Herts &amp; Beds

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">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/2/2026/06/DinoLiveuse-1000x667.jpg" alt="dino live" class="wp-image-95295" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/DinoLiveuse-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/DinoLiveuse-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/DinoLiveuse.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Pamela Raith</figcaption></figure>



Fancy a dose of al fresco culture? Head to the Roman Theatre Festival in St Albans, where OVO brings a musical twist to <a href="https://ovo.org.uk/shows/the-importance-of-being-earnest-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Importance of Being Ernest</a> (3-18 July). Expect razor-sharp wit, glamorous Art Deco styling and live jazz soundtrack. Later in the season, catch <a href="https://ovo.org.uk/shows/as-you-like-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">As You Like It</a> (31 July-22 Aug) a groovy 1967 reimagining of Shakespeare&#8217;s much-loved comedy, complete with a swinging &#8217;60s soundtrack. And for something lighter, everybody’s favourite pink icon is on tour with the <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/review-peppa-pigs-big-family-show-uk-tour-2026/">Peppa Pig Live: Peppa Pig Big Family Show! </a>The shiny new show is calling at <a href="https://www.radlettcentre.co.uk/What-s-On/Children/Peppa-Pig" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Radlett Centre</a> (8-9 July). It’s a bright, gentle introduction to theatre for little ones – and a guaranteed win for parents planning that all-important first family theatre trip. Roarsome! The Natural History Museum’s <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/whats-on/gj-natural-history-museum-presents-dinosaurs-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinosaurs Live</a> is on tour this summer and you can catch it at BEAM Theatre on 25 Jul. Featuring the best and biggest dinosaur puppets on stage, expect a dino adventure like no other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-exhibitions-amp-lectures">ART, EXHIBITIONS &amp; LECTURES</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/2/2023/08/Hatfield-house-1000x667.jpg" alt="Hatfield House" class="wp-image-79003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hatfield-house-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hatfield-house-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hatfield-house-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hatfield-house.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hatfield House</figcaption></figure>



Art lovers, don&#8217;t miss this thought-provoking evening at the newly opened Sheep Field Barn in the grounds of Henry Moore Studios &amp; Gardens, Perry Green on July 9. Through talks and conversation, discover the story behind Moore&#8217;s powerful <a href="https://henry-moore.org/whats-on/the-shelter-drawings-in-context/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shelter Drawings</a> – the series of more than 300 sketches inspired by Londoners sheltering in Underground stations during the Second World War. Love local art? Show your support to some of the best creatives in our counties at <a href="https://www.hvaf.org.uk/event/big-art-fair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Art Fair </a>at Hitchin Town Hall from 17-19 July. Around 60 artists will exhibit their works, from painting and pottery to jewellery and glass. And history buffs, this one&#8217;s for you. Head to Hatfield House on 31 July for a Champagne reception followed by the <a href="https://hatfield-house.co.uk/event/hatfield-park-lecture-series-hatfield-house-park-and-gardens-then-and-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hatfield Park Lecture</a>, where experts will uncover how the House, Park and Gardens have evolved since the early 17th century. And that&#8217;s not all, this special one-night-only event includes the rare opportunity to view treasures from the Hatfield House Library and Archives, many of which are not usually on public display. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCREENINGS</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/2/2026/06/Worldcuplarge-1000x667.jpg" alt="world cup fans" class="wp-image-95166" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Worldcuplarge-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Worldcuplarge-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Worldcuplarge.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Feeling that World Cup fever build? You could watch the games at home OR your could get into the spirit of it and watch it on Bishop Stortford’s biggest screen at <a href="https://southmillarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873688228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Mill Arts</a>. England v DR Congo Jul 1. Open-air cinema is also coming back to Battlers Green Farm, Radlett with <a href="https://www.ticketsource.com/battlers-green-farm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moovies on the Farm</a>. Kicking things off is Bohemian Rhapsody on 31 July. Luxe hotel, Fanhams Hall in Ware, is also getting in on the alfresco screening action, with four fab <a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/things-to-do/outdoor-cinema-nights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outdoor cinema nights</a> coming up between 7 – 24 August. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</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/2/2025/05/toddinHole-1000x667.jpg" alt="Todd in the Hole festival" class="wp-image-90254" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/toddinHole-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/toddinHole-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/toddinHole.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



This annual collection of gigs, <a href="https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/bedford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedford Summer Sessions</a> is always hotly anticipated and features BIG names. This year’s line-up includes Deacon Blue on&nbsp;2 July, and ends with The Modfather himself, Paul Weller on&nbsp;5 July. Other acts include UB40, Tom Grennan and Miles Kane. Get in there now! Folk, rock and tribute acts are set to play at super family-friendly fest, <a href="https://toddinthehole.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Todd in the Hole</a> (3-5 July). Headliners include Supersonic Queen, Definitely Could Be Oasis, and Artic Monkeyz plus there&#8217;s a dance den in the woods, kids arena and vintage funfair. Run for Your Lives! <a href="https://knebworthhouse.com/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iron Maiden</a> headline Knebworth on July 11. And vocal chords at the ready. <a href="https://buzzstock.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buzzstock</a> in Leighton Buzzard is on 17-18 July. Appearing are MASSAOKE (who smash out all the biggest sing-along hits), Olivia Rodrigo Tribute (who stormed Glasto last year) and Buzzstock fave Rogue Minogue. Always a hot ticket – the annual <a href="https://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/event/battle-proms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Battle Proms</a> at Hatfield House is 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 18 July. Here&#8217;s an easy breezy day festival. <a href="https://www.folkbytheoak.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Folk by the Oak</a> at Hatfield House (19 July) promises some of the finest folk acts in the biz plus creative activities, a food village and a bar stocked with refreshing cocktails. Dance to live music&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.athomefarm.live/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magic Meadows</a> (25 July), get crafting in the tipi or unwind in the wellness yurt at this woodland wonderland. Plus, there&#8217;ll be face painting and glitter stations galore. Finally, small indie festival, <a href="https://www.sanchopanza.org/campo-sancho/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Campo Sancho</a> in Walkern is a carnival in a field. Expect a great line-up of artists plus a dedicated crafty kids factory, teen tent clubhouse, face painting, family circus and more. 23-26 July.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMEDY</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/2/2024/06/Comedy-garden-st-albans-1000x667.jpg" alt="St albans comedy garden" class="wp-image-84843" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Comedy-garden-st-albans-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Comedy-garden-st-albans-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Comedy-garden-st-albans.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St Albans Comedy Garden</figcaption></figure>



Catch two comedians for the price of one! <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/whats-on/Zzi-joseph-morpurgo-paddy-young-fringe-preview-double-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joseph Morpurgo and Paddy Young</a> appear as a double bill at BEAM theatre, Hertford on Jul 16 before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe. Can&#8217;t make Edinburgh Fringe? Don&#8217;t fret. Head to <a href="https://www.stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk/shows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Albans Comedy Garden</a> instead. It runs over four nights (22-26 July) in Verulamium Park and is a chance to see some of the top comics in the biz including Josh Widdecombe, Sara Pascoe, Jack Dee and tonnes more! It’s all live and open air with street food, summer cocktails and craft beer. Lovely! 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-fringe-amp-lit-festivals">FOOD, FRINGE &amp; LIT 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/2/2025/07/HertfordCastleBeeRfoodfestival-1000x667.jpg" alt="Hertford festival" class="wp-image-91151" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/HertfordCastleBeeRfoodfestival-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/HertfordCastleBeeRfoodfestival-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/HertfordCastleBeeRfoodfestival.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hertford Beer &amp; World Food Festival</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://www.hitchinfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Festival</a> 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, until 31 July. In a similar vein, the <a href="https://watfringe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watford Fringe Festival</a> runs from 1 July &#8211; 31 July, with a vibrant mix of performance, exhibitions, live music and comedy. Feast your eyes (and stomachs!) on the <a href="https://www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/hertford-castle-beer-and-world-food-festival-5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Beer &amp; World Food Festival</a> 4 July &#8211; a family-friendly event with a host of world food stalls, entertainment and selection of local and national beers on offer in the castle grounds. And finally, <a href="https://www.quarrytheatre.org.uk/bedfringe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bedford Fringe</a> is Bedford&#8217;s local answer to the Edinburgh Festival, showcasing a wealth of talent in music, comedy, spoken word, dance, art and theatre. It’s running from 22-26 July.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-amp-family-days-out">KIDS &amp; FAMILY DAYS OUT</h2>



Gather the family for the FREE <a href="https://www.dunstable.gov.uk/event/party-in-the-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dunstable Party in the Park</a> on 18 July with a packed day of live music, performances from local dance and theatre companies, funfair, stalls, food and drink. Today&#8217;s the day the <a href="https://www.whatsonhertford.co.uk/hertford-castle-teddy-bears-picnic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">teddy bears have their picnic</a>&#8230; well it will be on 19 July at Hertford Castle. Bring your hamper and your favourite ted for a fun day of activities in the grounds including a teddy bear trail around the castle, best dressed teddy comp, and live brass band music throughout the day. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more-try-these">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? TRY THESE:</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/festivals/summer-festivals-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your HOT summer festival guide: Book these in Herts &amp; Beds now</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/tennis-ace-oliver-tarvet-on-mental-strength-tough-training-and-the-unmatched-feeling-of-victory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy meets St Albans tennis ace Oliver Tarvet</a></li>



<li><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kid-friendly/dive-in-the-best-heated-outdoor-swimming-spots-near-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dive in! Lovely local lidos to make a splash in this summer</a></li>
</ul>

Roarsome! Best things to do near you this July

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