Hello, Harpenden! Our lovely town is absolutely buzzing with activity this week! Whether you're a sports fan looking forward to Sir Geoff Hurst's fascinating football tales, a music lover eager to catch Richard Thompson or the Pink Floyd tribute, or simply wanting to browse the fantastic Farmers Market, there's something for everyone. From bouncy inflatable obstacle courses to thoughtful book clubs, repair workshops to bowling open days - Harpenden is alive with possibilities! So grab your calendars and let's dive into this week's brilliant array of events. Your perfect local adventure awaits... here's what's happening in our vibrant town this week...

P.S. Love staying in the know about local happenings? Spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors about Harpenden Highlights so they don't miss out on the best events in town. Subscribe at https://harpenden-highlights.beehiiv.com/subscribe and never miss a local update again! 📱✨

This Week's Fantastic Local Events! 🗓

Thursday, April 24th

⚽ Sir Geoff Hurst Farewell Tour - The EMC, 7:30pm (from £32). Join the 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero and his agent Terry Baker for an evening of footballing tales and glory! Perfect for anyone who loves a good "back in my day" story from a genuine legend! 🏆

📚 Our Planet Our Future Book Club - The Plough & Harrow, 7:30-9:30pm. Discussing "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Books and booze - what's not to love? Email [email protected] to join the eco-minded literary bunch! 🌍

Friday, April 25th

🎷 The Berkeley Band - The Hollybush Pub, Redbourn, 12:30-3pm. Jazz and Blues to accompany your Friday lunch - perfect way to ease into the weekend! 🎵

🎸 Richard Thompson - The EMC, 7:30pm (£37.50). Folk music royalty alert! The Fairport Convention founding member brings his acoustic magic for an unmissable solo performance. Folk yeah! 🎶

Saturday, April 26th

🔧 Repair Fair - Chapel Halls, Wheathampstead, 2-5pm. Don't bin it, fix it! Bring your broken electricals and torn treasures to the St Albans District Fixers. Book your slot here and give your possessions a second chance! ♻️

🏃‍♀️ Inflatable 5K Obstacle Run - Herts County Showground, 9am-2:30pm. The world's BIGGEST and most EPIC bouncy obstacle course! Perfect for those who like their exercise with a side of ridiculous fun! 🎪

📸 Photography Exhibition - High Street Methodist Church, 10am-4:30pm (Free Entry). Feast your eyes on local talent at the Harpenden Photographic Society's exhibition! No filters needed! 📷

🎵 Mr Rainmaker - The Plough and Harrow, from 9:30pm. Covers band bringing the weekend vibes! Dance like nobody's watching (even though they probably are)! 🕺

🎸 Darkside: The Pink Floyd Show - The EMC, 7:30pm (£27). Celebrating 20 years on the road with free anniversary programs and video access! Money well spent for Pink Floyd fans! 🌈

Sunday, April 27th

🎳 Harpenden Bowling Club Open Day - Spenser Road, 2-5pm. Try your hand at bowling! Equipment provided and refreshments available. Not just for grandparents anymore - as the Commonwealth Games proves! 🏆

🥕 Farmers Market - 10am-2pm. Around 70 stalls of delicious food and drink! Stock up your fridges with local goodies! 🧀🍞

Monday, April 29th

💃 Movement for Memory - The Harpenden Trust, 10:30am-12pm (£2). Gentle dance sessions for those with memory loss or cognitive impairment. Includes tea and coffee - because everything's better with a cuppa! ☕

Tuesday, April 29th

🎳 Harpenden Bowling Club Evening Open Day - Spenser Road, 5-7:30pm Second chance to try bowling if you missed Sunday! 🎳

🧶 Craftea with Sarah - Harpenden Library, 3-4:30pm. Bring your craft project for some creative companionship! Donations welcome. Stitch and chat - what could be better? 🧵

Wednesday, April 30th

☕ TMC St Albans Brunch Club - The George, 10am-12pm. Perfect for mums with bumps, babies, or just in need of adult conversation! Includes brunch, drinks, local businesses, childcare, play area, and a goodie bag! Mother's little helper! Get your tickets here 👶

🏉 RUGBY SHOWDOWN: HRFC TAKES ON HORSHAM! 🏉

🔥 MATCH DAY ALERT! 🔥

Mark your calendars, rugby fans! Harpenden Rugby Football Club's Men's 1st XV squares off against Horsham this Saturday, April 26th!

Kick-off is at 3pm sharp at the HRFC home ground, where our boys will be looking to tackle the competition and score some serious tries! Will they scrum-ptiously defeat their rivals? There's only one way to find out!

📋 MATCH DETAILS: 📋

• WHO: HRFC Men's 1st XV vs Horsham

• WHEN: Saturday, April 26th, 3pm kick-off

• WHERE: Harpenden Rugby Football Club

Come support your local heroes as they ruck and maul their way to victory! Bring your friends, family, and loudest cheering voices - let's show Horsham what Harpenden is made of! 🙌

Refreshments available - nothing better than a cold pint while watching some hot rugby action! 🍻

Don't miss this epic clash of titans on the pitch! See you there! 🏉

🏉 HRFC: Scrum on Down to Harpenden Rugby! 🏉

Looking for a new sporting challenge or just want to get back into the game? Harpenden Rugby Football Club is calling all rugby enthusiasts to join their ranks!

Players of ALL abilities and ages are welcome at this inclusive club - whether you're a seasoned pro or have never touched an oval ball before! With teams competing across multiple levels (1st XV playing at level 6, 2nd XV at level 9, and 3rd XV in Herts merit leagues), there's a perfect fit for everyone.

Training and matches take place on their top-notch RFU Artificial Grass Pitch, so say goodbye to muddy cancellations! Benefit from professional coaching and strength & conditioning programming to take your game to the next level.

And if that wasn't enough to tempt you, how about an international summer tour? Talk about squad goals! 🌍✈️

Ready to try, tackle and triumph? For more information, simply email [email protected] and start your rugby journey today!

🏏 CRICKET CRACKER: HARPENDEN VS LOUGHTON! 🏏

🎯 WICKET THIS WAY! 🎯

Cricket enthusiasts, gather round!

's First XI will be battling it out against Loughton in an exciting cup match this Saturday, April 26th!

Enjoy the gentle thwack of leather on willow as our local heroes take to the crease on the beautiful Harpenden Common. Will they bowl the opposition over? Will they hit a six-cessful score? Come and witness the action for yourself!

📋 MATCH DETAILS: 📋

• WHO: Harpenden CC First XI vs Loughton (Cup Match)

• WHEN: Saturday, April 26th, 12pm start

• WHERE: Harpenden Common

Perfect for a leisurely spring afternoon - bring your picnic blankets, sunhats, and plenty of applause for our batting brigade! 👏

📱 MORE CRICKET ACTION! 📱

Additional matches TBC - Keep your eyes on the ball and check https://www.harpendencc.com/matches for all the latest fixture updates!

Howzat for a weekend plan? See you on the Common! 🏏✨

🔔 HARPENDEN IN WW2: A BLAST FROM THE PAST! 🔔

🚨 TIME TRAVEL ALERT! 🚨

Step back in time at Harpenden Museum's latest exhibition! "Harpenden in WW2" opens in May (with a sneak preview on April 29th) at The EMC, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

🪖 Discover how our town transformed during wartime - from hastily dug trenches to 2,000 child evacuees arriving in just TWO DAYS! Learn about our brave Home Guard platoons, secret listening posts, and how the Common was ploughed up for victory! 📻 🌾

David Kendall, Chairman of the Museum Committee, says: "The community contributed in many ways to the war effort and our exhibition will be a vivid reminder of what times were like in the 1940s.” 

🎭 FAMILY FUN ALERT! 🎭

Join us for a WW2-themed Family Activity Day on Saturday, May 3rd (11am-3pm) featuring:

• Town trail adventures 🗺️

• Creative arts and crafts ✂️

• Vintage dress-up opportunities 👗

• And more wartime wonders!

Perfect timing for VE Day celebrations that week! 🎉

📋 THE NITTY-GRITTY: 📋

• WHERE: Harpenden Museum (lower floor of EMC, Rothamsted Park, AL5 2FR)

• WHEN: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

• COST: Absolutely FREE! 🆓

• MORE INFO: www.harpenden-history.org.uk for opening hours

Don't miss this chance to discover the home front heroes right on your doorstep! 🌟

🗳️ IMPORTANT: Early Voting Reminder! 🗳️

Mark Your Calendars for May 1st!

Don't forget - local elections are coming up on Thursday, May 1st! Remember, you MUST bring photo ID to vote at your polling station. No ID, no vote - it's that simple!

Acceptable forms of photo ID include:

• Passport

• Driving license

• Blue Badge

• Older Person's Bus Pass

• Disabled Person's Bus Pass

Make sure your voice is heard in Harpenden! Plan ahead, check your ID is valid, and know where your polling station is located. 🗳️

P.S. Love staying in the know about local happenings? Spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors about Harpenden Highlights so they don't miss out on the best events in town. Subscribe at https://harpenden-highlights.beehiiv.com/subscribe and never miss a local update again! 📱✨