What's on this Summer


 I know we are all desperately awaiting the reopening of social spaces and venues so that we can celebrate this summer in style, but in case our favourite beer gardens don’t reopen, we’ve put together a list of events to keep you occupied this summer. Although it is still uncertain what is going to happen, there are still lots of activities taking place for you to enjoy yourself through the next few months, and if these don’t take your fancy, why not make your own event!

Don’t let Covid-19 ruin your summer, get planning your summer stay-cation now!

Physical Events

Although we are limited to what we summer activities we can take part in physically, there are still some events taking place throughout the summer months which will allow you to get out and have fun!

The Luna Cinema does Drive-In

You may have already heard of the Luna Cinema; they are well known for their outdoor cinema’s and movie events throughout summer. As this year’s pandemic has stopped all mass gatherings, the Luna Cinema has changed all their events to ‘Drive-In’ events!

There are loads of films for you to choose from and several locations across the UK. You can watch a film of your choice from your car and there is also a great range of snacks for you to enjoy while you watch the film!
To find out what’s on near you, click here.


Drive & Dine Theatre 

Similar to the Luna Cinema, this year Pub in the Park is presenting the Drive & Dine Theatre! Pub in the park is the UK’s biggest food and drink tour and this year they are hosting a Drive & Dine theatre. They will be screening the best classic and award-winning movies and are also hosting a Mark Watson’s Carpool Comedy Club.

You can enjoy each show at a safe distance and also order some food from an exclusive menu curated by Michelin-starred Chef Tom Kerridge.
Click here to see what movies are showing near you, and to have a look at the food menu (the most important bit)

Hatfield House re-opens! (4 July 2020)

You may have already heard but Hatfield House is reopening to the public on 4th July! Not only is it a great day out, especially in the summer months when the weather is nice, but they are also hosting a range of activities.
So, grab a picnic and take a visit to the beautiful 400 year old property.  All tickets must be purchased in advance of arrival so to get your tickets, click here.


Glamour Beauty Festival (24-26 July 2020)

If you’re more into your fashion and beauty, Glamour Beauty Festival might be the thing for you. They have not yet cancelled the event so at the moment it looks like it is still going to plan which is great news for all us beauty lovers!


The festival is held at Business Design Centre in Islington and there will be major beauty brands offering incredible complimentary treatments.
There will be influencers and celebrities, make-up artists and stylists and you will also get a goodie bag worth over £250!!
Click here to find out more.



DIY events

Although there aren’t many physical events for you to go to this summer, this shouldn’t stop you organising your own! Here are a few ides:

Cook a BBQ 

BBQ’s are always a good idea, especially during the summer months, so why not have a BBQ in your back garden with your family or the people you live with. If you don’t have your own BBQ, you can get portable ones from the supermarket which work just as well!


Have a Pool or Beach party

If you wanted to, you could always get yourself a paddling pool and throw a beach/pool party. There’s nothing better than having a nice dip in a pool on a hot summers day!

Have a picnic

Having a picnic is a must during summer! You can go for a walk and have a picnic in the park or have one in your garden. Whatever you choose having a picnic is a great way to celebrate the warmer weather. Lots of local restaurants are now providing picnic hampers of their own, so have a look at the local shops near you and support local businesses at the same time!

Have your own pub night 

Lots of local pubs are also providing food and drink deliveries, so if you can’t go to the pub why not bring the pub to you! You could order some fish and chips and an alcoholic beverage and have your very own pub night. Click here for local pub takeaways and deliveries in and around St Albans.

Host an outdoor cinema evening

While the weather is nice, you could get a projector and create your very own outdoor cinema. Get some snacks and some blankets and pop on your favourite film to watch at sunset, for the perfect summer evening.


Have a cocktail Masterclass

BBC Food has some great cocktail recipes, so if we aren’t able to take advantage of cocktail hour this summer, then have your own! Grab the ingredients next time you go to the shops and throw your own cocktail masterclass!

Go for some evening walks 

Make sure you get outside as much as you can this summer, as this will help life to feel a bit more normal. You could do some activities during the day like have a picnic and then go for a walk during the evenings. There is nothing better than having a nice evening walk during the summer months.



Virtual events

Many events have been postponed or cancelled due to Covid-19, but there are still lots taking place online! There are so many to choose from and lots of activities to occupy your time. Here are a few to get you started:


BBC Proms (17 July – 12 September)

Experience the world's greatest classical music event, BBC Proms, which kicks off its virtual edition this month for eight weeks of fun concerts accessible from home. From 17 July BBC Radio 3 will present past Proms concerts every evening until the 12 September! Click here to find out more.


Student Online Retreat (Saturday 20 June)

Get ready for a day together that’ll include yoga, a live cooking workshop, Q&A with a monk and mantra meditation. The whole day will be full of online activities to help you experience a virtual retreat from your own home.
This event is open to all UH students but there is only a limited number of spaces, so book early to avoid disappointment. You can find out more and book your place here.


Brush and bubbles virtual painting classes

Brush and bubbles is usually a painting class with prosecco! Due to Covid-19 they have had to cancel all face-to-face events; however they have got lots of online painting tutorials for you to do yourself at home – you could even pour yourself a glass of prosecco and go all out! If you don’t have anything to paint with, they also sell starter kits. Click here to find out more.

Festival of ideas Re-imagined (28 June 2020)

The Festival of Ideas is still running online and will be launching on the 28th June! Click here to get involved.

Disco bingo 

Disco Bingo is a game of party bingo every Saturday, where you’ll hear the best songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s! You can sing and dance and have fun! Each week Disco Bingo raises funds for a different charity, so it is definitely worth getting involved! Click here to get your ticket.

Terrarium Thursdays 

Get creative on Thursdays with Terrarium Thursdays! Get your ticket and a Terrarium making kit will be posted to you so you can take part in a live tutorial and get involved from your own home. Click here to find out more.


The Big Night Inn (Beer and Gin Festival) [26 June OR 31 July]

Join friends and family for this fun night in with beer, gin, quizzes and prizes! Once you sign up you will receive your beer/gin in the post, ready for you to get involved! Click here to sign up.


Ariana Grande concert (20 June 2020)

If you’re a fan of Ariana and are disappointed you can’t go to a concert or festival this year, why not bring the concert to you!
Ariana is hosting her Sweetener World Tour as an online virtual concert due to Covid-19. Not only is this amazing in itself, but you can go for free! Get your tickets here.



Sewing weekender (13 – 14 June 2020)

The Sewing weekender is an informal sewing event for socialising, taking part in sewing workshops and talks. If you were thinking of taking up a new hobby, now could be a great chance to try your hand at some sewing! All profits also get donated to different charities which is even better! Click here to find out more about it.

Pride 

Pride inside (28 June – 05 July) – If you were planning on attending Pride this year, not to worry ‘Pride Inside’ will be launching on the 28 June until 05 July so you can still celebrate virtually! There will be gigs, comedy shows, panel discussions, art-based events and more! Get involved and find out more here. 

Pride month games night (29 June 2020) – Popup Painting and events have organised a quiz to raise money and celebrate Pride Month.  Participation is free but a donation to one of the charities is greatly appreciated. Click here to find out more.

A Trip to the Theatre?

Shakespeare’s globe have put their plays on demand so that they are free to watch from your home. There is lots to choose from, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth. The streams are free but any voluntary donations to the theatre would be much appreciated. Watch them here.

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