Tourism

There is no doubt that St Albans commuters have had their patience tested by First Capital Connect in recent months. But for those who would like a day out in London and don’t desire the delays of FCC to be part of it, is there an alternative?

Just when parents thought that life was getting back to normal in this first week of the New Year, heavy snowfalls have turned St Albans into a winter wonderland once again. The children of St Albans have just returned to school after their Christmas break but today most of the local schools are closed. It is predicted that they may be shut for a few more days.

We all know that Christmas is a magical time of year, everyone is more relaxed and full of good cheer. Well there are lots of things to see and do in St. Albans, so there's no excuse not to get out and enjoy a bit of stalbanslife!

The recently proposed "Twenty Is Plenty" (speedlimit) for St Albans is something all drivers might benefit from! The Green Party and St Albans Cyclist Campaign members have asked the council to support this idea, but a county council cabinet member says that the decision would need the support of the full community.

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 city has had its share of ghosts and spooky tales of bygone days. This year, the St Albans Tour Guides have lined up an exciting week of Ghost Walks suited to all ages.

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.

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.

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.

Alban is a two act community opera involving over 150 performers which has been commissioned by the St. Albans Cathedral Music Trust. It will be given five performances (including a matinee) in St. Albans Cathedral between May 20-24 2009, bringing together a wealth of local talent. Singers, actors, dancers and musicians of all ages drawn principally, though not exclusively, from parish and school choirs across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire will join a core of experienced professional performers.