Your Weekly Guide to What's Happening in Town! 📅

Hello Harpenden! Get ready for a week bursting with excitement! From commemorating history with our VE Day Beacon Lighting to sipping fine champagne at Majestic's tasting event, this week has something for everyone. Music lovers can sing along with our local busker, dance to Brazilian covers, or swing to the Glenn Miller era! Green thumbs can grab goodies at the plant sale, while parents can find support at our teen anxiety panel. And let's not forget the wine tasting, women's wellness day, and sporting action at the rugby semi-final! So grab your calendar and start planning - it's going to be a fantastic week in our wonderful town! 🎉

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THURSDAY, MAY 8TH

✨ VE Day Beacon Lighting - 9:15PM

Light up the night at Harpenden Common (near the Harpenden Arms) as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day! 🔥 Join fellow residents for this beautiful tribute organized by our Town Council and the Royal British Legion. The beacon lighting at 9:30PM symbolizes peace emerging from darkness - quite the meaningful photo op! Free entry, no booking needed. Just bring your patriotic spirit!

🏛️ Harpenden in WWII Exhibition

History buffs, rejoice! 🧐 The fascinating "Harpenden in WWII" special exhibition continues at the EMC until September 25th. Discover how our town dug trenches, welcomed 2,000 evacuees, formed Home Guard platoons, and even ploughed up the Common! Free entry at Harpenden Museum (lower floor of the Eric Morecambe Centre). Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - check www.harpenden-history.org.uk for hours.

💼 Harpenden Connect Networking - 10:00AM

Calling all local business owners! ☕ Mingle with fellow entrepreneurs at Lewis Restaurant (Rothamsted Conference Centre). It's FREE to attend this monthly schmooze-fest, just buy your own coffee and pastries. Book your spot here before all the business cards start flying!

🧠 Quiz Night at The Harpenden Arms - 8:00PM

Flex those brain muscles at the weekly pub quiz! 🍺 Teams of up to six can compete for prizes at just £2 per person. Booking recommended but walk-ins welcome if you're feeling spontaneous! May the smartest team win!

🧘 Pilates Classes

Strike a pose with Zing Wellness! 💪 Choose from 9:30AM at The Salvation Army or 7:00PM at the Quaker Meeting House. Your core will thank you later! Check Zing Wellness website for costs and booking.

🥂 Majestic's Champagne Discovery Tasting - 5:00PM-6:30PM

Bubbles for everyone! 🍾 Treat yourself to an evening of fizz and fancy at Majestic's Champagne Discovery Tasting. At £50 per ticket, it's the perfect excuse to sip the good stuff! Limited places available - book in store only. Cheers to that!

FRIDAY, MAY 9TH

🎤 Mike Hodge Sing-along Fundraiser - 7:30PM

Get ready to belt out some classics with Harpenden's favorite busker! 🎵 Join Mike and other local musicians at Bennet's Hall for hits from the 60s and 70s. Your £25 ticket includes Godfrey's famous fish and chips (yum!) with all proceeds supporting the AT Society.

SATURDAY, MAY 10TH

🌱 Children's Society Plant Sale - 9:00AM-12:00PM

Green thumbs unite on High Street! 🌿 Pick up perennials, annuals, dahlias, house plants, and veggie starts - all for a good cause! Proceeds support The Children's Society. Free entry, just pay for your new leafy friends.

🍷 Friends of Alzey Wine Tasting - 7:00PM

Sip, compare, repeat! 🥂 Join the Friends of Alzey at Park Hall for a delightful evening comparing three English wines against three German varieties. Bonus: Local MP Victoria Collins will speak about AI and International Cooperation (perhaps the wine will help us understand both better!). Primarily for members and guests - check the Friends of Alzey website for details.

🎷 Nick Ross Orchestra - 7:30PM

Swing into the weekend at the EMC! 🎺 The legendary Nick Ross Orchestra with vocalist Sam Merrick will transport you to the golden age of Glenn Miller and the Rat Pack. Tickets £31.50 (plus £3.50 booking fee). Get ready to cut a rug!

💃 Empower ME Women's Wellness Event - 9:30AM-4:30PM

Ladies, treat yourselves to a day of self-discovery! ✨ This full-day event at Bennet's Club covers everything from mindset to style advice, with expert speakers and wellness providers. Connect with like-minded women and focus on YOU for a change!

🛴 Little Wheels Club - 10:00AM-11:00AM

Tiny riders, start your engines! 🚲 The Pioneer Club Skatepark opens exclusively for under-5s on scooters, skateboards, balance bikes, or roller skates. £7.50 per little daredevil, book in advance here.

🏉 Harpenden Rugby Semi-Final - 3:00PM

Cheer on our local heroes in the Papa Johns Community Cup Semi-Final! 🎉 Check hrfc.com for opponent details and ticket information. Let's make some noise for the home team!

🎸 Big in Brazil Covers Band - 9:30PM-12:00AM

Ready to dance the night away? 💃 The Plough & Harrow brings you Big in Brazil for a night of fantastic cover tunes! Grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a Saturday night to remember. Free entry, but arrive early to secure your spot!

🎖️ Wheathampstead VE Day Exhibition - 11:00AM-5:00PM

Pop over to neighboring Wheathampstead for wartime photographs, uniforms, artifacts, and a 1940s-style street café! 📸 Free entry at Marford Memorial Hall, also open Sunday.

SUNDAY, MAY 11TH

🎵 "Sounds of Shakespeare" Spring Concert - 3:00PM-4:00PM

All hail the Bard! 🎭 Enjoy a FREE afternoon of Shakespeare-themed music with Harpenden Concert Band at Katherine Warington School. Features music from Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and even The Lion King! Book your tickets here.

MONDAY, MAY 12TH

❓ Citizens Advice - 10:00AM - 1PM

Free, confidential advice when you need it most. Just pop along to The Salvation Army on Leyton Green.

TUESDAY, MAY 13TH

🌍 'Common Ground' Film Screening - 7:30PM

Movie night with a purpose! 🎬 Join Sustainable St Albans at The Plough & Harrow for this thought-provoking film about regenerative agriculture and climate stability. Book your tickets here.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14TH

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Anxious Adolescent Panel - 5:30PM-8:30PM

Calling all parents of teens! 💭 Head to The Harpenden Arms for expert advice on supporting adolescents through stress and anxiety. The £5 ticket proceeds go to Rett UK. Refreshments available!

Got a local event or special day you'd like us to feature? We'd love to hear from you! Just drop us a line at [email protected] and we'll shine our spotlight on your community happenings! ✨