MUSIC
Beach Baby
Following the release of their latest single No Mind No Money last month, the eclectic London four-piece are taking their alternative-pop sound on tour. The band have roots in Athens, Dorset and Sheffield and met in the musically-rich halls of Goldsmiths College.
The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans, Thursday, July 23, 8pm. Details: 01727 844627, thehorn.co.uk
Jimmy Cliff and His Band
Jamaican ska and reggae singer, Jimmy Cliff is best known for songs including Sitting in Limbo, You Can Get It If You Really Want and Many Rivers to Cross, from the soundtrack to The Harder They Come, which helped popularise reggae across the world.
Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Friday, July 24, 8pm. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk
Ohasis
The legendary Britpop band are lovingly re-created by the skilled musicians who make up Ohasis. This tribute act have honed the look, sound and stage-presence of the Mancunian rockers to bring a taste of the original, and unmistakeable, Oasis wall-of-sound.
The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans, Saturday, July 25, 8pm. Details: 01727 844 627, thehorn.co.uk
Dougie MacLean
Roots singer-songwriter Dougie is known around the world for his music which was adapted for the classic 1992 film Last of the Mohicans. Originally from Scotland, Dougie has developed his own blend of lyrical and instrumental composition, and his music has been covered by Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, Ronan Keating and many more.
Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Saturday, July 25, 8pm. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk
Rhythm and Rhapsody
A host of Hertfordshire's best young brass players from the Hertfordshire County Youth Brass band are set to visit Harpenden for an enjoyable evening of jolly music. The group will be joined by BBC Big Band's trombone soloist Andy Wood.
Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, Sunday, July 26, 7.30pm. Details: 01582 767525, harpendenpublichalls.co.uk
COMEDY
The Tringe Festival
A week longer than usual and, as always, packed with a fantastic array of outstanding comics, magicians and wonderful sketch groups. Now in its last week of shows, this year’s star-studded line-up features Ian D Montford and Patrick Kielty. There are still tickets available but they will soon be snapped up.
The Tringe Festival is at The Court Theatre, Station Road, Tring until July 25, various times. Details: 07973 291821, tringefestival.co.uk
FILM
Far From The Madding Crowd (12A)
In Victorian England the headstrong Bathsheba Everdene attracts three very different suitors: a sheep farmer, a reckless sergeant and a prosperous bachelor. Starring Carey Mulligan and Tom Sturridge.
Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, July 23, 7.30pm. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk
Jurassic World (12A)
More than two decades since the fantastical world of Jurassic Park was first screened in cinemas, the story has evolved to depict the drama which unfolds at Isla Nubar's fully-functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World. After ten years of operation and visitor rates declining, a new attraction is created to re-kindle visitor interest, which backfires horribly. Starring Chris Pratt and Judy Greer.
Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Saturday, July 25, 11am. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk
DAYS OUT
Champagne Tasting Evening
Enjoy a classy evening tasting a range of fine champagnes, from the famous wine-producing region of France, Champagne. Gémeaux - importers of the luxurious bubbly - will take visitors on a sensory journey through the vineyard with three white champagnes, two rosé and one vintage to try.
Nude Tin Can Gallery, Hatfield Rd, St Albans, Thursday, July 23, 7.30pm. Details: 07870 941158, nudetincan.gallery
Butterfly World Project
From making bug hotels to ant masks, story telling to bug hunts St Alban's Butterfly World Project has lots of fun events on offer for your little creepy-crawlies. Throughout the holidays there's felt making classes, bee activities, insect handling sessions and much more.
Butterfly World Project, Miriam Lane, Off Noke Lane, Chiswell Green, from Thursday, July 23. Details: 01727 869203, butterflyworldproject.com
Summer Activities
The sun is shining and what better way to enjoy it than at Willows Activity Farm where there's plenty to explore. Visit the new carrot patch at the Carrot Carnival and meet Little Grey Fergie the Tractor. Lose yourself in the A-mazeing Maze, learn how food is grown, go wild at the funfair, take part in a fun sports day or test your skills on Woolly's workout Agility Play Trail. A good time is guaranteed.
Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, Colney Heath, St Albans, until September 1, a variety of times. Details: 0870 129 9718, willowsactivityfarm.com
THEATRE
Garden Theatre - The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Bored of his chores, a young apprentice waves his wand and a broom magically fetches water. But he can’t find a spell to stop it. In desperation he saws it in half – and everything spirals out of control. Based on the classic tale famously told in Disney's Fantasia, enjoy a night of spell-binding entertainment.
Knebworth House, Knebworth, Thursday, July 23, 6pm. Details: 01438 812661, knebworthhouse.com
I Elizabeth
Catch Dyad Productions' acclaimed performance of this regal Tudor drama before it heads to the Edinburgh Festival in August. The year is 1568, and a young queen steps from the shadows to reveal her thoughts on marriage, succession, religion and war. Using only Elizabeth's words, actress Rebecca Vaughan explores the famous queen's struggle to reconcile her status as a woman with the duties of sovereignty.
Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans, July 29 to 30, 8pm. Details: 0333 666 3366, maltingsartstheatre.co.uk
BOOK IT NOW
Laurence Jones
Voted Young Artist of the Year at the British Blues Awards in 2014, Laurence is quickly building a stellar reputation in the music world. Born in 1992, Laurence has already garnered praise from BBC Radio 2 and Classic Rock magazine. Following the release of his debut 2012 album Thunder In the Sky, the young musician has gone on to release four records with his latest What's It Gonna Best out in April this year. Laurence will be joined on the night by up-and-coming blues/rock band Red Butler.
Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, Tuesday, September 15, 7.30pm. Details: 01582 767525, harpendenpublichalls.co.uk
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