Hello Harpenden heroes! With the clocks now forward, we're enjoying those glorious longer evenings – perfect timing as sunshine finally makes its grand appearance! Yes, April Bills Day may have left our wallets feeling a bit lighter, but fear not! This week's newsletter is packed with fantastic free and budget-friendly activities for everyone. From strolling through the blooming daffodils in gorgeous Rothamsted Park to community events that won't cost a penny, spring is delivering its promises without demanding your pounds! So dust off those picnic blankets, grab your shades, and dive into this week's local happenings. Harpenden is alive with possibility – and most of it won't break the bank! 🌸💰✨

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🎭 LOCAL HAPPENINGS: YOUR WEEKLY FUN FORECAST! 🎭

🎤 COMEDY & MUSIC NIGHTS 🎵

LAUGH YOUR SOCKS OFF! 😂
Thursday, 3rd April, 8pm at The Eric Morecambe Centre - £20
Live At The EMC brings you the cream of UK comedy crop! This month's giggle-fest features Ivo Graham, Pete Firman, Esther Manito & Thanyia Moore. Your sides will hurt, your cheeks will ache - comedy perfection!

JAZZ IT UP! 🎷
Friday, 4th April at The Hollybush Pub, Redbourn - 12:30pm-3pm
The Berkeley Band brings smooth jazz and soulful blues to your Friday afternoon. Lunch and live music? Yes please!

POWER UP YOUR WEEKEND! 🎸
Friday, 4th April at The EMC - 7:30pm - £29
John Power (of Cast and The La's fame) brings an intimate show mixing beloved tunes with wild, funny, and tender tales. Stories AND songs? Double the fun!

SOUL TRAIN COMING THROUGH! 🕺
Saturday, 5th April at The Plough and Harrow - from 9:30pm
Soul Chain Band brings the funk and soul to your Saturday night. Dancing shoes required!

ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK! 🎵
Saturday, 5th April at The EMC - 7:30pm - £30.50
Rave On takes you on a musical time machine from 50s Rock and Roll to the British Invasion and beyond. This toe-tapping, hip-shaking musical adventure is not to be missed!

ACOUSTIC SUNDAY VIBES 🎵
Sunday, 6th April at The Marquis of Granby - 4pm-6pm
Katie Plus Juan bring acoustic covers and originals to wind down your weekend. Perfect with a Sunday tipple!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY FUN & CRAFTS 🧶

CRAFTY AFTERNOON! ✂️
Saturday, 5th April at The Salvation Army - 1pm-4pm
Crafternoon Club - where glue guns and glitter reign supreme! Visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/harpenden for details.

STORYTIME SHENANIGANS! 📚
Saturdays 5th & 19th April at Harpenden Library - 10am-10:30am
No booking required - just bring tiny ears ready for wonderful tales!

PAWS FOR A GOOD BOOK! 🐶
Saturdays 5th, 12th & 19th April at Harpenden Library - 11am-12pm
Pets as Therapy with Graham & Lexi. Book at the enquiry desk to read with these furry friends!

HOPPY EASTER CRAFTS! 🐰
Thursday, 10th April at Harpenden Library - 3pm - £2 per child
Bunny Baskets Easter Craft - hop to it and book in advance!

FAMILY TEE TIME! ⛳
Sunday, 6th April at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club - 9:45am-1pm
Family Fun Golf Trial Day! Swing into spring with this perfect outdoor activity for golf newbies and seasoned pros alike!

🍽️ FOOD & QUIZ NIGHTS 🧠

SUNDAY ROAST HEAVEN! 🍗
Sunday, 6th April at Redbourn Golf Club - 12pm-2:30pm
Sunday Carvery - First Sunday of every month. Roasties, gravy and all the trimmings!

BRAIN WORKOUT TUESDAYS! 🧠
Every Tuesday at The Engineer - 9pm
Weekly quiz - teams of max 6, £1 per person. Cash prizes for the trivia champions!

👵 COMMUNITY EVENTS 👴

SENIOR SOCIAL! 🎯
Wednesday, 9th April at The EMC - 10:30am-1:30pm
Seniors Fair showcasing local services and activities. Free entry courtesy of The Harpenden Trust!

HISTORY BUFFS ALERT! 🏛️
April-July at Harpenden Museum - 11am-3pm (Tues/Thurs/Sat)
"Harpenden in World War II" exhibition at The EMC - marking the 80th VE Day anniversary. Check opening times at www.harpenden-history.org.uk

DANCE YOUR HEART OUT! 💃
Mondays at The Harpenden Trust, Southdown
Penny Waterman School of Dance offers classes for tots (3:45pm) to adults! Visit www.pennywaterman.com/class-list for the full schedule.

RING-A-DING-DING! 🔔
Wednesdays at St Nicholas Church - 7:45pm-9pm
Bell Ringers Wanted! Adults and children (11+) welcome - no experience necessary. Email Andrew at [email protected]

STREET PLAY REVOLUTION! 🚲
Various locations - check website
Playing Out helps residents close roads temporarily for children to play safely! Build community while the kids enjoy fresh air and freedom. Details at sustainablestalbans.org/playing-out

🏉 WEEKEND RUGBY ACTION! 🏉

SATURDAY SHOWDOWNS - 5th APRIL

FIRST XV FACE-OFF! 💪
Harpenden v Huel Tring - 3pm
Our mighty Men's 1st XV take on local rivals Huel Tring in what promises to be an epic battle of brawn and brain! Come cheer our lads to victory as they aim to bulldoze the opposition! Refreshments available at the clubhouse - because watching rugby builds a mighty thirst! 🍻

SECOND SQUAD SPECTACLE! 🔥
Harpenden 2nd XV v Saracens Crusaders - 3pm
Our fantastic 2nd XV squad squares up against the formidable Saracens Crusaders! Double the rugby, double the fun as both matches kick off simultaneously! Pick your pitch and bring your loudest cheering voice! 📣

SUNDAY SENSATION - 6th APRIL

WOMEN WARRIORS! 💪
Women's 1st XV v Cambridge Women - Kick-off time to be confirmed
Our unstoppable Women's 1st XV host Cambridge in what's sure to be a thriller! Check club socials for confirmed kick-off time - you won't want to miss these tackling titans in action! The ladies have been on fire this season - come feel the heat! 🔥

Support your local teams - all welcome at the clubhouse before and after matches! 👐

TRAVEL ALERT! 🚧 Engineering works on the Thameslink line this weekend - check before you travel! Visit nationalrail.co.uk for updates. 🚂

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! ✨