Well hello there, Harpenden! Just as the temperatures are rising (along with ice cream sales - we see you! 🍦), our beloved town is absolutely buzzing with excitement! This week brings us everything from the spectacular Summer Carnival and Art on the Common to psychic suppers and soul music nights. Sure, the roadworks are creeping back like uninvited party guests, but who needs smooth tarmac when you've got cricket matches, karaoke nights, and enough community spirit to power the whole of Hertfordshire? Grab your sunhat and let's dive into another glorious week of local adventures! 🌟

Thursday, 5th June 2025

9:30am-11am Get ready for tiny tots chaos in the most adorable way possible! 🐠 Little Fishes Toddler Group is splashing into Crabtree Church (AL5 5RD) where your little ones can play while you clutch that much-needed coffee. Term time only, so make the most of it!

7:00pm Ladies, it's pampering time! ✨ The Tortue & Tropic Ladies Pampering Event is taking place at Jolie Nail and Beauty Salon (68a High Street). Think bubbles, retail therapy, and beauty advice - basically heaven! Limited spaces though, so ring 01582 461255 or email [email protected] to bag your spot.

8:00pm Quiz masters, assemble! 🧠 The Harpenden Arms is serving up their weekly quiz night alongside their legendary Thursday Burger and Pint deal for £18. Book your table online because nothing's worse than standing around looking quiz-less!

Friday, 6th June 2025

12:00pm Lace up those trainers! 🏃‍♀️ The Run Club at THC welcomes all abilities for a weekly jaunt around the local area. It's free, it's friendly, and it's the perfect excuse to feel smug about your weekend plans!

5:00pm Future West End stars, this one's for you! 🎭 Top Hat Stage School runs Friday evenings at Roundwood Park School for ages 4-17. No experience needed, free trial available - just rock up and unleash that inner performer!

7:00pm Poetry meets harp in what sounds like the most civilized evening ever! 📚🎵 "Imaginary Landscapes" is happening at Harpenden Library for just £7 per ticket. Book at the enquiry desk before someone else snaps up your cultured evening out!

7:00pm Feeling mystical? 🔮 Philip Kinsella is bringing his psychic powers to The Three Blackbirds in Flamstead (2 High St, AL3 8BS) for an intimate evening of clairvoyance. At £25 per person including supper (with vegan and gluten-free options), it's dinner and a show with a supernatural twist! Book here - no crystal ball required!

Saturday, 7th June 2025

10:00am Young footballers, it's your moment! ⚽ Harpenden Colts Youth FC Presentation Day kicks off on Harpenden Common. Time to celebrate all those muddy Saturday mornings!

10:00am-6:00pm (and Sunday 10am-4pm) Art lovers, prepare for sensory overload! 🎨 Art on the Common transforms Harpenden Common (opposite Park Hall) into a tented artists' village featuring 50 local artists. From paintings to ceramics, photography to jewellery - it's basically an outdoor gallery with better weather! Check out art-on-the-common.weebly.com for all the details.

12:00pm Cricket fans, grab your thermos! 🏏 Harpenden CC 1st XI takes on Radlett CC 1st XI in the Hertfordshire Premier Cricket League on Harpenden Common. Free to watch and perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon of "ooh"s and "ahh"s at the boundary!

12:00pm-6:00pm The big one is here! 🎪 Harpenden Summer Carnival takes over Harpenden Town Centre and Common with activities, acts, bands, stalls, and enough food and drink to fuel a small army. It's six hours of pure community joy. Programme and map at online here - you'll need it!

2:00pm Time to celebrate in style! 🎩☕ Hertfordshire Library's turning 100 and they're throwing a proper Regency tea party at Harpenden Library as part of the Big Birthday Weekend. We're talking free tea, refreshments, craft activities, and a screening of "Hertfordshire Through the Ages" - plus they're actively encouraging you to rock up in full Bridgerton cosplay because why wouldn't you? Whether you're channeling Mr. Darcy or Queen Charlotte, this is your chance to sip tea with your pinky up while celebrating a century of literary excellence!

4:00pm Something completely different! 🥎🍹 The inaugural BAD Rounders Club combines "A Round of Rounders and a Round of Cocktails" at Brad & Dills in the Park. It's family-friendly, totally free for the first game, and the perfect way to add some competitive spirit to your Saturday. The restaurant stays open for drinks during the game because priorities!

8:00pm-11:45pm Fancy yourself the next Whitney Houston? 🎤 KARAOKE WITH JEWELS is happening at The Three Blackbirds, Flamstead. Call 07547 831168 to confirm because Saturday night karaoke waits for no one!

9:00pm-11:30pm Soul music lovers, your time has come! 🎵 The Soul Enforcement Bureau is bringing Soul & Motown covers to The Plough & Harrow. Get ready to dance like nobody's watching (but they probably are)!

Sunday, 8th June 2025

10:00am Cricket tournament time! 🏏 Harpenden Cricket Club faces North Mymms on Harpenden Common. Free for spectators and a great way to ease into Sunday.

10:00am-4:00pm Last chance for Art on the Common! 🎨 The artistic extravaganza continues for its final day - don't miss out on those 50 local artists showing off their talents!

12:00pm-2:30pm - Sunday Carvery at Redbourn Golf Club 🍽️⛳ Treat yourself to a proper Sunday roast with all the trimmings at this lovely golf club setting! There's nothing quite like a traditional carvery to make your Sunday feel extra special. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves a good hearty meal in relaxed surroundings. 🌟

2:30pm History buffs, this one's for you! 🚶‍♂️ The "Discover Harpenden!" guided walk starts at the War Memorial. At £6 for adults, it's cheaper than most coffees and you'll actually learn something! Book in advance here.

7:30pm Time to find your zen! 🎋 Gong Meditation at Park Hall offers the perfect end to your weekend with some serious relaxation vibes. Book online to reserve your space…and inner calm!

Monday, 9th June 2025

9:30am-10:45am Start your week mindfully! 🧘‍♀️ Monday Morning Yoga at Batford Memorial Hall offers a free trial session. Email [email protected] because Monday mornings need all the help they can get!

9:30am-10:15am Tiny tots football! ⚽ Little Kickers runs classes for Little Kicks (1.5-2.5 years) and Junior Kickers (2.5-3.5 years). It's never too early to start dreaming of Wembley!

10:30am-12:00pm Coffee and community! ☕ Harpenden Library Coffee Morning happens every Monday - perfect for catching up on local gossip while pretending to browse the new fiction section.

2:00pm-3:30pm Memory Lane Café at The Salvation Army provides a welcoming space for people living with dementia and their families every Monday. Sometimes the most important events are the quietest ones. 💙

6:00pm Young martial artists, assemble! 🥋 Jado Kuin Do family martial arts kicks off at The Harpenden Trust (above the Co-Op in Southdown). Advanced martial arts students, it's your turn at 7pm and Adult classes wrap up the evening from 8pm! Book a free taster at jadoherts.uk - because Monday nights should involve more than just Netflix!

6:00pm-7:00pm Inclusive cricket for ages 12-25! 🏏 All disabilities welcome at Harpenden Leisure Centre on Leyton Road. Contact [email protected] for more info - sport really is for everyone!

Tuesday, 10th June 2025

6:30am Early birds, this one's for you! 🐦 BNI Chariots Business Networking Meeting at Harpenden Common Golf Club. It's breakfast with a side of business cards and entrepreneurial energy!

9:30am Stretch it out! 💪 Classes with Rachel's Pure Stretch session at The Harpenden Trust. Book online here, because Tuesday mornings need more flexibility (literally).

10:45am Dance your way to fitness! 💃 Zumba Gold for active older adults hits the Gibbons Hall for £7 per class. It's Zumba, but with more wisdom and probably better moves!

11:00am-3:00pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 🎖️ Step Back in Time at Harpenden's WWII Exhibition! 🏛️ A brilliant special exhibition about Harpenden during WWII, running until September 25th to mark the 80th anniversary of the war's end! 📅✨ Discover our town's wartime secrets through original photos, maps, documents and personal memories from the Local History Society's archives – it's like having a chat with the past! 📸 Best of all? It's completely FREE! 🎉 Find Harpenden Museum on the lower floor of the EMC, Rothamsted Park (AL5 2FR). Don't miss this fascinating glimpse into our town's remarkable wartime heritage! 🏘️💙

7:30pm-8:30pm Twerk it Tuesday is here! 💃 Zumba with Jennifer Davies brings the heat to The Harpenden Trust for £8.50 pay-as-you-go. Because Tuesday nights should involve more hip action!

Wednesday, 11th June 2025

10:00am Craft lovers, unite! ✂️ Southdown Marquetry Group meets every Wednesday at Southdown Trust Hall. No experience required and all veneers provided - basically, they've got you covered for some serious creative therapy!

10:30am Gentle Pilates for the 50+ crowd! 🧘‍♀️ The Harpenden Trust hosts this lovely session. More info at pushmefitherts.com - because staying flexible is a lifestyle choice!

11:30am-1:30pm Need some advice? 💬 Citizens Advice drops in every Wednesday at The Harpenden Trust Well Bean Community Café (above the Co-Op on Southdown Road). Sometimes we all need a helping hand!

2:00pm Get ready for pure joy! 🎭 BEEE Creative presents the LEAP Schools' Dance and Digital Festival 2025 at The Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park. This 45-minute showcase features students from six schools across Hertfordshire, Luton, and Bedfordshire - and it's completely FREE! Book via The Alban Arena Box Office at everyonetheatres.com/whats-on/beee-creative/ or call 01582 767525. Family-friendly and guaranteed to make you smile!

Coming Up... 🗓️

New Mums Club Alert! 👶 Hey mamas! Mark Thursday June 12th in your diary! ✏️ 6WeekSocial's postnatal course kicks off for you and your 0-12 month bundles of joy! 🌟 Covering weaning, pelvic health, baby sleep and exercise PLUS (the best bit!) coffee catch-ups, lunches and walks with other adults who understand why you've worn the same leggings three days running! 😅 Join us at the Salvation Army & Little Gym - because parenting is better with friends and actual hot drinks! ☕💕 More info and pricing here.

Foodie Alert: Sitwell Food Safari Coming to Harpenden! 🍽️🥂 Calling all food lovers! 🔥 William Sitwell (yes, THE William Sitwell - editor, writer, broadcaster and restaurant critic extraordinaire) is bringing his FABULOUS Food Safari to our very own Harpenden on Friday, 20th June! 🗓️ This isn't just any old dinner, folks! 👀 The Sitwell team will be shining their culinary spotlight on some of our absolute BEST local spots - Vin Santo, Brad & Dills, The Silver Palate, The Silver Cup, and The Pudding Stop! 🍷🍔🍰 It's basically a food lover's dream crawl through town! The whole delicious affair is proudly sponsored by our friends at Whittaker & Co. 👏 Want the full menu details and tickets? Pop over to williamsitewell.com right now! Your taste buds will thank you later! 😋

🚒 Saturday 21st June - Sparkling Cars for a Sparkling Cause! ✨

10:00am-2:00pm - Harpenden Fire Station Charity Car Wash 🚒✨ Bring your car down to the fire station for a proper professional clean! With a minimum donation of just £5, you'll be supporting the Fire Fighters Charity while getting your motor absolutely sparkling. Huge thanks to Milehams in Southdown for their generous donations! It's community spirit at its finest - your car gets pampered and our brave firefighters get the support they deserve. 🌟

That's your week sorted, Harpenden! From toddler chaos to sophisticated soirées, martial arts to mystical evenings - there's something for everyone. See you out and about! 🌟

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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