talk from
Sgt Jamie Bartlett of Hertfordshire constabulary.
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Sunday 19 September 2010 – 10am
RSPB St Albans Guided Walk
Telephone: 01923 678534
Website: http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/stalbans
Email: peter@antram.demon.co.uk
Join us for a free guided bird watching walk at Christmas Common for red kites, buzzards and much more. Meet in the National Trust car park at Watlington Hill. OS Map ref SU709935 at 10.00 am.
Details from Peter Antram 01923 678534. All welcome.
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Thursday 23 September – 7.30pm
Jethro – Too Late To Grow Up
Name: Alban Arena
Address: Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD
Telephone: 01727 844488
Website: www.alban-arena.co.uk
Email: alban.arena@leisureconnection.co.uk
Map: View here
Tickets: £18.50
After 35 years in the business, Jethro still packs theatres up and down the country and is still as mischievous as he was as a child. Jethro… Please don’t ever grow up, the world would lose
one of the most unique comedy legends ever. If you want to laugh until it hurts, look no further
than here, this is the show for you! Recommended 18+
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Friday 24 September – 7.30pm
An Evening With Peter Alliss
Name: Alban Arena
Address: Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD
Telephone: 01727 844488
Website: www.alban-arena.co.uk
Email: alban.arena@leisureconnection.co.uk
Map: View here
Tickets: £18.50
Peter is in constant demand for speaking and presentation engagements, he is noted for his depth
of knowledge of the game of golf, his wit and ‘off-the-cuff’ humour. He’s recognised around the world
for his television commentaries for ABC in the United States and the BBC in Europe, as well as
working for the Australian and Canadian Broadcasting Corporations. Peter has written 20 books,
the latest being Golf – The Cure for a Grumpy Old Man, and he also writes regularly for Golf
International and Fairway to Green magazines.
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24, 25, 26 September - 6.30pm
Laughs in the Park
Address: Verulamium Park
Telephone: 0843 221 0100
Website: www.hmvtickets.com
Three of the UK’s best loved comedians
EDDIE IZZARD, DYLAN MORAN and REGINALD D HUNTER will take to the stage together in the glorious surroundings of St Albans Verulamium Park.
For those lucky enough to secure tickets this will be a chance to enjoy one of the very last evenings
of the summer in historic style. Tickets for just one of these acts are difficult to come by, but the
chance to see all three on the one stage on the one night is a unique, rare and magical experience.
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25th & 26th September 2010
St Albans & District Model Engineering Exhibition
Address: Francis Bacon School, Drakes Drive, St Albans AL1 5AR
Website: www.stalbansmes.com
Email: web@stalbansmes.com
Times: Saturday 25th - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday 26th - 10:00 to 17:00
Price: Adults £3.50 Children 50p
St Albans Model Engineering Society presents Engineering Exhibition 2010 Free miniature train
rides; Model locomotives & Stationary engines in steam; Model boats; ‘Have-a-go’ radio
controlled model boats; Meccano displays; RNLI and vistiting club stands; Helicopter and
control line flying displays; plus a whole lot more… Refreshments available and free parking
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Wednesday 29 September - Saturday 2 October 2010
St Albans CAMRA Beer Festival
Website: www.stalbansbeerfestival.com
St Albans is the home of CAMRA – The Campaign for Real Ale – and in the last week of September CAMRA organises the biggest beer festival in Hertfordshire. Come and sample over 300 varieties of real ale! Ciders and perries also available.
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Friday 1 - Sunday 10 October 2010
St Albans Food and Drink Festival
St Albans has a long history of excellent pubs and restaurants. The Food and Drink Festival celebrates this starting with the Camra Beer Festival and ending with the Harvest Festival in the cathedral. There will also be plenty to Eat and Drink throughout the 10 day festival.
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Monday 4 October - 7pm
Funny First Mondays
St Albans Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans AL3 5DJ
Doors open 7pm. Show starts at 8pm.
Admission £8. Tickets available from We've Got Tickets.
Website: www.funnyfirstmondays.co.uk
Email: funnyfirstmondays@yahoo.co.uk
Booking Line: 07954835686
St Albans' longest running and best comedy club introduces: Edward Aczel, Del Strain,
Andrea Hubert, Emelia Fletcher and MC Mike Manera
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Sunday 10 October 2010
Grove House Event: Herts 10k
Website: www.grove-house.org.uk
Now in it’s fourth year the event is a must for anyone who is interested in running, raising sponsorship and having fun! For more information visit the dedicated website www.herts10k.com
or call the events hotline 01727 731002.
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Sunday 17 October 2010
Grove House Event: Chill Out Sunday
Website: www.grove-house.org.uk
Come to Grove House for massage, Reiki, colour therapy, Indian head massage and much more. For more information contact Maria on 07932 020115 or email m.1.mauro@hotmail.co.uk
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Monday 18 October - 7pm
Funny First Mondays Extra
St Albans Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans AL3 5DJ
Doors open 7pm. Show starts at 8pm.
Admission £8. Tickets available from We've Got Tickets.
Website: www.funnyfirstmondays.co.uk
Email: funnyfirstmondays@yahoo.co.uk
Booking Line: 07954835686
St Albans' longest running and best comedy club introduces: Bob Mills, Daniel Simonsen,
Jon Holden, Tom McDonnell and MC Mike Manera
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23rd October 2010 to 2nd January 2011
St Albans Bookfair
Address: The Old Courtroom, St Albans Town Hall, Market Place St Albans, Herts AL3 5DJ
Telephone: 07971 258518
Website: www.stalbansbookfair.co.uk
Email: richardchild@hotmail.co.uk
Time: 9am to 6pm (Mon to Sat) and 10am to 5pm (Sun)
For many years Paton Books have been holding an Annual Bookfair, at St Albans Town Hall,
featuring thousands of new books at greatly reduced prices.The Bookfair has become a traditional
part of Christmas shopping in St Albans. Most interest areas are featured from cookery and art to
history and childrens books. Stationery items include notelets, address books and calendars.
St Albans Town Hall also houses the Tourist Information Office, an arts venue run by ‘Starts
Town Hall Ltd’ and a cafe. A visit to the Bookfair gives people an opportunity to gain full access
to our fascinating original 1831 courtroom. The books are displayed amongst the dock and
benches in this historic setting. According to the Herts Advertiser 'there is a comfortable feel
about' the Bookfair, 'like old libraries before modern planners got their hands on them, and the
range of books that Paton’s sell there is truly remarkable'.
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Monday 1 November - 7pm
Funny First Mondays
St Albans Town Hall, Market Place, St Albans AL3 5DJ
Doors open 7pm. Show starts at 8pm.
Admission £8. Tickets available from We've Got Tickets.
Website: www.funnyfirstmondays.co.uk
Email: funnyfirstmondays@yahoo.co.uk
Booking Line: 07954835686
St Albans' longest running and best comedy club introduces: Simon Munnery, Ivor Dembina,
Peter Beckley, Paul Revill and MC Mike Manera
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Saturday 6 November 2010
St Albans Firework Display
The largest public display in the south of England, this veritable panoply of pyrotechnic craft is organised by St Albans Cathedral in aid of local charities. Gates open at 1800 hrs. The display at Verulamium Park takes place at 1930 hrs.
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Saturday 13 November 2010
Grove House Event: Shop in Style
Website: www.grove-house.org.uk
Now in it’s sixth year this annual event will be taking place at Sopwell House Hotel and will be bigger and better than ever. Among the many stalls there will be handmade jewellery and gifts, leather shoes and bags, artwork, home and gardening items and gifts for children. Raffle,
tombola and festive refreshments will be available. Call the events hotline on 01727 731002
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Saturday 13th November 2010
Grove House Event: An Evening of Magic
Website: www.grove-house.org.uk
Prepare to be amazed at our first ever magic night. Held at the Noke restaurant, St Albans, the ticket price of £50 includes a three course dinner and magical entertainment from Magic Circle member Nicolas Einhorn. Call the events hotline on 01727 731002 for tickets and further information.
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Sunday 21 November 2010
Christmas Lights Switch-On Events
An afternoon and early evening spectacular of pantomime stars, street entertainers and fun and games for children marks the start of Christmas shopping in St Albans. Separate events also take place in Harpenden, Southdown and London Colney.
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Sunday 12 December 2010
Grove House Event: Jingle Bell Jog
Website: www.grove-house.org.uk
An event for all the family, this dash will begin at 10am. All adult participants will receive a full
Santa suit and children will receive reindeer ears. £12 per adult £5 per child £30 family ticket
(2 adults 2 children). Call the events hotline on 01727 731002 or our dedicated website www.jinglebelljog.co.uk
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Boxing Day
St Albans Mummers
A traditional play by St Albans Mummers held at various locations in the city centre For further details, contact Tourist & Information Centre on 01727 864511.
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March 2011
Name: Team Warrior Forces March
Address: Manland Way, Harpenden AL5 4QP
Website: www.team-warrior.co.uk
Email: info@team-warrior.co.uk
Team Warrior training to take part in the Forces March 2011 its 5 marathons in 5 days. 132.5 miles on road through some of the UK's most beautiful scenery. The course is particularly challenging with many hills and valleys along the way. Spectacular scenery is very much a part of the route!
Team Warrior's fundraising is going to Project 65 - The Veteran's Charity who provide care and support for wounded UK armed forces personnel and bereaved families. The money that Project 65 raise is shared between many beneficiaries including The Army Benevolent Fund, BLESMA, Help for Heroes, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, St Dunstan's, The Royal British Legion and The Royal Navy Benevolent Trust.
To donate please click here
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1st & 3rd Monday of the Month
St Albans Round Table
Website: www.stalbansroundtable.org.uk
Email: chairman@stalbansroundtable.org.uk
Telephone: 07976 549 359
St Albans Round Table is a club for men between the ages of 18 and 45 who aim to serve the community whilst enjoying ourselves.
We meet twice a month to try new or unusual activities (Real Tennis, Dune Buggies, Rock Climbing), visit local interests (Luton Airport, City Tours, Brewery Trips), the odd meal at local restaurants and last, but certainly not least, have a beer or two.
We have links with other clubs both Nationally and Internationally.
We raise money for the community, particularly with our Christmas Float, with the help of local charities, and for local charities.
If you're interested in finding out more or want a night out, please email Jon at chairman@stalbansroundtable.org.uk or call on 079 7654 9359.
We look forward to meeting you.
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Throughout the year
St Albans Tour Guides
Website: www.stalbanstourguides.co.uk
Join our fully trained guides and explore the fascinating history on one of our many walking
tours. Discover the most picturesque and interesting areas of the city, such as the medieval
Clock Tower built between 1403 and 1412 surviving over 600 years of use. Take an amble through the ancient marketplace where people have been walking for hundreds of years.
Take the route to the Abbey that Kings and Queens have trod in times gone by. This magnificent building, containing the shrine of St Alban, the first British Christian martyr, stands proudly dominating the city’s skyline. Explore one of the finest examples of a Roman theatre in Britain.
All this and much more can be seen on the guided walking tours.
The calendar lists all the walks and topics for the year and an outline of each walk can be found
on the following page.
The City of St Albans Tour Guides was founded in 1964. A training programme is undertaken
by guides covering both historical knowledge and practical guiding techniques. Meet the guide
at the Tourist Information Centre in St Albans.
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Throughout the year
Garden of the Rose
Website: www.rnrs.org
Founded in 1876, the Royal National Rose Society is a leading gardening charity (Registered Charity No. 1035848) dedicated to encouraging, improving and extending the science, art and practice of the cultivation and conservation of roses.
The Society still adheres to these principles and promotes growing roses, provides information
and helps rose growers and enthusiasts across the world.
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Throughout the year
Old Gorhambury House
The remains of a once immense mansion built in 1563-8 by Sir Nicholas Bacon, Queen
Elizabeth's Lord Keeper, and twice visited by the Queen. Its extravagantly showy two-storey
porch survives, with parts of the hall, chapel and clock-tower.
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Throughout the year
St Albans South Signal Box Open Days
Address: Next to Platform 4, St Albans City Station, Ridgmont Road, St Albans AL1 3AJ
Telephone: 01727 836131
Price: Free
Open days are on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. We will be giving signalling demonstrations where you can change the signals, ring box bells and ‘send a train to Napsbury’ The downstairs museum has a fascinating variety of old signalling equipment and artefacts on display, with tea & coffee - or you can stroll around the garden.
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Throughout the year
Watercress Wildlife Association
Address: Riverside Road, St Albans
Telephone: 01442 228385
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Price: Free
Wesbite: www.watercress-net.org.uk
WWA is a small wildlife conservation area (4acres) created and maintained by a local committee,
aided by other interested people. It was granted Local Nature Reserve Status in 2003. Site access
is adjacent to 236 Riverside Road, St Albans. Working parties meet at 11.00am, on the last Sunday
of every month, but the site is open to visitors at all times (sorry, no dogs or cycles allowed).
It is of interest to all ages and there is a bird hide on the site.
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Throughout the year
Redbournbury Watermill
Address: Redbournbury Lane, Redbourn Road, St Albans. AL3 6RS
Opening hours: Every Sunday afternoon throughout the year from 1430–1700hrs
(Winter 1430–1630hrs)
Bakery open Friday and Saturday mornings. Other special open days (contact for details)
Tel: 01582 792874
E.mail: redbrymill@aol.com
Redbournbury Mill is a fully restored 18th century working watermill on the River Ver just north of
St Albans. The mill produces and sells stoneground organic flour. The recently opened bakery produces a variety of bread from the mill’s organic flours. The river and surrounding countryside are a haven for wildlife and the mill is an ideal stop for walkers and cyclists. Attractions include milling demonstrations, an Oil Engine and other exhibits. Open for private groups and tours by arrangement (contact for details)
Name: St Albans Cathedral
Address: Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1BY
Telephone: 01727 860780
Website: www.stalbanscathedral.org
Email: mail@stalbanscathedral.org
Map: View here
Download a loyalty card: Click here
The Cathedral stands over the place where Alban, Britain's first martyr, was buried, and is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in the country.
It is a building of contrasting architectural styles from the Saxon period through to the great Victorian restoration and a 20th century Chapter house.
At the heart of the building is the candlelit shrine of Saint Alban, a Roman Citizen who was put to death because of his faith in Christ. You can also see stunning and unique wall paintings, a very rare 15th century watching loft and walk the length of England's longest nave.
There are daily FREE guided tours, a book shop, gift shop and the Cafe at the Abbey. For younger visitors there are Children's Explorer Bags and regular family trails - see www.stalbanscathedral.org or visit the Information Desk for more information.
ADMISSION IS FREE
Your What’s on St Albans guide to events, days out and things to do in St Albans. As you can see there is plenty on offer. Museums, walks in the park, children’s events, festivals, films and music etc... If you are holding an event please send us details and we will be more than happy to spread the word.
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