Events
Five things to do this February half term in Hertfordshire
Just as you’ve settled back into the swing of life post-Christmas, the February half term has started crawl its way over Hertfordshire’s rolling hills (ahh!). But, before you start that frantic Google search looking for local kids’ clubs and childminders to take the stress away, take a deep breath and relax because Visit Herts have you covered!
Hertfordshire has so much on offer for the whole family during half-term, so you won’t spend the week counting down the days until the kids go back to school. Follow our suggestions of fabulous attractions and events to keep the little ones occupied during their week off, and you’ll be hanging those uniforms out again in no time…
FOR THE CHEEKY MONKEYS…
If the thought of watching another Disney film or Peppa Pig episode is becoming unbearable, head along to Paradise Wildlife Park for the ‘pawfect’ day out. Home to over 800 exotic animals, the largest anaconda in the country and the biggest animatronic dinosaur attraction in the UK, you’d be mad to miss out – we’re not lion! With animal talks, feeds and shows running throughout the day, you can be sure that your little monkeys will stay entertained (and the CBBC channel will stay firmly switched off for at least one day during the holidays).
FOR LITTLE SHEPHERDS…
Visitors are sure to have a ‘woolly’ good time at Willows Activity Farm this half term with the arrival of their February Frolics event. Just in time for lambing season, little ones will have the opportunity to witness the arrival of the adorable new lambs, ask the knowledgeable livestock team any questions, and make some beautiful creations at the farm’s art and crafts marquee. As you stroll around this fabulous farm, meet a furry friend or two along the way and be sure to keep a look out for the famous faces rumored to be hopping about at this time of year. Special guest Little Bo Peep will be putting on a show to find her flock, and Peter Rabbit will also be holding daily meet and greets for the children to enjoy.
FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIES…
Buckle up for a half-term like no other and speed your way around Rye House Kart Raceway, perfect for all you thrill-seekers. It’s full speed ahead at this outdoor driving experience, as you race around the tracks, compete against each other and enjoy the exhilaration of go-karting. February marks the start of the Raceway’s junior driver development sessions, which offer insight for younger drivers wishing to take a more competitive stance at racing. Visitors will receive a briefing on the event format, pick up some top racing tips, and have the chance to compete in their very own competition. You never know, you may have the next Lewis Hamilton in the making!
FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS…
If you’re in need of an excuse to drag the children away from the TV screen, a cultured trip to the historic city of St Albans will have them forgetting about their latest Fortnite mission in no time. Stroll around this beautiful area and discover the wonderful St Albans Cathedral which boasts the longest nave in England, explore the bustling city centre and its independent shops and market, dine in the oldest pub in the country, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, whilst you soak up the history of this beautiful, thriving city. For inspiration of how to spend a short break in St Albans, check out our inspirational itinerary here: https://www.visitherts.co.uk/see-and-do/itineraries/48-hours-in-st-albans/.
FOR THE MAGICAL MINDED…
Get your broomsticks, wands and sorting hats at the ready and ‘Slytherin’ to the Making of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros Studio Tour London. Experience the magic behind this world-class movie franchise, stroll along the authentic sets and discover the secrets of the most successful film series of all time. Whether you consider yourself an honorary member of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin, you’re sure to be spellbound by this wonderful experience.
FOR THE STARRY EYED…
When the stress of the break starts to kick in, retreat to the countryside and spend a night under the stars at Theobalds Park Camping and Caravanning Club Site. Sheltered by woodland, this site offers the perfect dose of tranquility, so you can take a deep breath of fresh air and unwind this half-term. This idyllic campsite is located on the doorstep of some of the county’s top attractions including Lee Valley Park and Lee Valley White Water Centre, ideal for families who love the great outdoors!
For further information inspiration for places to visit in Herts, head to www.visitherts.co.uk.
Sting is bringing his My Songs World Tour to Bedford Park for a sensational outdoor show.
The rock icon will play on Saturday June 24. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday November 18 via bedfordparkconcerts.co.uk
Sting’s ‘My Songs’ concerts are an exuberant and dynamic show featuring his most beloved songs, written throughout the 17-time Grammy Award winner’s illustrious career both with The Police and as a solo artist.
Following a sold out six-night residency at the London Palladium, My Songs was hailed “a masterclass” by The Times who said “Sting remains an undeniably skilled performer with a gold-plated back catalogue.”
A musical journey taking in hits like Fields of Gold, Shape of my Heart, Roxanne and Demolition Man, the concert was described as “a rare treat” by The Telegraph and saw Sting praised as “near peerless” by The Guardian with “sublime pop alchemy”. Fans can also expect to hear Englishman In New York, Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Message In A Bottle and many more.
For more dates and information about Sting’s My Songs World Tour – visit sting.com
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Bedford Park Concerts 2023
Sting joins George Ezra as part of the ‘Bedford Park Concerts’ series of shows next summer. With three UK No.1 albums Wanted On Voyage (2014), Staying At Tamara’s (2018) and Gold Rush Kid (2022) under his belt, George Ezra has toured the world, toured it some more, then met himself coming back the other way. He’s felt the green, green grass under his feet and the blue, blue sky on his back. A traveller, an entertainer, he’s a man in pursuit of happiness, and of sharing that happiness. Other headline artists include Sister Sledge and The Jacksons.
On 5th November, the newly opened Barrio venue will launch its bingo brunch concept, La Isla Bonita 80s Brunch, in Watford. Translating to ‘The beautiful island’, La Isla Bonita Brunch aims to recreate that perfect tropical holiday feeling, with food and cocktails galore, bingo mayhem and 80s music all afternoon-long.
Already a popular party experience at Barrio Shoreditch, the 80s themed musical brunch is scheduled to run every Saturday from 12pm, and will include a two-course brunch, welcome cocktail and a variety of bottomless drinks (prosecco, spiced rum sangria and Sol beer).
Once guests have finished tucking into a menu of delicious burgers, including Queso Libre as a vegetarian option and Saint and Sinner as the vegan burger plus Barrio Churros, the musical bingo commences, brought to life by a captivating host and nostalgic 80s tunes by Barrio’s best DJs. Brunch goers can expect witty bingo calls, group singalongs and impromptu tableside performances. Prizes for winning the brunch also include a very tasty £100 bar tab.
For £35 per person, over-21s can enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and then eat, bingo and party until 5pm.
Those interested can book the first La Isla Bonita 80s Brunch at Barrio Watford for a special launch price of £25 (valid for 5th and 12th Nov brunch dates).
More about Barrio Watford
On 20th October 2022, Barrio Familia opened its first out-of-London venue in Watford, bringing Latin-inspired cocktails, authentic Mexican eats, a killer happy hour offering, live entertainment and DJs, plus an immersive 80s Bingo Bottomless Brunch.
Following the announcement of the group’s flagship site, and world’s largest tequila bar, in Covent Garden which is set to launch in early November, Barrio Familia has opened Watford’s first Tequila bar this month.
Bringing the spirit of the Latin Quarter into Watford, the new venue will have space for up to 200 guests to enjoy a brand new, freshly crafted cocktail menu, delicious Mexican inspired food creations, including their signature tacos, and famous Latino party vibes.
The outside terrace is also being turned into Barrio’s popular tropical yard, offering the perfect space for another 80 guests to gather with like-minded ‘amigos’ and sip cocktails, enjoy a meal and experience a fiesta like never before.
Barrio Familia was acquired by Nightcap in November 2021 and has since gone from strength to strength. New venues; Barrio Watford and Barrio Covent Garden will add to their growing portfolio of sites in Shoreditch, Soho, Angel, and Brixton. After opening the first Barrio site in 2007, the group’s vision was to have a Barrio in every big party neighborhood in the UK and Watford will play a huge role in that exciting expansion.
Each of the Barrio Bars sites offer a full-colour, full-flavour experience, and of course, plenty of Tequila. The group plans to open seven days a week and be the perfect new spot in Watford for all occasions, from lunches and daytime drinks to brunches and late night partying.
Jim Robertson, Managing Director of Barrio Familia, commented:
“We are incredibly excited to be taking our Latino party outside of London for the first time. This is a fantastic venue and we can’t wait to welcome the residents of Watford into the Barrio familia and bring the party! I believe Barrio will be a fantastic addition to Watford High Street that will suit all types of occasions and bring a feel good bar that welcomes everyone. We have some amazing things planned for Barrio Watford, so watch this space and get ready for the biggest fiesta in town!”
A beautiful Fire Garden has been revealed as one of the spectacular works in the new Christmas light trail at Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire, between 25 November and 31 December 2022.
The installation will be part of a spectacular collection of illuminations which will transform the 42 acres of gardens and parkland where Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood.
Designed by Culture Creative, the Fire Garden at Hatfield Park is made up of hundreds of flame heads interspersed with Lantern Trees by Mandylights, which echo the timeless beauty of old Victorian-style street lamps. The brass-effect shades shimmer in bright gold, with electric flames inside the lanterns to inspire a feeling of warm firelight.
Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We are hugely excited by the plans for this fantastic new trail, with artists creating beautiful installations which will cast an entirely different light on a beautiful, historic property.”
Visitors to Hatfield Park can look forward to some precious time with friends and family as they discover sparkling tunnels of light and walk beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
Hatfield Park lights are choreographed to a soundtrack of much-loved seasonal music, transforming Hatfield’s majestic park into an instant winter wonderland.
Independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist with tasty treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with friends and family. Everyone loves toasting a marshmallow over an open fire and the artisan *marshmallow stall gives visitors the chance to warm their hands and enjoy this sweet outdoor tradition.
*separate charges apply
Christmas at Hatfield Park is brought to you by Sony Music. The trail is created by Culture Creative.
What is happen at Hatfield Park?
Christmas at Hatfield Park – The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens. Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of Hatfield Park
When is Christmas at Hatfield Park?
From 25 November and 31 December 2022. Open from 4.30pm, last entry 8pm and closes at 10pm. Trail closed on 28, 29, 30 Nov; 5, 6, 24, 25 Dec.
Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised
Advanced From: Adult £24, Child £17, Family £78 (2 adults & 2 children).
Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under.
Parking £7 per car.
Website: https://christmasathatfieldpark.seetickets.com/
Hatfield Park Address: Great North Rd., Hatfield AL9 5HX
