THEATRE

Meet Britain’s most successful Himalayan climber, Kenton Cool. In this one-man show, he’ll take you on a roller-coaster journey through the history of K2, and his own daring ascent of what is known among climbers as the most fearsome mountain in the world. He’s at the Radlett Theatre on Nov 2.

Dickens’ classic ghost story A Christmas Carol is coming to The Old Town Hall in Hemel on Nov 22. A festive favourite, feel inspired by this glorious tale full of redemption, compassion and hope for the future. There’s another one-man version over at the Sharnbrook Mill Theatre on Nov 24.

Fore more ghostly shenanigans head over to the new BEAM theatre in Hertford for Shock Horror. Combining live performance and big-screen action this spine-tingling show will have you shrieking in your seat. From 6 – 9 Nov (suitable for age 12+).

ART & EXHIBITIONS

See the bold colours and intricate patterns of Ankara and Aso Oke fabric as worn by the Yoruba tribe in West Africa at Fabric Stories exhibition. Then create your own Ankara design on canvas or have a go on the hand-made large loom with instruction from local artist Aisha Adi. It’s at St Albans Museum + Gallery until Nov 4.

Preparing for the Apocalypse: Towers, Prophets & Meaning at the Panacea Museum in Bedford (until Nov 30) looks at the meaning of towers in the preparation to the end of the world, something that the Panacea Society, which formed here, believed was imminent. There’ll also be two free talks on the subject and craft activities.

See the Wallingford Screen as it might have looked in Medieval times (with a little help from modern technology) at St Albans Cathedral’s Saints in Colour exhibition until Nov 30.

There’s a free exhibition of gorgeous hats at Hat works in Luton. The Hats: Innovation & Creation exhibition showcases the brilliant talent and designs of top British Hat Guild milliners including Philip Treacy and Stephen Jones. Until Nov 14

See some of the original hand-drawn cels and celluloid sheets used in the TV adaptation of Christmas favourite The Snowman. They are on display at North Hertfordshire Museum throughout Nov. There’s also a copy of the original manuscript and dressing-up to keep the little ones entertained

MUSIC & DANCE

Shake your tail feathers for An Evening of Burlesque at the Spotlight Hoddesdon on Nov 2. Expect a sparkly night of entertainment with plenty of glitz, glamour, fun and (of course) feathers.

The Story of Guitar Heroes is at the Gordon Craig Theatre on Nov 1. A live concert, spend an evening immersed in the sounds of guitar legends Jimi Hendrix, Slash, Eric Clapton and more as recreated by talented musicians.

Get glammed up for Queenz – Drag Me To The Disco at the Alban Arena, featuring sequins, surprises and disco divas on Nov 14. Or unleash your Dancing Queen with live tribute act, ABBA Sensation at Broadway Letchworth on Nov 23.

The Puppini Sisters, are on a 20th Anniversary Tour and will be stopping at The Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden on Nov 22 for a night of burlesque, swing and close harmony singing.

No one does music quite like the Irish and this emerald isle inspired Christmas show is no exception. Fairytale of New York: Coming Home for Christmas will have the audience dancing in their seats with their performances of festive classics and Irish favourites. It’s at Grove Theatre on Nov 23.

Unleash your inner rock star and enjoy a double bill of grunge with tribute acts Kings of Lyon and The UK Strokes. This adrenalin-fuelled set is at the Corn Exchange in Hertford on Nov 30.

COMEDY

Off the back of a sold-out national tour, comic legend Frank Skinner is bringing his obscene humour to the Gordon Craig Theatre. Laugh out loud at 30 Years of Dirt on Nov 1. Suitable for 14 years +

There’s more obscene humour over at the BEAM Theatre in Hertford with funny man Andy Parsons (yup, him of Mock the Week fame) on Nov 1. His sharp wit and edgy jokes are guaranteed to have you howling with laughter. Suitable for 14 Years+.

This one’s for all you parents in need of a laugh as Alyssa Kyria brings The Funny Mummy (and the crazy world of parenting) to The Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton on Nov 7.

Jenny Éclair is also at The Hat Factory Arts Centre with her brand new show on Nov 14. Suitable for age 14+

Head over to The Farmhouse at Redcoats and enjoy a Comedy Night In The Barns plus a two-course meal on Nov 8. Delicious food and cracking jokes? Sounds like a win, win.

Hertford Comedy Club returns to the Corn Exchange on Nov 14 with a line up of veteran stand-ups and TV regulars including Geoff Norcott, Ria Lina, Kevin Daniel and Matt Foster

CHRISTMAS

The Southern Maltings in Ware plays host to a bumper Christmas Gift Market on Nov 3. Browse two floors brimming with high-quality arts and crafts plus loads of boutique gifts, decorations and homeware. There’ll also be mulled wine and Christmas treats to get you in the spirit.

Fanhams Hall in Ware is hosting a Festive Gift Fair on Nov 4 in aid of British Red Cross. You’ll find plenty of stalls with jewellery, clothing and quality gifts galore all set against the backdrop of their beautiful Japanese gardens.

Woburn Safari Park is hosting a Luxury Gift Fair on 19 – 20 Nov. Browse the 40+ stalls in the Safari Lodge during the evening preview on 19 Nov (6 – 9pm), then during the day on 20 Nov (9.30am – 4pm).

The Farmer Christmas Light Trail and Grotto is at Tewin Bury Farm from Nov 28 – Jan 1. There’ll be twinkling lights in the woodlands, christmassy decorations and a chance to meet the Big Man himself. All this, plus a free gift and delicious festive food and warming mulled wine to get you in the spirit.

Dunstable’s annual Torchlight Procession on Nov 29 is sure to get you into the festive spirit. There’ll be carol singing, an appearance from Father Christmas, the Christmas Tree Light Switch On and food and drink stalls along Middle Row.

Like the idea of getting all your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop? You need to get yourself a ticket to Knebworth Christmas Fai r at Knebworth House from 22 – 24 November – the county’s biggest and best festive fair, over three days, in the grounds of Knewborth House. You’ll find homemade decs, unique gifts and loads of yuletide food and drink to fill your boots with.

gloved hand holding angel decoration at christmas fair

Also from 22-24 Nov is Hertford Castle Christmas Market with homeware, crafts, jewellery and other seasonal treats, as well as fairground rides and live entertainment. Plus don’t miss the Hertford Christmas Gala on 22 November, when the town centre will be buzzing with food stalls, fairground rides, live music on stage from local performers, and a walkabout Santa, with the big light switch on at 6pm in Market Place.

Farmer Christmas will be at Foxholes Farm on 30 Nov and every weekend until Dec 15. The farm will be open from 10am – 4pm but you need to pre-book a ticket and timeslot (£9.95 for kids, £3.95).

Step into a winter wonderland at Wrest Park and experience the enchantment of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as Narnia is bought to life with festive decorations, twinkling lights and a beautifully transformed house. Nov 23 – Dec 22.

Want more? Check out my round-up of local festive light trails and christmassy events here.

FAMILY & KIDS

Mr Sleepybum is re-enacting all his silly dreams at The Old Town Hall in Hemel on Nov 1.

Clumsy Captain Calamity is in town causing more on-stage chaos, from silly science, balloon and bubble buffoonery and musical storytelling at the Radlett Centre on 5 Nov.

Family favourite The Gruffalo is at The Radlett Theatre 5-7 Nov. Join mouse as he takes a daring stroll through the woods in this musical adaption of the classic picture book.

And there’s Room on the Broom at Watford Palace Theatre, 9-10 Nov. Based on the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler watch witch and cat as they travel on their broomstick.

Discover the Dark Arts at Warner Brothers’ Harry Potter Studio Tour until 10 Nov where the sets will get a spookier makeover. Learn wand combat skills, search for the dark mark but beware of the death eaters.

And Hogwarts in the Snow kicks off from 16 Nov (until 19 Jan), where the familiar Potter sets get a wintery makeover.

Look out for family fun-filled festival, St Albans Christmas Cracker. Expect High Street, Market Place, St Peter’s Street and Chequer Street to be closed to traffic and chock-full instead of local bands, gift stalls and walkabout entertainment. On Nov 17.

Tom Fletcher, (yep, that one from McFly!) is also the author of a series of popular kids’ books, which have now been made into a debut stage show. There’s a Monster in Your Show is an interactive comedy for ages 2+ with original live music (written by Tom of course) and a important message about friendship. Catch it at the BEAM Theatre, Hertford Nov 16-17.

TALKS, WORKSHOPS & OUTDOORS

Tring Book Festival returns this month with a host of top author talks and events. The festival runs from 1-16 Nov with our faves Kate Mosse on Nov 9, Cecelia Ahern on 13 Nov and, for the kids, David Baddiel on 16 Nov.

Wanna get crafty this Christmas? Pop over to the Southern Maltings in Ware on 2 Nov for a Willow Christmas Decoration workshop. Plus you can find my Christmas Wreaths workshops round-up here.

The road-closed course for the Hertfordshire Half and 10K (3 Nov) starts and finishes in front of the iconic Knebworth House, taking runners around the rural roads surrounding it. Entry included chip timed results, medals and free official race photos. In aid of Garden House Hospice Care, entry costs from £32.

Herts half marathon runners at Knebworth House

Remember, remember the 5th of November. Check out my local fireworks and bonfire nights round-up here.

November to remember: 40+ things to see and do this month

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