JUNE& JULY 2026

Looking ahead to the Summer.

Classics on the Common. July 22

On Wednesday 22 July, Rotary in Harpenden will again be organising this year’s classic car show on Harpenden Common. As usual, there will be no entry charge for the public but, in return for the chance to enjoy the spectacle of up to 1000 classic vehicles, scooters and motorbikes, we ask the public to support our charities by donating as generously as possible at any of the collection points. More information is available at classicsonthecommon.com. The organisers of this charity event, Rotary in Harpenden, suggest that residents should if possible avoid using the Harpenden-St Albans road (A1081) between 11.00am and dusk as there will be considerable congestion with classic vehicles entering and leaving the Common opposite the Silver Cup.

SUMMER IS HERE at THOMPSONS CLOSE CAFE

Owner Damien Tidd has a few words of welcome...

We are embracing the warmer weather and introducing some Spring & Summer specials to the menu alongside our existing much loved breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.

We are also serving our refreshing iced coffees and selection of 16oz milkshakes to help cool you down … giving you a few more reasons to call in to TCC!

Inside and outside.

The Metabolic Way has announced the dates for its Spring 2026 programme, which will be delivered entirely online, offering participants the flexibility to join from anywhere.

Developed by Harpenden residents Rose Butler and Katharine Tate, also known as The Food Teacher, the programme brings together their shared expertise and passion for supporting long-term health through practical, sustainable lifestyle changes.

The six-session programme will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30pm (GMT). The scheduled dates are 21st April, 28th April, 5th May, 19th May, 9th June and 16th June. If you're likely to miss one or two sessions we are happy to provide a recording and notes.

The Metabolic Way programme is designed to help individuals better understand and support their metabolism through practical, sustainable approaches. Across the six sessions, participants will explore ways to improve energy levels, balance blood sugar, and build long-term habits that support overall health and wellbeing.

By delivering the programme online, The Metabolic Way continues to make its content accessible to a wider audience, allowing participants to take part from the comfort of their own homes while still benefiting from a structured and supportive learning environment.

Further information about the programme, including booking details, can be found at https://themetabolicway.com/.

Enquiries are also welcome via email to info@thefoodteacher.co.uk.

July 6 -12. Amazing archive deals during last week of trading at Molasses House ahead of move to London.

Some deals are in the window others in the gallery during the week ahead, so call in to see them, NOT bering published on line so a unique opportunity to buy some great art at affordable prices.

STATION RD. Harpenden

New look fonehouse store open now with a fantastic display of ‘working’ phones for you

to try out.

Call in and chat to Daoud who will show you how.

Opposite Waitrose.

World famous artist Fabian Perez in Harpenden at

Clarendon Fine Art SUNDAY 14TH JUNE

12:30pm - 2:30pm

A packed gallery of art lovers were more than pleased to chat with Fabian for a couple of hours and learn more about his wonderful art.

Born in Argentina in 1967, Fabian Perez has become one of the world's most widely collected figurative artists. Based now in California, Fabian Perez paints with emotion and devotes his life to inspiring others with his painting and writings. He is an easy going character and chats with many visitors during this visit.

I asked him whether he ever painted art in a totally different style to that which made him famous. Delving in to the internet on his phone he showed me some distinctively different art in a ‘Japanese ‘ style.

He also revealed his love of sport.

Clarendon have a wide ranging collection of Fabian’s work on display for those who missed his PA.

Ron Taylor, Editor , www.harpendia.com (Below right)

July 4 & 5. The Redbourn Festival.Details on the posters here, fantastic fun for the whole family.

ART ON THE COMMON Saturday 4th July - Sunday 5th July 2026 Harpenden Common, AL5 2LX 10am – 5pm (Sat) / 10am - 4pm (Sun)

Harpenden’s premier outdoor art fair returns with over 70 local artists exhibiting across the 2-day event fundraising for Cancer Research.

This annual event is part of our growing local art and culture scene and with more than 70 arJsts exhibiJng, as well as live music, this is not to be missed! It is also a wonderful opportunity when you buy artwork to support Cancer Research UK with 15% of sales being donated to this important charity. Over £20,000 has been raised in the last four years. The event is generously sponsored by Artscape based on Coldharbour Lane, Harpenden and in RadleX.

They offer a vast range of art and craZ materials, staJonery products and an on-line framing service, as well as their very popular art splaXer sessions. You can book an Art Splash session where adults and children can get very messy with interacJve splaXer painJng! Or you might like to learn how fishing flies are made with demonstraJons from the Herts Fly Dressers. Whatever your taste and style there is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s Art on the Common. Our talented local art community will be exhibiting jewellery, ceramics, wall art, textles, pottery and photography with prices for every budget.

We have a brilliant lineup of live music so you can relax and tap your toes to Richard Hurford Trio and Guests, The Reverbs, Magic Voices and Finding Harmony. And brand new for this year, we are thrilled to be introducing dancing from the Harpenden Dance Group.