Festival season in Hertfordshire arrives, plus LOLs returns to St Albans, as our look at the best events across the county in July shows
Time for Tea
Until 5 November
St Albans Museum + Gallery
This tantalising new exhibition explores the fascinating journey of tea from leaf to cup and the worldwide significance of this popular beverage. From a quick cuppa during the day to a luxurious afternoon tea, a cup of tea is a familiar moment in many peoples’ lives. Referred to in literature, popular culture, film and TV – including at the Mad Hatter’s tea party, served by penguins in Mary Poppins and a favourite of Downton’s Lady Violet Crawley – tea is a most-loved drink with a fascinating story.
Hitchin Art Trail
Throughout July
Hitchin
Hitchin Creative and Hitchin Festival have combined to organise the Hitchin Art Trail, a month-long celebration of Hitchin’s visual art and artists. Each piece of artwork that is for sale will feature a QR code, to make it easier for people to buy the work they’d like to see on their own wall. Artists are being encouraged to submit up to three images for consideration and local businesses are welcome to support Hitchin Art Trail by displaying one or more of the art works selected.
Luna Cinema
5-8 July
Knebworth House
This July, The Luna Cinema turns the front lawn of Knebworth House into the perfect backdrop for four nights of cinematic magic, playing a selection of movies under the stars. From Oscar-winning Top Gun: Maverick to feel good classic Dirty Dancing, with a spot of The Great Gatsby and Elvis also thrown into the mix, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
thelunacinema.com/venue/knebworth-house/
Everyman Secret Garden
From 14 July
The Grove
Absolutely Hertfordshire was delighted to hear that Everyman Secret Garden cinema in partnership with Discovery will return from 14 July. Pull up a beanbag, grab a set of headphones and settle in front of the big screen. From musical classics and the latest Hollywood blockbusters, to feel-good family favourites, there is an exciting schedule to entertain film fanatics of all ages. Featured films include Top Gun: Maverick, Rocketman, Paddington, Notting Hill and more.
Standon Calling
20-23 July
Ware
Each summer, Standon Calling tells a new story, bringing their garden party to life with a themed world – this year is Corporate Chic – that has included monsters, the circus, and legends of the lost sees. Across four fun-filled days, you’ll hear music from the acts you love and the very best in emerging talent. Savour incredible food, dance until the early hours, enjoy an abundance of family activities, lounge by the pool, luxuriate in a hot tub, or relax with a massage.
Insect Inspiration
25 July-31 August
Natural History Museum, Tring
Join the Natural History Museum for a fun-filled experience that will see you get up close and personal with insect specimens. Uncover the fascinating world of insects and discover what makes them so unique, and how they differ from other minibeasts. Plus, create your very own personal insect to take home.
The St Albans Comedy Garden
26-30 July
Verulamium Park
St Albans Comedy Garden presented by heycar is back in Verulamium Park from 26-30 July, with another smashing series of open-air shows starring the biggest names in comedy.
This year catch Ed Gamble, co-host of the mega-podcast Off Menu, the phenomenal Sara Pascoe, legendary Bafta and Perrier Award winner Dylan Moran, phrenetic comic master Russell Kane, one-liner king Milton Jones, Netflix star Phil Wang, plus many more performing at this astounding series of open-air shows.
Since bursting onto the scene with a sell-out series of shows in summer 2021 this hugely popular comedy spectacular has quickly become a summer highlight for comedy lovers across Hertfordshire and beyond.
Across five nights and the weekend afternoons a series of masterfully curated mixed-bill shows, featuring the absolute best comedians of the moment, are presented in an impressive open-air seated arena. Set within a boutique festival with bars, food stalls and more, the event is perfectly pitched in the leafy surroundings of St Albans’ glorious Verulamium Park and welcomes in audiences from near and far.