Leisure

Have you ever considered fostering a cat? I have just seen Poppy, a beautiful black cat who needs a loving home. Poppy has been rescued by the St Albans Cat Protection and is just one of many stray cats who need a caring family.

There was a real family affair at the Alban Arena on January 20th. Friends, family and fans of the late great rock musician Jim Rodford gathered at the theatre to pay tribute to a local hero. At the side of the stage under a spotlight was a poignant reminder of the musician who had died in St Albans 12 months earlier – his bass guitar and hat.

Appearing at Kimpton Memorial Hall on Saturday Feb 11th 2023 is the only show in the UK dedicated to performing the great songs of American classic rock, from late 1960s through to the 1990s. From The Eagles to The Doors, Fleetwood Mac to Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd to ZZ Top, Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, The Byrds and Neil Young and many points in between. American music is defined by rich harmonies and classic song-writing that evokes long open roads and small town life. During a 2+ hours show you will hear the best of American music.

The word Verulam stems from the old word Verulamium (St Albans). You may have noticed this word associated with companies or entertainment all over this city. If not, read on and see who you can support.

There are hundreds of would-be Sinatras and Bowies roaming the UK and earning a very good living but tribute acts playing the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a little thin on the ground. Even rarer is a group of musicians who are perfectionists and go to great lengths to recreate the impressive, tuneful rock music created by the singer-songwriter-musician from Gainesville in Florida. Petty died one year ago at the relatively young age of 66 but his music will live on for future generations.

The Alban Arena is a venue with a rich history of welcoming touring acts, some of which have gone on to world-wide fame - such as Dire Straits, who played there in 1978. I saw the legendary Rory Gallagher there in 1988, more recently The Waterboys and The Gorillaz have graced the stage. It is maybe a sign of the times that more tribute bands than original artists perform there these days. So when two of the UKs most respected musical artists were coming to the Alban Arena it was likely to be an evening not to be missed!

After years of stalled plans and failed planning applications, St Albans Odeon is now in the hands of James Hannaway - the person who restored the wonderfully successful Rex cinema in Berkhamsted. If the money can be found, there is a fighting chance that we could have the Odeon up and running in similar style. There is nothing the people of St Albans would like better than simply to have their cinema back and this is the chance to do it.

"The money raised will be used to pay for a Radio Station at the school - another way to let people develop their creative side." (R.Noden)

Broadway's golden age of musical theatre wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredibly talented Jewish composers and lyricists of the 20th century. Together they created an enduring legacy that is enjoyed by millions of people across the world every year.

So you are new to this area or new to the world of camping and don't know where to start? Here! St Albans has several outdoor stores which stock everything from large tents to childrens' walking boots and compasses. Below is a list of our local stores followed by a list of nearby campsites