XMAS EVENTS 2025
Dec 6. Harpenden’s Panto reached new heights of entertainment! JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Saturday night’s Panto at the EMC was FE-FI-FO-FUN for all the family. Choreographed and scripted to appeal to children and adults, the music, dancing and jokes were a non stop way to get the audience laughing all through the performance. Plus a touch of romance to end the show.
THEO MAYNE from BBC ONE smash-hit TV series The Traitors played FLESHCREEP, and much loved Harpenden panto dame JOSH HANDLEY delighted the audience once more playing TILLY TROTT. Hero Jack (played by Chris Gannon) made a magical journey to Cloudland to save his best friend Daisy the Cow!
All helped with the King of Harpendia played by Clive Marlowe. Joe Johnston made his professional debut as Jack, Holly Elle Martin as Princess Jill and Rosie Winter as the magic Fairy.
The scenery, dazzling costumes and amazing special effects made the whole event a night to remember.
The Panto is performed on various days until Dec 30 with some dates fully booked. Best to check availability on line at The Eric Morecambe Centre booking office.
Friendly and professional staff to help you choose your Christmas gifts in the magical setting of the High Street with all it’s beautiful lightsl Featured here at Oui & Crew Clothing
Seasonal window displays to attract customers into the stores.
Carols on the Common is Back!
At Christmas last year, a new Harpenden tradition was born. Carols on the Common saw 3,500 Harpenden friends and family singing carols together on the common, and raising money for the Harpenden Trust Christmas Appeal at the same time.
This year, we're back! Same time - 6pm to 7pm on Christmas Eve. Same place - between the Snowman and Bull Road on Harpenden Common.
Same band - Tim Sutton and his talented musicians, joined this year by singers to help us work on which verse we're on. And more songs - All I Want For Christmas Is You may well make its debut! We'll have a bigger sound system, but the same community feel.
So don some stout shoes, head down and join us. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. And perhaps support one of our wonderful local pubs before or afterwards! Doors open at 5.30pm, so arrive in good time to bag your spot in front of the stage.
Merry Christmas!
BIG THANKS TO NEVES, Harpenden Carnival Sponsors 2025.
Beth Woodward, Partner and Head of Divorce and Family Law at Neves Solicitors (Principal Sponsor of the event) said,
“We were thrilled to sponsor this year’s Christmas Carnival and to see such an incredible turnout from the Harpenden community. Having been part of Harpenden since 1957, we’re proud to feel so deeply connected to the area. This festive celebration truly brought people together, and we’re delighted to have played a part in making it a memorable event for all.”
Fragrances and perfumes are the perfect stocking fillers for the Ladies and Men in your life.
Available individually or in Gift Packs from Springfield Pharmacy on the Harpenden High Street. Check out the photos below to see the huge choice. Then POP IN and choose.
NOW 20% off Clarins Gift Sets
Press Night Party after the Panto
Jack and the Beanstalk. EMC Dec 6th
A big thanks to all the team for such a great FIRST night.
Staff, Cast & Guests celebrated with drinks and special CAKE
in the bar where the performances of the cast were praised and
guests learned how all aspects of the Panto from scripts and jokes to songs and choreography were learned to perfection. Ensuring instant audience appeal with memories to linger over.
The party announcements were started by Kate Barton – Theatre Manager, EMC & The Alban Arena and Natasha Brooke – Director . Also attending were Harpenden Town Mayor Cllr Beth Fisher, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Annie Brewster, award winning photographer Steve Collins and the Editor of Harpendia Magazine Ron Taylor.
The group photo below shows: Back row L-R
Daphne Passaris (Ensemble/Dancer)
Toby Collier (Ensemble/Dancer)
Holly Elle Martin (Princess Jill)
Kirsty Newman (Ensemble/Dancer)
Joseph Johnston (Jack)
Josh Handley (Tilly Trott)
Rosie Winter (Fairy Sunshine)
Noah Denny (Dancer/Ensemble)
Chris Gannon (Silly Simon)
Clive Marlowe (The King of Harpendia)
Charlie Vaughan (Dancer/Ensemble)
Theo Mayne – Fleshcreep
Front row L-R
Gemma Troughton – Choreographer
Natasha Brooke - Director.
Mayor's Christmas Window Competition -
The Results are In!
Judging with the Mayor and 1st Harpenden Brownies took place on Monday Dec 8 and the winner of the Retailer Category was Travel Four Seasons with their fabulous painted ski scene, the runner up CY Hair with their fantastic Gruffalo Hairstylist!
Charity Shop winner was Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care with their volunteer paper-chain and runner up The Dogs Trust in Station Rd with a cosy fireplace scene.
Dec15, Fabulous bargains at Harpenden Menswear
Pop Up Shop, Opp Waitrose.
Open daily 9am - 7pm till Xmas EVE (closes 3pm)
Perfect choices for Christmas Gifts
New. A kids’ cookbook just in time for Christmas
‘Patti’s Yum Yums for kids Tum Tums’
It’s available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pattis-Yum-Yums-Kids-Tums/dp/190868514X/
