WHAT'S ON - AUGUST 2021 - St Albans
St Albans is a historic and cultural Cathedral city like no other. Whether you live local or are visiting for a day or longer, there's plenty to soak up and see and do- delight in St Albans home-grown talent at the local markets or enjoy one of the many special events and festivals the city has to offer. Just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras international, St Albans is the perfect day trip destination.
There's lots happening this August including LIVE MUSIC! Look out for our exciting programme with buskers, street performers and entertainers in town throughout the month.
Markets...
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.
Enjoy Eco Pop Up Market
This wonderful eco-friendly market brings the best of sustainable businesses together and offers great veggie food and drinks too.
Market place. 11am-4pm. Sunday 1stAugust.
Young Traders Market
This recently launched 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 5thAugust.
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: 6, 13, 20, 27 August.
Caravanserai
This new fabulous market brings the spirit andhistorical 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 12thAugust 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 8thAugust 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 15thAugust 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 22ndAugust. 10-4pm Hight Street Harpenden.
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 29thAugust 11-5pm.
Real Street Food Nights
Taking 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.
Thursday 26thAugust, 4-8pm.
Events...
History Alive
Come and listen to the marvellous characters from the Cathedral's medieval history, who will be telling their wonderful stories throughout August. Chat to abbots, monks and pilgrims and ask them anything about life in the Medieval Abbey. No need to book, just go inside to find out who's waiting to tell their story!
St Albans Cathedral. Every weekend throughout August. Free- donations welcome.
Teaching Talons
In medieval times, people believed some pretty unusual ‘facts' about animals. Join the multi-award-winning mobile zoo Teaching Talons on the Orchard to learn about these interesting beliefs and meet the animals themselves. There will be owls, mammals, reptiles, and more. It's a free event but donations are welcome and the additional opportunity to hold an owl on the glove like a medieval falconer can be purchased on the day for £3 or 2 for £5.
St Albans Cathedral. 1stAugust, 1.30-3pm.
Black Futures Windrush Day
JoinBlack 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 Visitwww.stalbansmuseums.org.ukfor details
Friday 6thAugust, 5.45-8pm.
Medieval Manuscripts
Join medieval historian Imogen Corrigan and curator David Thorold for an in-depth experience of the exhibitions taking place this summer at St Albans Museum + Gallery and St Albans Cathedral. From delightful insights into the illuminated manuscripts to talks specifically on the St Albans scripts and a Q&A with David to answer any questions. Self-guided tours of the Cathedral and Museum also included. Visitwww.stalbansmuseums.org.ukfor details
Attendees can join in-person for the whole day- £30, or online for the 3 talks- £15. Wednesday 11thAugust, 10am-3.30pm.
Paper Making at The Orchard
Learn about the art of papermaking at this hands-on workshop with Frogmore Paper Mill. Frogmore has been making paper since 1774 and was home to the first mechanised paper machine in the world. Find out more about its fascinating history and have a go at paper making- take your paper creations home to show friends and family.
The Orchard, Sunday 15thAugust 1.30-2.15pm. Ages 5+ £8.
Medieval Mayhem!
Enjoy a fun and exciting morning being entertained by monks and jesters whilst exploring St Albans Cathedral. Discover its mysterious medieval secrets, learn about its historic stories and create amazing works of art!
Suitable for children aged 5 - 11 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
St Albans Cathedral. Thursday 19thAugust, 10am-12.30pm. Free- donations welcome.
Storytelling with Tales from the Hart
A storytelling feast for the eyes and ears! These storytellers and fire breathing dragons bring the past to life and turn up the heat with stories from the gritty Middle Ages for the Medieval Summer.
St Albans Cathedral. Sunday 22ndAugust, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm. Free- donations welcome.
Festival of Culture
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 atwww.books-on-the-hill.co.uk01727807248
Sat-Sun 14th-15thAugust
Magical Elves Street Theatre
The Magical Elves Street Theatre will be performing and putting on fabulous family fun games and interactive activities with a medieval theme from 10am to 4pm on 5thAugust in St Albans City centre outside The Museum & Gallery. Free entry. Look out for the scavenger hunt on the day and win your own Magical Elves party and a St Albans Gift Card.
Booster Cushion Street Theatre
Bringing its traveling theatre to St Albans for 3 free performances between 10am and 4pm on 19thAugust outside The Museum & Gallery. Come and enjoy some family fun with this innovative theatre production.
Looking ahead...
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 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
For more information, please visitwww.EnjoyStAlbans.com
*NEW* 2021/2022 official St Albans Visitor Guide now out! Clickhere
About St Albans
- 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.
For images or more information please contactkathy@pr4.comor call 07957 383070