The St Albans Festival 2011 was officially launched to the press on Wednesday 11 May at the Town Hall in St Albans.
St Albans City and District Council are proud to present an exciting and varied Festival programme covering theatre and dance, music, comedy, outdoor events and guided walks.
We have a new event to mark the start of this year’s Festival – our FREE One Day ‘Festival for All’. Join us on Saturday 18th June from 1pm in Verulamium Park for a day packed full of high quality live performances, with a mix of professional and community artists. It is guaranteed to be a great family day out in the park. There will be several stages with performances happening throughout the afternoon and music from great local bands, plus a chance to sample some of the best food from around the district.
Not to be missed is the fantastic climax to the day: an extraordinary performance of The Bell at 9pm. This spectacle is by the internationally renowned Periplum. It tells a tale of hope and redemption, featuring a warring clan in a warring land and provides a sensory extravaganza featuring stilts, aerial performance and soaring music. See: www.periplum.co.uk
The Festival also has some established favourites, including the St Albans Pilgrimage and the very popular Larks in the Parks – this year we invite the sun, sea and sand into the district’s parks for our fun filled seaside themed day.
With performers in their final preparations for the Edinburgh Festival, we are thrilled to support some great Edinburgh preview performances taking place at Trestle Arts Base. El Toro presents its hauntingly beautiful new show The Pretender, followed in the second week by the Edinburgh Firsts season. You can see three new productions supported by the Arts Council.
Alternatively pack a picnic and come to Rothamsted Park in Harpenden on Saturday 25th June where the Cambridge Touring Theatre will take you on a merry romp through the world of the river bank with their wonderful adaptation of Wind in the Willows.
The Festival would not be complete without Folk at the Festival. This year they will have a dedicated stage for folk music at the launch event and a day of activities, dancing and music on Saturday 25th June around the city and in the elegant surroundings of the Town Hall.
@KJohn1215 brings the magic and mystery of the city to life after dark. The Festival has commissioned a site specific interactive light, film and sound installation through the streets and hidden alleyways of St Albans. Starting around Boot Alley, be guided on a contemporary journey of discovery through the themes of the Magna Carta.
This year we are thrilled to be able to offer lots of our Festival events for FREE. Many events will be non-ticketed, but where tickets are necessary, they will be sold through the Box Offices of the relevant venue where the performance is taking place. We look forward to you joining us to celebrate the arts and culture of the district.
Festival Dining Offer: Bar Meze in St Albans is offering 20% off your bill – just show them your ticket from any Festival event.
Brochures will be delivered to every home in the district over the next week. Alternatively you can pick up a brochure from a variety of venues and facilities around the district.
For further information visit the Festival website which will be live from 11 May: www.stalbansfestival.com, or visit our Facebook page: St Albans Festival 2011, or telephone the Council: 01727 819558.