COMEDY, CONCERTS & CHRISTMAS MARKETS: HARPENDEN'S SPECTACULAR WEEK! 🎭🎵🎄

Hello Harpenden lovelies! Whether you're a fitness fanatic, culture vulture, history buff, or just fancy a good old-fashioned pub quiz, we've got you covered. This week brings Harpenden Choral Society's spectacular 50th Anniversary Concert, the brilliant Annabel Croft sharing her journey from tennis balls to glitter balls, Sunday's must-visit Sustainability Market with a festive twist, and Dr Philip Smith revealing the fascinating story of Harpenden's growth from 1860 to 2040. Plus there's comedy, ballet bootcamps, wreath-making workshops to book, and oh so much more! Ready? Let's dive into your action-packed week ahead... ☕🎭🎵

THURSDAY 13TH NOVEMBER

9:30am – Rise and shine for Body Tone with Rachel at The EMC! Nothing like a good workout to start your day. If you can't make the morning, she's back at 7pm at Katherine Warrington School, and there are loads more classes throughout the week including Zumba and Pure Stretch. Your body will thank you! 💪

10am-10:30am – Got little ones? Baby Rhyme Time is happening at Harpenden Library, with another session from 11:30am-12pm too. Donations are welcome, and it's the perfect way to introduce your tiny humans to the joy of music and rhyme! 📚

10am-11:30am – Calling all business owners! Harpenden Connect meets at Lewis Restaurant at Rothamsted Research, West Common. No fees, free parking, and the only thing you'll pay for is your coffee. It's brilliant for networking and making those all-important local connections! ☕

12pm-2pm – The Athena Network holds their online meeting – a great opportunity to connect with other local professionals from the comfort of your own home! 💻

5:30pm-7pm – Book lovers, the Quiet Book Club meets at Harpenden Library. It's wonderfully low-key – just bring whatever you're reading, chat about your favourite books for half an hour, then settle in for an hour of blissful, uninterrupted reading time. Heaven! 📖

7pm – If you can't make Rachel's morning Body Tone class, here's your second chance! She's at Katherine Warrington School this evening. Get moving! 💪

7:30-9:30pm – Fancy yourself a bit of a creative? Harpenden Art Club is running a practical session at Salvation Army Hall on Leyton Green – you'll be designing a stained glass window! Non-members are totally welcome for a fiver trial session. How cool is that? 🎨

8pm – Quiz Night at The Harpenden Arms! 🧠 Gather your dream team of up to six brainiacs and prepare for some serious trivia action. May the best team win!

8-11pm – The musical evening crowd will love this! Mik & Anne are performing an open mic duo set at The Plough & Harrow. Perfect for a chilled Thursday evening! 🎵

FRIDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

9:30am – Another chance for Body Tone with Rachel, this time at The Harpenden Trust (above the Co-Op in Southdown). Check out the full weekly schedule here💪

11am – Little dancers alert! Ballet with Zoe has a session at The Harpenden Trust for 2-3 year olds. Email [email protected] for a trial class. So cute! 👯

12pm-1:30pm – Gentlemen, this one's for you! The Harpenden Collective is hosting THC Ask The Experts: Men's Health with Harpenden Medical and Marchon at Red Gables, West Common. You'll get expert insights on fitness, strength training, cardiovascular health, and preventative health strategies. It's completely FREE and open to everyone in the community! 🏃

2pm – Ballet with Zoe is back at The Harpenden Trust, this time for 3-4 year olds. Another adorable session! 🩰

Friday evenings – Top Hat Stage School runs sessions at Roundwood Park School for ages 4-17. Free trial, no experience needed – what are you waiting for? ⭐

7-11pm – And the big one for Friday night! Friends of SJL present Comedy Night 2025 at Sir John Lawes School. Tickets are £25, and you can expect lots of laughs, a well-stocked bar, and a cracking night out. Comedians to be announced soon, so watch this space! 😂

SATURDAY 15TH NOVEMBER

10am – 2pm – Get into the festive spirit at The Salvation Army Christmas Fair at Leyton Green! Browse through various stalls, grab some refreshments, and soak up that Christmas magic – all with free entry. A lovely way to kick off the Christmas season! 🎄✨

10am-10:30am – Saturday StoryTime at Harpenden Library! All welcome, donations appreciated. 📖

10am-12pm – Parents looking at schools, St Hilda's School is holding an Open Morning. Pop along and see what they're all about! 🏫

1pm – Fancy a Saturday stroll? Take part in the Health Walk – everyone's welcome! Meet outside Village Surgery on Amenbury Lane for a 45-60 minute walk, and afterwards you can grab refreshments at Bennet's Club. Lovely! 🚶

2pm – Rugby fans rejoice! HRFC is showing the Quilter Autumn Series live on three big screens – 3.10pm England vs New Zealand followed by Wales vs Japan at 5.40pm. Grab a bacon cheeseburger and a pint for £10, or try their special match-day menu: Whitebait with skinny fries and tartare sauce OR Yorkshire pudding filled with roast beef, roast potatoes and gravy – just £10 each with a pint! 🏉🍺

7:30pm – Music lovers, you're spoiled for choice this evening! Harpenden Choral Society is celebrating their 50th Anniversary Concert at High Street Methodist Church with gorgeous works by Parry, Mozart, Rachmaninov and Fauré. Conducted by Musical Director John Andrews with organist George Castle, tickets are £20 for adults, £10 for students. What a celebration! 🎼

7:30pm – Sports fans and telly lovers alike will adore this! Annabel Croft is bringing "From Tennis Balls to Glitter Balls" to The EMC. The former tennis pro turned beloved broadcaster will be sharing stories from her incredible career, from winning Wimbledon and becoming British No. 1 to her telly work. Tickets from £32.50 – this national treasure is not to be missed! 🎾

7:30-9pm – Also starting at half seven, the Lea Singers are performing "Faire is the Heaven" at St John's Church on Saint Johns Road. They're exploring romantic music for double choir – music that meditates on grief and loss while reaching toward the divine. It promises to be an evening of sanctuary and transcendent sound. Absolutely beautiful! 🎵

9:30pm-midnight – And if you fancy dancing the night away, Uptown Funk (a fab 5-piece funk/soul band) are playing at The Plough & Harrow. Get your groove on! 🕺

SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER

9:05am – Early risers, the 905 Run Club meets at The Park Harpenden (near Brad and Dills in Rothamsted) for a FREE 5km run every Sunday! There's a warm-up, then you can choose either 5K or 3K, followed by a lovely social chat and coffee at Brad & Dills afterwards. What a brilliant way to start your Sunday! 🏃

Sunday mornings – Young performers, Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools run sessions at Katherine Warrington School for ages 3-18. Two week trial available – give them a ring on 01923 701803! 🎭

10am-3pm – Harpenden's Sustainability Market is on Harpenden Common! Organised by Sustainable St Albans and the Town Council, you'll find eco essentials, greener gifts, sustainable self-care products, vegan food (hot, cold, and products), sustainable textiles, electric bikes, recycled bikes and accessories, plus environmental charity stalls. This month has a festive theme with everything you need for a sustainable Christmas. Do pop down and support! 🌍

2:30pm – Brad & Dills are serving Roast Dinners at The Park every Sunday in November🍖

MONDAY 17TH NOVEMBER

9:30am-10:45am – Fancy some zen? Monday Morning Yoga runs at Batford Memorial Hall. Free trial session available – just email [email protected]. Your mind and body will love you for it! 🧘

10am-12pm – Bennet's Coffee Morning welcomes parents and toddlers at Bennet's Royal British Legion on 21 Leyton Road. While you take a well-earned break, your little ones can play in a safe, welcoming space. Perfect! 👶

10:30am-12pm – Start your week gently with Harpenden Library Coffee Morning. Lovely! ☕

1pm-3:30pm – Mencap Harpenden Allotment Club meets every Monday. It's a practical, outdoor social club where you can learn all about planting, harvesting, watering and weeding in a vibrant local allotment. To join, email [email protected]. Get your hands dirty! 🌱

3:45pm-4:45pm – Little builders alert! LEGO Club at Harpenden Library runs now. Come along for fun challenges that build problem-solving, spatial awareness and creative thinking. Places are limited so book ahead – it's £4.40 per session. Children under 8 need an adult with them. Brick-tastic! 🧱

TUESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER

9:30am-11:30am – Business networking time! THC Networking Breakfast runs at The Harpenden Collective, Red Gables, West Common. It's super relaxed – just a chance to meet and connect with other local businesses over a cuppa and delicious treats. Members go FREE, non-members £15+VAT. Worth every penny! 🥐

2:15pm-2:45pm – Story lovers, there's StoryTime at Harpenden Library! All welcome, donations appreciated. 📖

8pm – History buffs, this sounds absolutely fascinating! Dr Philip Smith presents "Growth of Harpenden: 1860 to 2040" at High Street Methodist Church on High Street for Harpenden & District Local History Society. It's the amazing story of how our lovely town has grown and changed over the years! Free to members and students, non-members just £5. Brilliant value for such an interesting evening! 🏛️

9pm – Quiz fiends, unite! It's Weekly Quiz night at The Engineer. Max 6 per team, £1 entry, and cash prizes up for grabs! 🧠

WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

9am-3pm – THC Monthly Coworking Pop Up runs at The Harpenden Collective, Red Gables, West Common. Enjoy the benefits of coworking with other like-minded folks. THC Members £10+VAT, Non Members £15+VAT. 💼

10:30am – History buffs, this is wonderful! There's a Walled Garden Walk where you'll explore the garden through the words of those who lived and worked on the estate. Join a volunteer guide for a 2.5 hour walk meeting in the Walled Garden Car Park (arrive ten minutes early). It's £7.50pp and sounds absolutely fascinating! 🌺

10:30am – Pilates fans, there's a 50+ gentle class at The Harpenden Trust (above the Co-Op in Southdown) 🧘

2:15pm-3pm – Got babies or toddlers? Active Rhyme Time runs at Park Hall Community Hall. It's a FREE 45-minute session of fun, active rhymes and songs. Older siblings welcome too! 🎶

4pm – Ballet with Zoe is at The Harpenden Trust for 4-6 year olds. Email [email protected] for a trial class! 🩰

8pm – Theatre lovers, tonight's your first chance to see the High Street Players present "How the other half loves" – Alan Ayckbourn's brilliant comedy directed by Rachel Tegg! The show runs at 8pm tonight, tomorrow (Thursday 20th) and Friday (21st) too, plus a 2:30pm matinee on Saturday 22nd at Southdown Performing Arts Centre, 116 Southdown Road. Tickets are £12 online, from Manor Pharmacy, or call 01582 620269. Don't miss it! 🎭

8pm – And for art enthusiasts, The Arts Society Harpenden Evening is at The EMC. James Campbell presents "Shepard's Christmas" – all about E H Shepard's love of Christmas, illustrated with images from Wind in the Willows and Winnie-the-Pooh, plus loads more. Magical! 🎨

PHEW! What a week, Harpenden! And what a brilliant community we have with so many ongoing activities and exciting events coming up. There's honestly something for absolutely everyone. Get out there, support our brilliant local community, and make some wonderful memories! See you around town! ✨

ONGOING ACTIVITIES – DON'T MISS OUT! 🌟

Fancy getting into rugby or getting the little ones into Mini's rugby? Drop a line to [email protected] – they'd love to hear from you! 🏉

Harpenden Learning for Leisure is a wonderful voluntary group running local educational leisure courses for the whole community. Meet others and keep your mind active with affordable courses on diverse topics. Check them out at harpendenlearningforleisure.org.uk! 📚

The Harpenden & District Local History Society is looking for volunteers! The Museum in the Eric Morecambe Centre is usually open 11am-3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. They've got a brilliant Extra Exhibition about George Hogg: Son of Harpenden, Hero in China, 1915-45, which has been extended by special request to the end of November. Plus, there's a Special Exhibition running till January 2026 about Everyday Life in Edwardian Harpenden – the era remembered as both glamorous and gilded, but also a time when modern social and political change was brewing under the surface. They're particularly looking for a marketing secretary and website editor at present – many hands make light work! 🏛️

Fancy creating a Trail of Discovery? You could help people find out more about art, culture and history in our area! Your subject might be an historic building, a garden, museum, place of worship, railway branch line, town or village. You could work with a small team or just with a friend. The trails encourage interest in an engaging way for people of all ages and can be adapted for children with additional learning needs and people living with memory loss. No experience is necessary to start a trail, just interest and enthusiasm! To find out more, email [email protected] 🗺️

Kings Pantry Foodbank is providing Christmas hampers again this year to 75-80 families they've supported during recent months. Please provide any hamper donations by Monday 15th December latest. Donations can be made to the Salvation Army Hall, the Coop Southdown and Coop Batford. Suggested items include Christmas Pudding, Nuts (whole or roasted), Custard, Tinned Fruit, Mince Pies, Jams, Marmalade, and Boxes of Chocolates. Such an important cause! 🎄

The Salvation Army is also running the Christmas Present Appeal again to help children in the town. Donate new and unwrapped toys and gifts for children ages 0-18 years. Let's make sure every child has something to open this Christmas! 🎁

COMING UP – PUT THESE IN YOUR DIARY! ✨

7pm for 7:30pm start on Thursday 20th November – Harpenden Evening Floral Group presents a special floral demonstration with Lorena Dyer 'Sleighbells, Slippers & Sparkle' at Katherine Warington School. Tickets £17 in advance, and all arrangements made will be raffled. For more info, email [email protected]. Sounds absolutely gorgeous! 🌸

10am-5pm on Saturday 22nd November – We Are Harpenden Christmas Market at The EMC! Step into a sparkling winter wonderland filled with beautifully decorated stalls, brimming with unique gifts, handmade treasures, and delicious seasonal treats. This is the perfect opportunity to tick off your Christmas list while supporting local independent makers, artisans, and small businesses who put heart and soul into every creation. From handcrafted jewellery and home décor to festive food and drink, there'll be something magical for everyone. The atmosphere will be alive with Christmas cheer – twinkling lights, friendly faces, and a chance to enjoy the season in true community spirit! 🎄

2nd & 7th December – Christmas Wreath Making at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club. Unleash your creativity and craft beautiful wreaths together with the talented florists from Maple Flowers! 🎀

Saturday 6th – Tuesday 30th December 2025 – Polka Dot Pantomimes and The Eric Morecambe Centre are delighted to announce the Pantomime you've all BEAN waiting for – JACK AND THE BEANSTALK! Oh yes it is! 🎭

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! ✨

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