Tourism

Today Pope Benedict XVI has landed in Scotland for the first of a four day state visit to the UK. Although St Albans won't be graced by his presence, many local catholics are set to see him in London.

You live in St Albans, you are wondering what’s on to entertain you this month…..so we have listed a few of our top choices for you to choose from!

More on events to be enjoyed in St Albans (May 2011)

There is a special gold trophy which weighs 4 pounds, stands 17 inches tall and known to the whole world as The Ryder Cup. Many locals are unaware that its founder Samuel Ryder was one of the greatest citizens that St Albans has ever had; as a business man, politician and churchman.

It's official, the Christmas lights of St Albans are switched on! Entertainment and fun started yesterday at noon.By the afternoon, the town centre was filled with hundreds of happy little faces who were all set for the countdown with Santa, Elvis Schmelvis, Sarah-Jane Honeywell and The Little Mermaid Pantomine Stars.

St Albans Heritage Open Days, September 10th – 13th. Its one thing to read about the history of this city but to do a historic walking tour brings it so alive and will make you proud to be a resident here.

1st August sees the formal launch of an exciting new website celebrating the ‘living history’ of the Sopwell area of St Albans. Funded by the National Lottery the website, www.sopwellmemories.org.uk, contains stories and photographs contributed by local people, as well as an extensive and increasing archive of oral history interviews with both recent and long-standing residents. It aims to capture memories of living in Sopwell as it changed from a rural farming community to a culturally diverse suburb of St Albans.

Romantic Russian music comes to St Albans Abbey on Saturday June 25th with performances of some of the most colourful and passionate scores ever composed for orchestra (7.30pm).

Hertfordshire has played its part in papal affairs. In the 12th century, a young boy from Abbots Langley near St Albans, called Nicholas, lived on a farm like many of his peers. Little did he know that as a result of unforeseen disappointments and his own strength of character, he would be the only Englishman to become a pope. This September marks the 850th anniversary of Nicholas Breakspear’s death.

St Albans is bracing itself for its 14th Beer and Cider Festival, held by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). This will take place between Wednesday 30th September and Saturday 3rd October 2009 at the St Albans Arena.