stalbanslife

As summer approaches, we can look forward to more places opening up to the public and as ever, we are surrounded by a great choice of events.

- Welcome back Clock Tower! This historic gem located near the St Albans Abbey, is reopening to the public this week.  Climb the 93 steps to the viewing platform and feast your eyes on the pretty sights of the city. Open Saturdays/Sundays/Bank Holidays (small charge applies)

- The Wizard of Oz is being performed at the Alban Arena on Monday/ Tuesday 1st/2nd May. Tel; 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

- Chris and Pui Roadshow (from Cbeebies) at the Alban Arena on Sat 7th May. Tel 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

- Roman Discovery Talks at the Verulamium Museum on Sat 7th May at 3pm www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

- Heartwood Forest BLUEBELL EVENT on Sun 8th May at 11pm – 3pm (self-guided trail with activities for children). see www.woodlandtrust.co.uk for history on this forest

- Beating the Bounds - ancient ceremony starting from Kingsbury Watermill in St Michael’s Village on Sun 8th May at 2pm.  This. 2 mile walk is  led by the Mayor and officers of St Albans District Council.

- St Albans Charity Cycle Ride on Sun 15th May. Starting point Oaklands College, Hatfield Rd from 8.45am See www.saccr.co.uk for full details

- HOT MIKADO – St Albans Operatic Society perform at the Alban Arena from Tues 10th – Sat 14th May. Tel; 01727 844488 or www.alban-arena.co.uk

- NOISY KIDS Concert for Children on Sun 15th May from 2.30pm – 4.30pm. More details on www.saso.org.uk

- CINDERELLA by the Vienna Festival Ballet Co at the Alban Arena on Sun 28th May at 2.30 and 7.30pm  www.alban-arena.co.uk

Many more events and updates on www.stalbans.gov.uk

Verulamium Park

February’s weather is cold and dull but  there is plenty on in this city for the family to get out and enjoy. Here are just a few examples but follow the links to find out lots more about each venue.

ST ALBANS ARENA – THE ST ALBANS GANG SHOW 2011

Wed 16th – Sat 19th February 7.30pm (Matinee Sat 2.30pm) Tickets £6-£13

32nd time for this very popular show! Energetic song, dance and comedy by the local guides, scouts and young leaders. Ph Nicola Wells 01727 830397          www.alban-arena.co.uk   for address and more details

MUSEUM OF ST ALBANS – HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

21st – 24th Feb 10.30am – 12.30pm Theme of Medieval Mayhem Sessions for 6 to 13 year olds. Book in advance at the museum or tel 01727 819340 www.museumofstalbans.co.uk

VERULAMIUM MUSEUM - MEET QUEEN BOUDIKA

26th Feb from 2 – 4.30pm It’s a wonderful experience to listen to Queen Boudika tell her stories and engage the children. Entry FREE for residents. www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

PLAY IN THE PARKS (Feb Half Term Break)

Play in the parks offers free activity sessions for children 8 yrs and under in parks all over the district! No need to book, just turn up. This year, some of the sessions will be indoors too. Contact Mark Caldwell on 01727 827 667 or lots of interesting information is available for families on www.activestalbans.com

WILLOWS FARM VILLAGE - LAMBING SEASON

21st – 26th Feb. As always, Willows Farm Village has a host of exciting events lined up including new lambs to be enjoyed everyday, Triston the Tractor – rides, Ice Rink, Country Fair Rides and Meet the Shepherd! Click on www.willowsfarmvillage.com for lots more info including times, prices and membership.

TRESTLE ARTS THEATRE – PETER AND THE WOLF

Sun 6th Feb, 2pm and 4pm. Performance of Prokofiev’s musical tale including folk songs, gypsy music and classical favourites. Suits age 3 upwards and runs for 45 mins. Family tickets £25. click www.trestle.org.uk to find out about all the shows running in the coming months and to book tickets.

In this current climate of recession, residents of St Albans were happy to have the opportunity to visit the top attractions for free! There were numerous themed guided walks / tours available e.g. Ghost walk, Crime and Punishment walk and the Cathedral Tower Tours. The Abbey also held an exhibition of the vestments. Here you had the opportunity to see the amazing handwork close up as well as speak to the ladies who were responsible for some of them.

Those who were at the Abbey around Saturday lunchtime would have been fortunate enough to encounter the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, St Albans Choir and soloists rehearsing for their evening concert.

Restaurants took part by offering discounts or free wine and desserts with meals. Attractions such as Redbournbury Water Mill, The Roman Theatre and The Clock Tower were free to enter.

This weekend was well worth the visit, even if it’s to sit by the clock tower, watch the people in droves walk around our historic city and listen to the music of the buskers.