Herts &amp; Beds

New diary looking a bit sparse? Get these cultural big hitters in the diary now for a fun-packed year ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre">THEATRE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/PeppaPig-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Peppa Pig Show" class="wp-image-93667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/PeppaPig-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/PeppaPig-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/PeppaPig-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Everybody’s favourite pink icon is on tour with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/beck-theatre/whats-on/peppa-pigs-big-family-show" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppa Pig Live: Peppa Pig Big Family Show!</a>&nbsp;The shiny new show is calling at the Beck Theatre, in Hayes, on&nbsp;Jan 26 and 27, <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/peppa-pigs-big-family-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alban Arena</a> on March 11-12 and <a href="https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/peppa-pigs-big-family-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watford Palace Theatre</a> April 25-26. It&#8217;s a bright, gentle introduction to theatre for little ones – and a guaranteed win for parents planning that all-important first family theatre trip.&nbsp;H.G. Wells&#8217; <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/whats-on/zL-war-of-the-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">War of the Worlds</a> is retold using model worlds, camera tricks, and projection at BEAM Theatre, Hertford Feb 11-14. Meanwhile, there&#8217;s ghostly shenanigans over at Watford Palace Theatre on Fri, Feb 13 with <a href="https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/it-walks-around-the-house-at-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">It Walks Around The House At Night</a>. Fancy a laugh instead? <a href="https://ovo.org.uk/shows/the-actress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Actress</a>, a comedy about how fame and fortune can create a monster, is at The Maltings Arts Theatre, St Albans, Feb 26 &#8211; 7 March. If you like Shakespeare, catch this funny, fast-paced, bitesize retelling of Hamlet at <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/whats-on/jM-shakespeare-in-a-suitcase-hamlet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BEAM</a>, Hertford on Feb 3 and the <a href="https://www.culturetrust.com/whats-on/feb-fest-shakespeare-suitcase-hamlet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wardown House Museum and Gallery</a> in Luton on Feb 16. It&#8217;s part of Luton’s <a href="https://www.culturetrust.com/FebFest26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full House Feb Fest</a> (16 &#8211; 20 Feb). Thought Panto was just for Christmas? Think again! <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/robin-hood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robin Hood</a> (the Easter panto) is at The Grove Theatre, Dunstable on April 12. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-and-dance">MUSIC AND DANCE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/mADAMABUTTERFLY1500X1500-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Madama Butterfly" class="wp-image-93708" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/mADAMABUTTERFLY1500X1500-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/mADAMABUTTERFLY1500X1500-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/mADAMABUTTERFLY1500X1500-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/mADAMABUTTERFLY1500X1500-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/mADAMABUTTERFLY1500X1500-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/mADAMABUTTERFLY1500X1500.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Madama Butterfly</figcaption></figure>



Celebrate the Year of the Horse with <a href="https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/chinese-new-year-culture-show-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chinese New Year Culture Show</a> at Watford Palace Theatre on Feb 15. Expect lion and dragon dances, folk and classical music plus martial arts in this galloping, high-energy performance. The Ukrainian National Opera® is bringing Madama Butterfly to <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/madama-butterfly-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alban Arena</a> on Mar 18 while <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/the-rock-orchestra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rock Orchestra </a>is at the same venue on April 4. Featuring Classical music and Metal, the performance takes place in a beautiful candlelit setting. Whether you&#8217;re a classical buff or novice, <a href="https://www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/mendelssohn-beethoven-and-brahms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Brahms</a>, a Philharmonia concert, at the Corn Exchange Bedford (May 21) is a culture fix not to be missed. Meanwhile, <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/the-west-end-tenors-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The West End Tenors</a> over at Grove Theatre, Dunstable will knock your socks off with their vocal talent on Mar 29. Celebrate the start of Spring with an evening of classical music performed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shuttleworth.org/events/string-quartet-spring-sessions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Element Strings</a> in the elegant surroundings of Shuttleworth House on Apr 24 while later in the year, the annual <a href="https://www.battleproms.com/venues/hatfield-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Battle Proms</a> at Hatfield House is always a hot ticket. It&#8217;s a full day of Spitfire displays, cannon fire, fireworks and a rousing two-hour orchestral concert of classic British music. Roll out the picnic blanket for this celebration of Great Britain on 18 July. And here&#8217;s one for all you metal fans. <a href="https://www.ironmaiden.knebworth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iron Maiden</a> will be bringing bringing their highly acclaimed Run For Your Lives World Tour to Knebworth Park on Jul 11. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art">ART</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="621" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Henry-Moore-Vitality-1000x621.jpg" alt="Henry Moore, Two Piece Reclining Figure: Points 1969; Photo: Sarah Mason" class="wp-image-76561" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Henry-Moore-Vitality-1000x621.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Henry-Moore-Vitality-800x497.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Henry-Moore-Vitality-845x525.jpg 845w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/Henry-Moore-Vitality.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Henry Moore, Two Piece Reclining Figure: Points 1969; Photo: Sarah Mason</figcaption></figure>



Sculptor <a href="https://henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens/plan-your-visit-studios-gardens/https://henry-moore.org/studios-and-gardens/plan-your-visit-studios-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henry Moore&#8217;s Studios &amp; Gardens</a> in Much Hadham will reopen for the Spring on April 1. Explore his incredible bronzes, sketches and more in his former home and studio. Over in nearby Hertford, <a href="https://www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/hertford-art-and-literature-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hertford Art and Literature Festival</a> is at Hertford Castle on April 11. Browse the art, literature and craft stalls, take a look inside the castle and enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment. It&#8217;s all completely FREE. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">FESTIVALS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/Banff-mountain-film-festival-1000x667.jpg" alt="Banff mountain film festival" class="wp-image-82390" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/Banff-mountain-film-festival-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/Banff-mountain-film-festival-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/Banff-mountain-film-festival.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/banff-mountain-film-festival-world-tour-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Banff Mountain Film Festival 2026</a> is back with a brand-new collection of short films. Watch as thrill-seekers climb, ski, paddle and ride into the wildest corners of the planet. It&#8217;s at The Alban Arena, Mar 6. Here&#8217;s a biggie! <a href="https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/bedford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Summer Sessions</a> is kicking off with Deacon Blue on Jul 2, UB40 on Jul 3, Tom Grennan on Jul 4 and the Modfather himself, Paul Weller at Bedford Park on July 5. Get your tickets now! Always a goodie, Tring&#8217;s <a href="https://www.chilfest.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chilfest</a> is over two days (3-4 July) with the Friday being all about the tribute acts (the music of Robbie Williams, Pulp, Amy Winehouse and more is on this year&#8217;s line-up), while Saturday is the main event with an eclectic mix of music from the &#8216;real&#8217; acts including Toploader, Eternal, Tony Hadley and more. You can catch more top tribute bands and original music (80+ acts) over 5 stages and 3 days at Stevenage-based fest, <a href="https://toddinthehole.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Todd in the Hole</a> from July 3-5. Calling all foodies, the <a href="https://greatbritishfoodfestival.com/champneys" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great British Food Festival</a> is at Champneys in Tring this year (13-14 June), with demos from top chefs, live music, craft stalls, kids&#8217; activities, BBQ stage and the popular Cake Off and Men Vs Food comps. Tickets on sale now. And festival favourite, <a href="https://wildcanvas.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Canvas</a> on the grounds of Turvey House Estate in Beds is back for another year (6-31 August). Book now and get 10% off. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family">FAMILY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Stargazing-1000x667.jpg" alt="Star gazing" class="wp-image-93670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Stargazing-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Stargazing-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Stargazing.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/dark-skies-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dark Skies</a> returns to Hertford Castle on Feb 7 with expert groups including Bayfordbury Observatory and the&nbsp;Hertford Astronomy Group delivering a glittering programme of educational talks plus plenty of stargazing. No need to trek into London this February as the <a href="https://www.radlettcentre.co.uk/What-s-On/Children/Revolting-Science" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utterly Revolting Science Show</a> is coming to the The Radlett Centre on Feb 15. Expect eye-popping experiments, edible fireworks, burp machines and more. Over in Luton, the annual <a href="https://www.culturetrust.com/FebFest26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full House Feb Fest</a> will be full swing for half term (16 &#8211; 20 Feb), with creative workshops, performances and shows, plus an &#8216;imagination station&#8217; for free drop-in craft activities. Oh, and here&#8217;s a cool show. Ice Age Adventure Live! is at <a href="https://everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/ice-age-adventure-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grove Theatre </a>on Apr 2 and <a href="https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/events/ice-age-adventure-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watford Palace Theatre</a> on Apr 9 &#8211; complete with woolly mammoth, polar bear and dodo. 



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