Events
What’s on in St Albans during July?
Enjoy St Albans and support home grown talent at one of our exciting markets taking place this July. Markets are a great way to discover new produce and soak up the vibrancy of this amazing Cathedral city. Just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras international, St Albans is the perfect day trip destination.
- St Albans is one of the best-kept secrets in UK tourism. A historic gem of an English Cathedral City just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London is easily accessible by road with links to the M25, M1 and A1(M)
- The city’s colourful history and heritage can be seen in the Roman remains and the beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque buildings that look spectacular all year round.
- A fabulous shopping destination, St Albans is home to an array of innovative independent retailers and well-known chains
- The city is famous for its café and pub culture with a fantastic range of award-winning eating and drinking establishments, including Britain’s oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
- Enjoy lots of green, open spaces and parks – making St Albans a family friendly destination.
Festival Fun in St Albans Photo by Stephanie Belton
Charter Market
Twice weekly charter markets – every Wednesday and Saturday. Come and shop for everything you could possibly want and enjoy the buzz and energy of the legendary market that is at the heart of the St Albans story.
St Albans Young Traders Market
St Albans Young Traders Market
*NEW* Recently launched, this night market takes place on the first Thursday of each month across the summer. Created to support and nurture young talent, the market hosts a collection of young entrepreneurs offering everything from baked goods to jewellery, cocktails, and 3D printing.
Market place. 4-8pm. Thursday 1st July
Inside Out Market
Enjoy the fringe pop-up market every Friday in Market Place. Enjoy delicious street food and artisan goods from a collection of local businesses.
Market Place. Friday: 2, 9, 16, 23 July
St Albans Vegan Market
The St Albans Vegan Market takes over St Peter’s Street in the centre of the town, where the Charter and Farmer’s Markets operate, on several Sundays throughout the year. The event features up to 60 stalls including a huge variety of vegan fast food, healthy eats, artisan savouries, sweet bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing & jewellery, arts & crafts, plastic-free, and charity stalls. All created by a handpicked selection of talented, ethical and sustainable businesses.
Sunday 4th July. 10.30-4pm
Caravanserai
*NEW* This fabulous market brings the spirit and historical concept of caravanserai to St Albans every second Thursday of the month. Caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information and people across the network of trade routes covering Asia, North Africa and Southeast Europe (most notably the Silk Road).
So, expect to find gorgeous handmade Pakistani dupattas, sumptuous traditional Indian desserts, authentic Bangladeshi plants, tasty Moroccan tagines, handcrafted homewares from all the Arab nations and henna artists whose skills have been passed down from generation to generation. Come along to soak up the flavours and colours from across the globe and support homegrown specialised talent.
Thursday July 8th 4-8pm
St Albans Farmers Market
A taste sensation! Stock up on local specialities, mouth-watering cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, top quality meat and game, dairy produce, freshly baked cakes & bread and locally hand-crafted goods. Street food to eat there and then, and plenty to take home, alongside entertainment and delicious refreshments.
Farmers’ Markets help local farmers, growers and producers to sell their own produce, direct to the public. The markets provide fresh, safe, natural, nutritious food that you can trust. Plus, a vibrant and entertaining shopping experience in the heart of St Albans, just opposite the Museum + Gallery.
Sunday 11th July 8am – 2pm
St Albans Vintage Market
This outdoor street market right in the heart of this amazing Cathedral City brings all manner of Antiques, Vintage, Brocante and Architectural Salvage. An amazing atmosphere with inspirational dealers and fascinating finds!
Sunday 18th July 9-3pm
Harpenden Farmers Market
Expect to find local specialities, mouth-watering cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, top quality meat and game, dairy produce, freshly baked cakes & bread and locally hand-crafted goods. Street food to eat there and then, and plenty to take home, alongside entertainment and delicious refreshments. St Albans, just opposite the Museum + Gallery, and on Lower High Street in Harpenden.
Sunday 25th July. 10–4pm St Peter’s St
World Market
Discover produce and delights form around the globe at the World Market which takes place in High St, Market Place and George St.
Sunday 25th July 11-5pm.
Real Street Food Nights
Thursday 29th July 4-8pm *NEW* Real Street Food Nights takes place on the last Thursday of each month, 4-8 pm throughout the summer, bringing together a range of traders offering delicacies from around the world, that are guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds. Throughout the year we will havemexican dishes from Baja Cantina, award winning churros from Churro Boyz, sour dough toasties from Toastielicious, Carrabien fusion from Funky Elephant and much more.
Food & Drink at St Albans Market. Photo by Stephanie Belton
Events
Join Black Futures panel event on 6th August at 5.45pm to celebrate Windrush Day 2021 and reflect a year on from St Albans Black Lives Matter protests. The event plans to showcase the contributions of black people in St Albans, bringing together members of the community to have an open discussion about inclusivity, explore the achievements and challenges faced and build awareness in St Albans. Event take place at St Albans Museum + Gallery Visit www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk for details
Pub Pride
July 23rd, pubs across St Albans take part in charity Ask for Clive’s first ever Pub Pride event. The charity launched the event to unite LGBTQ+ communities across the UK while supporting local businesses.
The Great Outdoors: Roderick Williams
11th July Songs of Travel by Ralph Vaughan Williams, together with music by Butterworth, Ireland, Gurney and more. The celebrated baritone performs with pianist Susie Allan and Momentum Artist Felix Kemp. Book with confidence: if you find that you can no longer attend you will be entitled to a full refund. Tickets from St Albans Cathedral Box Office, www.stalbanscathedral.org or 01727 890210
St Albans Comic-Con
18th of July 2021. Enjoy a whole new line-up of fantastic guests from your favourite TV shows, movies, gaming & comics as well as a brand-new array of props & vehicles! The ever-awesome Jimcredible will once again host the Cosplay area along with the Creed Cosplay Ambassadors and specialist traders. 10am-4.30pm.
Comedy Garden
From Wednesday 28th July to Sunday 1st August comedy-lovers from St Albans and beyond will be treated to a dazzling array of stand-up superstars including the multi-award-winning SARA PASCOE, the glorious DARA O’BRIAIN, observational wizard JOSH WIDDICOMBE, the stupendous ALAN DAVIES, riotous TOM ALLEN and the magnetic ROB BECKETT to name but a few.
The all-new St Albans Comedy Garden promises the ultimate remedy this summer with five nights of stupendous stand-up comedy in the glorious surroundings of Verulamium Park.
Looking ahead to other St Albans events…
There’s fun for all the family with Magical Elves Street Theatre on the 5th August with a scavenger hunt and a medieval theme and Booster Cushion Street Theatre with 3 performances taking place on the 19th August.
The St Albans Food and Drink Festival in September celebrates food & drink heroes. A month-long programme of vibrant events across the district includes the St Albans Food & Drink Awards and Feastival Street Festival.
The inaugural Festival of Culture, St Albans, has an inspiring and eclectic range of events on offer and features; author panels, demonstrations from illustrators, discussions with translators, creative writing classes, archaeology talks, musical performances, and a selection of engaging children’s events (from talks to workshops). This will be a wonderful celebration of literature and the arts, for people of all ages. The festival will be held on 14th-15th August 2021 and is organised by independent bookshop, Books on the Hill. Find out more at www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk 01727807248
The festive season begins with the Christmas Cracker event in November, when the Christmas lights are officially switched on! Kickstart your Christmas shopping and enjoy fun for all the family at the Christmas Street Festival with family entertainment, rides, and festive market stalls
Nestled within the historical elegance of Brocket Hall, the renowned Auberge du Lac has proudly announced a new chapter in its storied culinary journey, spearheaded by the illustrious Chef John Barber. Having reopened its doors in May 2023 following a three-year hiatus, the restaurant has been infused with a fresh vigour, artfully blending tradition with cutting-edge culinary innovations.
Chef John Barber
Chef John Barber: A Maestro in the Kitchen
Chef Barber’s illustrious career, inspired by his mother’s home cooking, began at UCB College of Food and has spanned the globe, from the prestigious kitchens of the Belfry Hotel to the exotic locales of Thailand and Paris. His tenure at London’s Bar Boulud and the opening of 14 Hills with the D&D Group has seasoned him with an unrivaled expertise, making his tenure at Auberge du Lac a herald of culinary excellence.
Lucy Hawkins: Sustainability at Its Core
The heart of Auberge du Lac’s culinary philosophy is its kitchen garden, tenderly curated by Lucy Hawkins. This garden is not merely a plot of land; it is the cradle of sustainability, employing no-dig methods that enrich local biodiversity and allow for the freshest ingredients to be used directly in the kitchen. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this verdant sanctuary during the Garden Tour & Lunch events, connecting them intimately with the origins of their meals.
The Auberge Experience: A Symphony of Luxuries
Auberge du Lac doesn’t just stop at fine dining; it offers an immersive ‘Auberge Experience’ package. Priced at £420 per couple, this luxurious offering includes a cozy welcome with Champagne and chocolates, a seven-course tasting menu, an overnight stay in the stately Melbourne Lodge, and a full English breakfast at The Melbourne Club. Each of the lodge’s 16 luxury ensuite bedrooms offers a vista of the Hall, Broadwater Lake, and the golf course, making it an ideal retreat after a gourmet evening.
Access and Convenience
Just a stone’s throw from London, Auberge du Lac offers an escape into the countryside that’s both quick and easy. The journey from central London to the tranquility of Brocket Hall takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a taste of the countryside without straying far from the city’s pulse.
A Forthcoming Review
Stay tuned for an in-depth review of Auberge du Lac, where we will delve deeper into the gastronomic delights and serene ambiance that make this destination a crown jewel of culinary and leisure escapades.
Embrace the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of fine dining and bespoke luxury at Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall, where every visit promises to be more than just a meal—it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of history, taste, and lush landscapes.
On the 14th of July, the BRIT-nominated duo Jungle will host an unprecedented open-air music event at Tofte Manor, a picturesque 17th-century estate. This unique one-day festival, dubbed “Jungle Curates,” will feature a lineup exclusively selected by Jungle themselves, including some of their favorite artists, DJs, and collaborators.
Stellar Lineup in a Breathtaking Setting
The event will take place amid the stunning backdrop of Tofte Manor’s labyrinth and the surrounding rolling hills of Bedfordshire. It promises an immersive experience with bespoke production, décor, and exclusive merchandise. The lineup reflects Jungle’s significant influence on the music scene, featuring a mix of established and rising stars. Notably, BBC Radio 1 icon Annie Mac will make her Tofte Manor debut, appearing alongside Jungle. The diverse roster continues with Ross From Friends, DJ Paulette, Ahadadream, Peruvian DJ and producer Sofia Kourtesis, and London-based Mood Talk, promising a blend of house, electronica, and more.
Jungle’s Ascending Trajectory
Coming off the success of their latest album “Volcano,” Jungle has been a prominent force in the UK music scene for over a decade. Their recognition includes a recent BRIT Award nomination for “Group of the Year” and a series of sold-out performances worldwide. Their hit single “Back On 74” recently surpassed 100 million streams, and they were the first to sell out three consecutive DJ shows at Koko London in one day.
A Unique Venue with No Restrictions
Tofte Manor is set apart from other venues by its lack of restrictive sound limitations, a common issue at inner-city events. This freedom has made it a favorite spot for electronic music’s biggest names, including Keinemusik, Maribou State, Dixon, TSHA, Floating Points, and Fred Again.., among others. “Jungle Curates” marks the final event of the summer at Tofte Manor, hosted by Labyrinth Events, who have also lined up performances from Adriatique and a sold-out show with Fatboy Slim the preceding weekend.
As the day concludes, Jungle themselves will take the stage for a rare DJ set, ensuring the event not only celebrates their music but also their unique style and influence. This is set to be a highlight of this summer’s music calendar, blending historical charm with contemporary beats in a not-to-be-missed festival setting.
This summer, open-air cinema screenings, picnic theatre and a food festival will come to Waddesdon Manor for some fantastic seasonal culture in the outdoors.
The Luna Cinema will pitch up in the grounds and screen four blockbuster films, with the 19th-century chateau serving as a picturesque backdrop. After arriving via a path lit with festoon lighting, visitors can enjoy the full service of the on-site Luna bar for refreshments and food.
Champagne may be the apt choice on the first night with Baz Luhrman’s spectacular take on The Great Gatsby (Wed 13 Sept) starring Leonardo Di Caprio. While the director’s latest, the Oscar-nominated biopic Elvis (Thurs 14 Sept), follows on the following day to fill the garden setting with Presley’s signature rock and roll. Then a modern classic, as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Fri 15 Sept), the film that kicked off one of the biggest film series of all time, will make Friday evening a nostalgic start to the weekend. The final screening will be the smash-hit of last year Top Gun: Maverick (Sat 16 Sept), starring Tom Cruise and widely cited as a saviour of big-screen cinema.
At the end of August, visitors will be transported back to Elizabethan times with the open-air production of Romeo and Juliet (Thurs 24 Aug) by the internationally-acclaimed The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the UK’s premier all-male company. It will be a unique opportunity to watch the traditional performance in the atmospheric grounds of one the UK’s most beautiful settings. Alongside Elizabethan dress, music and dances, and with the all-male cast, guests can watch the tragedy in a similar manner to how Shakespeare’s original tale would’ve been viewed by the public, except with the extra comfort of enjoying your own picnic in the garden.
If you cannot wait for the second half of summer to see some Shakespeare, then the Unbound Theatre company will have you covered with their free picnic performance of the comedy Much Ado About Nothing (Sun 23 July)at 2pm. They will also return for another free performance of their original play Gertrude & Dorothy (Sun 20 Aug), a crime caper throwing together the noted horticulturalist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, and Britain’s first racing driver Dorothy Levitt, for three separate showings throughout the day.
Adding to the summer heat will be Chilli Fest (Fri 1 – Sun 3 Sept) a weekend festival featuring handpicked exhibitors, all passionate about chilli, bringing the best of local artisan condiments, sauces, and chutneys to the Manor grounds. Around 70 stalls will offer up the taste of some of the most delicious chilli-food from the UK, so you can pitch up with a picnic in the sunny grounds to enjoy for the day, and then choose your favourite condiments to take home. There will also be a range of bars and distilleries, offering everything from local vineyards to flavoursome cocktails, making the perfect refreshments after a walk in the gardens. Along with live music and activities for young ones, and with a special late-night opening on Saturday, Chilli Fest is the perfect way to enjoy the last of the summer sunshine.
Of course, if you want to escape the sun for a while, Waddesdon Manor’s impressive permanent collection will be available inside. For first-time visitors or regular guests, there’s plenty to see and enjoy, including the newly restored Musical elephant automaton, the rare Sèvres pot-pourri vase, and works by Guardi, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Watteau.
Alongside the entire summer programme, which includes more theatre shows suitable for the whole family, Waddesdon Manor is set to be the perfect late summer outing for friend meetups, evening drinks, and relaxed afternoon picnics, enjoying the most exciting culture of cinema, theatre and food in a glorious summer setting.
There are limited places available for the events mentioned above, please visit the Waddesdon Manor summer holidays webpage to book and not miss out.
