Tourism

The pretty snowdrops are out and so is the snow! Yes, St Albans is experiencing the familiar sight of snow yet again. Nearby Luton airport has had to cancel many flights due to heavy snowfalls on the runway. However, local schools have remained open.The road conditions are reasonably good, if you manage to ignore the huge potholes! More snow is expected tomorrow night.

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.

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.

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.

A fundraising event is taking place in St Albans to help support the Japanese Tsunami victims. It takes place in the Jubilee Centre (AL3 5NX) on Catherine Street tomorrow, Saturday 19th March between 11am - 3pm.

Verulam Golf Club, which prides itself as a thriving Par 72 course and home of the Ryder's Cup, is situated to the south of St Albans. Next month, they are holding two open days for ladies

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.

The name Battle Proms comes from the Battle Symphony by Beethoven. On an annual basis, this popular event takes place on the grounds of 400 year old Hatfield House, home of the 7th Marquess of Salisbury.

Last weekend St Albans District council held a 2 day annual event known as the Residents First weekend. It proved to be quite an occasion.....

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.