Don’t be thinking that you have any time to catch your breath after all the excitement of June because July is just as jam-packed with lots of fantastic local events.

Kicking things off on Sunday 1st July is Larks in the Park at Batford Springs.  Firmly established in the annual fixtures this is a fun day out for all the family.  This year’s theme is “Magic of the Movies” and there will be live music and entertainment, donkey rides, inflatables, fairground rides, stalls, rodeo bull, the duck race and more.  Entry is free.

If you’re looking for that summer Festival experience then Festival on the Field is back at Sir John Lawes School on Saturday 7th July with some of the best tribute acts in the business.  Headlining this year are Yellow - a Coldplay tribute band - plus Massaoke, A Touch of Little Mix, ELO Encounter and Swanvesta Social Club.  A great day out and tickets are still available!

If you fancy a festival experience aimed at younger children then the Geronimo Festival is taking place 30th June – 1st July at Knebworth House featuring children’s TV favourites such as Alex Winter and Justin Fletcher and a whole host of fun.  Or for something more active then the Little Welly Goes Wild is back at the Herts County Showground 7th – 8th July.  The event is centred around a 3km 30-challenge obstacle course, plus music entertainment, laser quest and more.

Heartwood Forest is celebrating its 10th birthday with a Summer Festival also on Saturday 7th July with stalls, crafts, nature-themed activities and more.  Entrance on the day will be subject to capacity so advance booking is recommended.

The same weekend sees Wheathampstead hold its annual Village Weekend, which features Wheathampstead’s Got Talent, Picnic on the Meads and Carnival Village Day.

Still on the same weekend on Sunday 8th July it’s the ever-popular Highland Gathering in Rothamsted Park, organised by the Harpenden Lions in aid of local charities.  If you have a kilt at home get it out the wardrobe, you won’t look out of place!  There will be pipes, drums, caber-tossing and dancing.

Brand new for 2018 is Open Air Theatre in Lydekker Park on Saturday 14th July.  Imajica Theatre Company will be performing “Don’t Worry Be Happy” along with other entertainment and it’s all free!

Another annual favourite taking place on Wednesday 25th July is Classics on the Common organised by the Rotary Club.  With more than 1000 classic cars, motorcycles and scooters on display, even if you’re not a massive car fan it’s a great spectacle and nice afternoon out, and it's all in aid of charity.  Entrance is free but donations are welcome.

And so we find ourselves at the end of the month and into the school holidays. There's no shortage of events and activities on offer to keep the children busy and we’re still adding more to our What’s On page so keep checking back nearer the time.  Two in particular that are worth a mention... Little Stock is a series of themed events at Stockwood Discovery Centre.  26th – 29th July is Dinosaurs and includes a story-telling performance, art & crafts, and an animatronic dinosaur!  Booking is required.  Later themes are Puppetry, Circus and Nature.  And on 28th July the new St Albans Museum launches its summer programme with its Summer Family Festival - a day of family activities including their new family trail.  If you haven't vsited yet it's a chance to go along and have a look.

Finally, since it happens right at the start of August and we wouldn' want you to miss it, we should mention the Teddy Bear’s Picnic in Lydekker Park, which will coincide with National Play Day on the 1st August.  Bring your teddies for an afternoon of free entertainment.