THEATRE

Black teenage boy's face with text overlaid — The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return

Fancy catching a bit of al fresco culture? Check out my g uide to the best outdoor theatre happening in our counties right here, including some hot tickets for the month ahead. Worth a particular mention is the OVO Roman Theatre Festival with its eclectic programme of performances at the outdoor Roman Theatre of Verulamium in St Albans throughout the summer Sense and Sensibility (2 July – 18 August), which features the music of Beyoncé, no less!

Also happening al fresco is Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband and George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs Warren’s Profession, produced and performed by Shaw2020 on 26 and 27 July (fittingly, Shaw’s birthday!), both at the National Trust property and former home of the playwright himself, Shaw’s Corner. And at Hatfield Park Immersion Theatre will be bringing the magic with Peter Pan on 29 July.

Black and white photo of man in glasses posing like Steve Jobs

If you prefer your theatre under cover, there’s Apple of my Eye coming to Watford Pump House on 12 July – an intriguing sounding one-man musical about Steve Jobs. Then from 17 – 18 July there’s a fast-paced, swagger-filled commentary on Luton in the noughties, The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return at the Hat Factory Arts Centre.

Something a little lighter, perhaps? Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be calling at Grove Theatre Dunstable with an all-singing, all dancing show, in glorious technicolour, of course, from 19 – 20 July. And it’s time for another Girls’ Night Out on 20 July at Gordon Craig Theatre – a no holds barred cabaret-style riot described as ‘Sex and the City meets the Spice Girls’ (prudes need not apply!

ART & EXHIBITIONS

1980s style image of the back of a boy in a gaming arcade with blue and pink lighting — Game On! The Evolution of Video Games

It’s your last chance to catch Women Doing Everything, Everywhere, All at Once – No we’re not talking about our busy lives but those of the female archaeologists who worked on the Verulamium dig site in the 1930s who unearthed the stories of the Roman and Iron age communities who lived there. Finishes 4 July.

Hitchin’s open-air performance space, The Living Theatre, Whitwell, is hosting an Art Trail around its grounds from June – September, with a series of whimsical pieces to discover by different artists.

The Eastern Region Textile Forum brings Passion, Determination, Vision to St Albans Museum + Gallery from 12 July – 3 November, which celebrates individuals who have made an impact on St Albans and the wider Eastern region, from Saint Alban to Stephen Hawking and Michael Morpurgo to Tim Rice.

Hand holding up Ladybird books with St Albans museum in background — The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists. Photo ©Toby Shepheard Photography

Love local art? Show your support to some of the best creatives in our counties at the Herts Visual Arts Big Art Fair at Hitchin Town Hall from 19 – 21 July. Around 60 artists will exhibit their works, from painting and pottery to jewellery and glass. There’s a preview evening on 19 July from 7-9pm (£3 on the door), or go along on 20 – 21 from 10am – 5pm free of charge.

An awesome interactive exhibition for the whole family, Game On! The Evolution of Video Games is coming to Stockwood Discovery Centre from 20 July – 1 September. Take a journey through the history of gaming from Pac-Man to PlayStation, have a go on some iconic games and consoles, take on challenges and snap some oversized selfies. Daytime slots are for ages 5+ while evening slots are 18+ only.

The Wonderful World of Ladybird Artists is still on at St Albans Museum + Gallery until 8 Sept. It explores the iconic publisher’s ‘golden years’ (1940 – 1975) and how the books’ illustrators played such a huge role in its success. A real nostalgia trip for the whole family.

SCREENINGS

John Singer Sargent painting of a lady in a black dress — John Singer Sargent: Fashion and Swagger, Exhibition on Screen

If you like your cinema under the stars, check out my guide to Herts & Beds’ al fresco summer screenings. Calling at Bedfordshire’s 18th Century English Heritage mansion, Wrest Park, Adventure Cinema is doing the rounds this year. You can book Top Gun (4 July), The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long (5 July), Mamma Mia! (6 July, and Pretty Woman (7 July). Then later in the month, Sundown Cinema are popping up at Stockwood Park with Super Mario Bros: The Movie and Wonka from 2pm on 31 July.

As for the rest, Andrew Scott stars in Noël Coward’s Present Laughter for National Theatre live, showing on-screen at Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre on 18 July; South Mill Arts on 19 July; The Old Town Hall on 23 July and The Spotlight Hoddesdon on 23 July.

Exhibition on Screen continues to bring the work of the great artists to a screen near you. This month, you can enjoy a cinematic journey through the works of one of the greatest portrait artists of his time, with John Singer Sargent: Fashion and Swagger, on 18 July at South Mill Arts.

Feeling that Olympic fever build? You could watch the games at home OR your could get into the spirit of it and pull up a deckchair at the big screen at The Marlowes in Hemel Hempstead which will be screening all the sporting action live from Paris 2024, between 26 July – 11 August.

BOOK NOW: Luxe hotel, Fanhams Hall in Ware, is getting in on the alfresco screening action, with four fab outdoor cinema nights coming up between 15 – 25 August including Top Gun: Maverick, Pretty Woman, Bridesmaids and Barbie. £20 per person.

MUSIC & DANCE

Alex horne and his five-piece band, the horne section on a pink background — The Horne Section’s Hit Show

This annual collection of gigs, Bedford Summer Sessions (formerly Bedford Park Concerts) is always hotly anticipated and feature BIG names. This year’s line-up includes Tom Jones on 4 July, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics on 5 July, James Orchestral Performance on 6 July and Nile Rodgers and Chic (with Sophie Ellis-Bextor) on 7 July. Get in there now!

Whether you love opera or are new to the art, Garden Opera in the Sunken Lawn at Knebworth House sounds like a rather lovely way to enjoy it on 7 July. Wild Arts has created its own love story with opera classics, performed by singing stars and a string quartet. Bring a picnic and listen to some world-class opera in a stunning setting.

Swan Lake is always a favourite and with good reason – stunning costumes, romance, beauty and a fight of good vs evil. Catch Ballet Theatre UK’s version at Grove Theatre on 5 July.

Here’s a biggie… Fatboy Slim (yep, the real deal) is playing Tofte Manor on 7 July, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the DJs iconic album ‘you’ve come a long way, baby’ and his first ever Bedfordshire show. He’ll be joined by some of his favourite artists against the backdrop of the 17th century manor house which is a spiritual sanctuary for retreats and celebrations. Get your tickets right here, right now!

Fatboy slim on graphic background with rainbow stripes and disco balls — Fatboy Slim at Tofte Manor

While we’re talking DJs, if you like your House music, check out ABODE at the Priory in Hitchin on 7 July where there’ll be music on multiple stages throghout the day, food stalls, a funfair and great line-up.

And for something a little more laid back, Wrest Park is hosting a weekly Lazy Sunday Music event from 7 – 21 July, with live music of all genres playing in the grounds of the English Heritage property – bring a deckchair and a picnic!

If you know Alex Horne and his comedy crew from TV and their popular podcast, you won’t want to miss The Horne Section’s Hit Show live on stage, with their unique blend of comedy and music from a five-piece band. It’s at The Alban Arena on 18 July.

Always a hot ticket – the annual Battle Proms at Hatfield House a storm with all ages. Expect fireworks, Spitfire displays, cannon fire and a two-hour orchestral concert of classic British music, from Land of Hope and Glory to Jerusalum. Roll out the picnic blanket and fly the flag for this celebration of Great Britain on 20 July.

COMEDY

The Scummy Mummies wearing gold outfits — The Scummy Mummies

Tring’s popular comedy festival, The Tringe, is back, from 30 June – 20 July. You’ll see two comics at nearly every show and, to give you an idea of the calibre, the line-up includes Zoe Lyons, Ivo Graham, Reginald D Hunter, Maisie Adam, Al Murray, Henning Wehn and loads more!

The Old Town Hall is hosting Comedy Previews from 1 – 13 July with the chance to see some big name acts, including Milton Jones, Jo Brand and lots more.

The fabulous Scummy Mummies are back in force for their Greatest Hits Show at Watford Palace Theatre on 4 July, celebrating ten years of songs, sketches and stand-up about the trials and tribulations of parenthood.

Catch Marcus Brigstocke, Paul Sinha, Esther Manito and Jack Skipper at Best in Comedy on 12 July at South Mill Arts. While Ivo Graham is trying out his Work in Progress ahead of the Bedford Fringe at The Quarry Theatre on 16 July.

Award-winning comedy magician KIZZA brings his crazy show to Watford Palace Theatre on 19 July as part of the Watford Fringe Festival.

outdoor stage with flowers around it and crowd watching — The Comedy Garden St Albans

Hitchin’s Mostly Comedy Festival is a chance to see a few comedians, including Zoe Lyons and Shaparak Khorsandi, between 22 – 26 July, at various venues in the town.

Rob Beckett is roadtesting some new material ahead of his brand new tour at South Mill Arts on 23 July. And BGT finalist, loud and proud drag queen, La Voix, is swinging in to the same venue on 26 July with her Red Ambition show (straight from the West End). There’ll be mega vocals, a live band and plenty of gags.

Why book to see one act when you can see loads in one place? St Albans Comedy Garden runs over five nights (24-28 July) in Verulamium Park and is a chance to see some of the top comics in the biz including Jo Brand, Josh Widdicombe, Ross Noble, Dara O ‘Briain and Harry Hill along with Laura Smyth, Mark Watson, Simon Amstell, Shaparak Khorsandi and tonnes more! It’s all live and open air with street food, summer cocktails and craft beer. Lovely!

TALKS & TOURS

Melissa Hemsley cookery writer in a bright striped jumper — Melissa Hemsley

On 3 July award winning novelist, stand-up AND dippy journalist in Ab Fab, Helen Lederer, is in conversation with Robin Ince at the Tring Dembe Theatre, discussing her memoir, Not That I’m Bitter.

While veg-obsessed foodie, Melissa Hemsley, will be talking about her new cookbook at the Chorleywood Bookshop on 9 July. Real Healthy is packed with ‘life-friendly’ quick and convenient recipes and tips to cut out ultra processed foods.

Our very own, brand new Hertfordshire vineyard – Lokkelebery Vineyard (est. 2022) – is inviting visitors for a tour of the vines on 13 July and 3 August, where you’ll hear from the vineyard manager and visit the horsebox café.

And on 30 July hear from not one but two local Hertfordshire authors – Zoë Folbigg on her new novel, Five Days, and Kathleen Whyman on her latest book, Has Anyone Seen My Husband? – at Hitchin Library.

FESTIVALS

main stage and crowd at folk by the oak festival — Folk by the Oak

OK, hands up who thinks the kids shouldn’t have ALL the fun?! Mead Open Farm is opening its gates to grown-ups for Adult Farm Nights every Saturday from 8 June – 3 August, to unleash their inner child. Nothing is out of bounds – jumping pillows, indoor soft play, mini golf, go-karts – plus there’ll be a DJ, bar and street food.

Hitchin Festival is a month-long cultural melting pot of live music, open mic sessions and author talks taking place throughout the town. You can expect over 100 events from chamber music and concert bands to historical plays and local author talks, from 29 June – 31 July.

In a similar vein, the Watford Fringe Festival runs from 1 July – 4 August, with a vibrant mix of performance, exhibitions, live music and comedy.

Always a goodie, Tring’s Chilfest is over two days (5 – 6 July) with the Friday being all about the tribute acts (the music of Take That, The Smiths, Madness, Kylie and Whitney is on this year’s line-up), while Saturday is the main event with an eclectic mix of music from the ‘real’ acts including Scouting for Girls, Marc Almond, Nik Kershaw and, for all those 90s kids out there… East 17!

For an under-the-radar music festival this two day extravanganza of rock, indie, blues, folk and new wave music pulls some massive names. The Waterboys, Kula Shaker, Travis, Jake Bugg, Feeder, Scouting for Girls and Starsailor are amongst the lineup for Sign of the Times in Little Hadham on 5 – 7 July.

Feast your eyes (and stomachs!) on the Hertford Food & Drink Festival on 6 – 7 July – a FREE event with fab foodie discounts available from participating businesses in town on 6th and a host of world food stalls, entertainment and selection of local and national beers on offer in the castle grounds on 7th.

It’s all low rides and chilled vibes for Tucked at the Manor on 7 July – a car enthusists heaven on the 150 acre estate of the Grade I-listed Turvey Manor in Beds.

Boats racing along the river with crowds watching at bedford river festival — Bedford River Festival

You can catch some top tribute bands and original music (80+ acts) over 5 stages and 3 days at Stevenage-based fest, Todd in the Hole from 12 – 14 July.

The Bedford Fringe is our local answer to the Edinburgh Festival, showcasing a wealth of talent in music, comedy, spoken word, dance, art and theatre . It’s running from 18 – 28 July.

Calling all foodies, the Great British Food Festival is back at Knebworth this year (20 – 21 July), with demos from top chefs, live music, craft stalls, kids’ activities, BBQ stage and the popular Cake Off and Men Vs Food comps.

Thousands of people descend on Bedford town centre for the annual River Festival, every year for the live entertainment, family friendly activities, raft and dragon boat racing, watersports arena and live sports demos. It’s free to attend to just rock up and get involved on 20 – 21 July.

The lovely Folk by The Oak Festival brings the best folk, accoustic and roots music to the bucolic Hatfield Park on 21 July.

For something a little slower paced, head to the Linslade Canal Festival on 27 July, which celebrates canal life, conservation and rural crafts. There’ll be live music and workshops, plus working, historical and trade boats displaying and selling their crafts and wares along the canal, and a traditional funfair.

Vintage mavens listen up! Join one of the UKs largest FREE jazz events – Big Jiveswing Festival in Cassiobury Park, Watford on 28 July. There’ll be world class musicians, cabaret, dance classes (for adults and kids) and a vintage photo booth, There’ll also be family area with a bouncy castle, rides and sweet treats, plus food vans.

Check out my guide to the best summer festivals in Herts & Beds over the summer for more.

KIDS & FAMILY DAYS OUT

parents and children in a crowd at a festival with bubbles and colourful accessories — Wild Oak Meadows

Over at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo there’s a toddler safari (3-16 July) as well as an opportunity to discover more about the wonder of Asian animals from 20 July – 3 Sept, with weekly spotlights on diffferent species, interactive activities, such as shadow puppet theatre, Indonesian dance, animal talks and zookeeper Q&As.

Want more fun at the farm? Buy a Summer Multi Ticket for Willows Activity Farm from 1 – 30 July and you can enjoy up to 10 visits throughout the summer (until 31 August).

Gather the family for the FREE Dunstable Party in the Park on 13 July with a packed day of live music, performances from local dance and theatre companies, funfair, stalls, food and drink (they’re even throwing in a session of Barrioke with TV’s Shaun Williamson!)

Local charity, The Hospice of St Francis, is merging two of its summer events into one this year with Summer Sounds and Classic Cars on 13 July. Taking place in Dudswell, near Berkhamsted, there’ll be a line-up of local musical talent, with vintage cars and bikes on display, kids’ activities, food and drink stalls and an artisan craft market.

Quentin Blake’s lovable Mrs Armitage on Wheels is brought to life on stage with live original music, puppetry and comedy for ages 3+ at Quarry Theatre on 13 July.

Also on 13 July, there’ll be a day of fun and activities for under 5s at Letchworth’s Garden Square shopping centre for Little People Love Letchworth, live performance, arts and crafts, workshops and nature activities.

Get ready to go wild for Wildfest on 13 July in Cassiobury Park, Watford. Organised by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, there’ll be animal Olympics, guided butterfly and bird walks, river dipping, crafts and storytelling.

Today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic… well it will be on 21 July at Hertford Castle. Bring your hamper and your favourite ted for a fun day of activities in the grounds (and on the river), a teddy bear trail around the castle, best dressed teddy comp, and live brass band music throughout the day.

Vintage planes with sunset in the background at Shuttleworth — Shuttleworth summer air show

There’s a brand new family festival coming to Home Farm in Elstree on 13 July. Wild Oak Meadows will be a fun-filled day of theatre, live music, storytelling, circus shows, bubble workshops, forest school activities, tree climbing, zip lining and more.

Enjoy a free family fun day whilst also supporting the worthy cause that is the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance at Heli-bration! on 14 July at Hatfield Park. You’ll get a sneak peek of the newest addition to the fleet, meet the crew and take a look inside a real helicopter and even learn about CPR, as well as enjoy kids’ rides, face painting, an emergency vehicle exhibition, falconry and circus skills.

Can’t get the kids off their devices? Bring them along to Wifi Wars at Watford Palace Theatre on 20 July – a live comedy game show where the audience can play along. There are two performances (each with different quizzes) at 3pm (for ages 6+) and 7pm for ages 12+.

What could say British Summertime more than a Summer Evening Picnic Airshow? The Shuttleworth Estate is renowned for its vintage collection of aircraft, which will be creating an amazing aerial display over the manor house and grounds on 20 July, explore the collection and gardens on the ground and meet the pilots as the sun goes down, as well as exploring the interactive discovery zone and having the chance to build a Hawker Hurricane model. They’re also hosting a summer fete on 27 July.

Olympic fever is in the air and on 20 July the sports themed interactive show, Who Wants to be an Olympian? is coming to Southern Maltings, giving audiences the chance to go for gold! Aimed at ages 6 – 12.

British Champion of Magic, Oliver Tabor, along with special guests, brings London’s longest-running theatre magic show, West End Magic, straight from the Leicester Square to Bishop’s Stortford’s South Mill Arts on 27 July.

Ready to meet the Rotten Royals? The folk from Horrible Histories are back with a barmy show at Watford Palace Theatre on 27 July. Psst… and they’ll get a history lesson without realising they’re learning!

As part of Hitchin Festival, Tiny Ts Theatre bring the Adventures of the Tooth Fairy to Market Theatre from 27 – 28 July – a sweet sounding show suitable for ages 3+ with a good sprinkling of fairy dust.

Greenfingered boys and girls can join award-winning floral designer Alice Van Der List at Standalone Farm from 29 – 31 July for a Love is in Nature workshop, where they’ll create a unique nature-themed display to take home!

Jump into July: 80+ things to do this month!

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