From a mini round of events marking the King’s Coronation, to a big new exhibition at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, here are 10 events not to miss in May in Hertfordshire
Living Crafts
5-8 May
Hatfield Park
Living Crafts will be bringing the wow factor to the historical landmark of Hatfield Park with a buzzing festival of contemporary crafts. Their specially chosen designer-makers will be showcasing exceptional British craftsmanship at this gem of a craft event. Don’t miss the ‘Crafts for the Coronation’ display in the Showcase Pavilion, the stimulating brass and jazz bands, and expect plenty of bunting, coronation decorations, celebratory drinks and afternoon teas – and of course a large screen TV for a live feed from the big event itself.
Griff Rhys Jones
12-13 May
Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead
Multi award-winning comedian, writer, actor, and television presenter Griff Rhys Jones is set to embark on his next national stand-up tour this summer with his much-anticipated, brand-new show ‘The Cat’s Pyjamas’. Sharing witty observations and rambling comic stories, Griff’s funny anecdotes have covered an astonishingly diverse range of subjects: from TV travel, his childhood, Welsh family, age, fraud, late night trains and nostalgia to the TikTok generation, crocodile smuggling, and opal noodling in Australia.
Taste of Design 2023
16 May
Hatfield House
The Taste of Design 2023 roadshow is provided by a select number of luxury interior design brands, who bring their exclusive roadshow to an interesting location near to you. The objective is to provide you with an enjoyable and relaxing environment, as well as the opportunity to view lovely products and services, and meet interior suppliers face-to-face in a sympathetic setting.
The Tiger Lillies
20 May
The Alban Arena
After years away touring the world, the Olivier Award-winning godfathers of alternative cabaret, the legendary alternative-rock trio The Tiger Lillies, embark on a European tour of their highly-acclaimed back catalogue of music with their show ‘From the Circus to the Cemetery’, to coincide with the release of their first ‘best of’ album, ‘The Worst of The Tiger Lillies’. With their dark and eccentric underground appeal, Tiger Lillies’ image and style is described as “the macabre magic of pre-war Berlin, with the savage edge of punk”, and leaves no deviant theatrics unturned.
Tactile Explorers
27 May
Natural History Museum, Tring
The Tring museum will be welcoming blind and partially sighted children and their families to this special event. Get hands on with real museum specimens led by trained facilitators. Each event will explore a different theme and include different specimens, and from foxes to slow worms, the theme this time is British wildlife. After the session you are welcome to borrow their Tactile Bags to explore the galleries – these bags have a variety of items and specimens to bring the galleries to life.
Vitality
Until 29 October 2023
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens
In 2023, more than 20 monumental bronzes inspired by natural and human forms are displayed in the Hertfordshire landscape surrounding the studios where Henry Moore developed ideas. Multi-part reclining figures are joined by some of his purest organic abstractions and works exploring his most iconic themes: the mother and child, the reclining figure, and the juxtaposition of internal and external forms.
Hertfordshire County Show
27-28 May
The Showground, Redbourn
The Hertfordshire County Show is one of our county’s flagship events – a celebration of everything Herts, country living, food and farming offering something special for each and every one of the 35,000+ visitors. Witness spectacular entertainment in the Main Ring as they welcome back the stunningly beautiful Atkinson Sports Horses as our main attraction for 2023. Enjoy and discover the very best of local shopping with deliciously curated produce in the Food Court and iconic Made in Herts zones with local foods and local crafts that showcase the best of Hertfordshire to the world.
ALSO…
Three special events in Herts to mark the King’s Coronation
5 May
Market Lates, Watford Market
Celebrate the King’s Coronation at this special market event. You will be able to enjoy live music alongside craft beer, a pop-up bar and delicious street food from around the globe, including Caribbean, Asian and Korean street food. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the ambience of market dining and be treated to a menu of fresh dishes plus drinks in the covered casual dining space.
6 May
Coronation Strut, Hertford Club
Be the guest of DJ Dave and dance to fab tunes and real vinyl, with food on the side from Steve’s Fish Bar. Go and join all the fun at a fab historic venue celebrating King records (James Brown), Kings of Ska (Desmond Dekkar, Prince Buster), King of Soul (Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett), Kings and Queens of Tamla Motown and this historic dance music over the past 60 years.
7 May
King’s Coronation Festival
In celebration of the Coronation of his Majesty the King, enjoy “Picnic on the Lawn” at Hertford Castle. Bring along your picnic and pitch up with friends and family to enjoy a relaxed day in the beautiful Castle grounds with music entertainment, garden games, food and drink stalls and a children’s ‘Kings & Queens’ fancy dress competition. A great opportunity to enjoy a street party vibe set in the Castle grounds.
