Mon 3 – Sun 9 July
Austentatious, Wimpole History Festival, Fri 7 July
Austentatious. Nice. See what they’ve done there? Rumour has it that Jane Austen’s market town Meryton in Pride and Prejudice was actually based on Harpenden. Or was it Hertford? This event is of course over the border in Cambridgeshire, but I always think that it’s worth the short trip to enjoy the delights of Wimpole Hall. On Friday you will see and hear an improvised and brand new Jane Austen novel based on ideas put forward by the audience. Don’t be shy now! Previous ‘lost works’ have included Sixth Sense & Sensibility and Jurassic Mansfield Park. Performed in Regency costume with live musical accompaniment. What’s not to like?
Lussmanns opens in Tring, July
At last! Andrei Lussmann has been teasing his Twitter followers all year with work-in-progress snaps of the former HSBC bank in Tring. This month we’ll finally be able to enjoy the new location for this Hertfordshire chain which manages to feel like a the best local independent wherever you go. I’ve never had a less than perfect experience at Lussmanns and their sustainable ethos is award-winning yet somewhat understated. Impressive. At the time of writing, the official opening date is still under wraps but you can sign up for an email to be one of the first through the doors.
Jazzie B, Chilfest, Tring, Sat 8 July
Unbelievable I know, but true. Soul II Soul in Herts. And only a few sleeps to go. There are still a handful of tickets left for Chilfest, but you need to be quick. I absolutely love Jazzie B and once had the good luck to interview him for The Guardian. Keep on Movin’, Jazzie!
Valuation day, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, Sat 8 July
If you don’t know Harriet Kelsall‘s Jewellery Centre at Fairclough Hall Farm, you really should visit. There’s a wonderful cafe on site! With gorgeous cakes! And if you have inherited jewellery or just want to know what your valuables are currently worth, you can go along and meet the experts. If you do want to have your jewellery valued on the day, you will need to make an appointment. 10am – 4pm. SG4 7DP
