What's on in Watford this weekend, 22nd and 23rd June, 2019

Hertfordshire Festival of Music

With performances, talks, masterclasses, guided walks and educational projects, HFoM 2019 promises to be an inspirational midsummer celebration of world-class music making. Held in the historic county of Hertfordshire these events are happening only twenty miles from central London and surrounded by glorious countryside. The Principal Artist this year is one of the most famous musicians of our time, celebrated cellist Steven Isserlis CBE. For the first time at HFoM an outstanding professional orchestra, the Orchestra of the Swan, is invited to perform Haydn and more in the fabulous acoustic setting of All Saints’ Church, Hertford. With a diverse range of ensembles, soloists and living composers to inspire our audiences, this is the most lavish musical feast so far.

Various locations in Hertfordshire, until Sunday, June 23. Details: 01992 584322 hertsmusicfest.org.uk

Freedom ‘19

International tribute artiste Wayne Dilks and his band pay tribute to the late George Michael in this stunning show. Wayne has been a George Michael tribute artist for almost 20 years and delivers his heartfelt tribute to the global superstar in a sensitive and spectacular way. Join Wayne and his incredible band for a celebration of George’s fantastic 35 year career with songs from his Wham! days up to his final album Symphonica.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Saturday, June 22, 7.30pm. Details: 01923 571102 watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Songs from the Greatest Shows

Following the successful concerts last year featuring music from West Side Story, the Radlett Festival of Music is back with local school choirs, adult singers and up-and-coming young musicians. Come and hear songs from film and theatre such as The Greatest Showman, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book and Joseph. The performances may also involve some participation by the younger members of the audience. This is the fifth event at the Radlett Centre arranged by this brilliant team since their first performance of Joseph back in 2010. They combine the unbridled enthusiasm of young singers with extremely talented soloists.

The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Saturday, June 22, 2pm and 6.30pm. Details: 01923859291 radlettcentre.co.uk

Watford MS Research Talk

The Watford Multiple Sclerosis group is hosting a free talk "Breaking Boundaries in MS Research" by researcher Kayla Vuong. She will discuss the latest understanding of MS, symptom management and plans to put a stop to MS.

Cineworld, intu Watford, Saturday, June 22, 11am. Details: 07448 373863 watfordresearchtalk.eventbrite.co.uk

Original 291 Club Windrush Edition

After the success of the Original 291Club relaunch show at the Hackney Empire last year, the show is back with the over-55s talent showcase which comprise of acts performing their tribute to the Windrush Generation. In and amongst the over-55 talent, there will be a sprinkling of younger members of the community performing a song or a poem that their great grandparent taught them. They’ll be a live interview with nurses and teachers who qualified in the Caribbean. The Original 291Club will also be giving awards to unsung heroes in the Watford community.

Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, Saturday, June 22, 7.30pm. Details: 01923 225671 watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Oxhey Open Gardens

Oxhey Open Gardens is an annual event, showcasing creative, inspiring village gardens to enthusiastic gardeners and visitors. Every year the event raises a substantial amount of money for charity. All the gardens are within easy walking distance of the starting points where you will receive a booklet with a map and full details of the open gardens and tea stops.

Starting points 48 Villers Road and 55 Oxhey Avenue, Oxhey, Sunday, June 23, 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Details: oxheyopengardens.co.uk

Alban Fest

Taking place on St Albans Day, Alban Fest welcomes all to an afternoon full of free Roman-themed entertainment. Experience the drama of a Roman battle with live demonstrations by Ermine Street Guard, including artillery shootings, military training and a static Roman camp. Witness the incredible skill of medieval pilgrimage badge making by Lionheart Replicas and create exciting clay sculptures of St Albans Cathedral with Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild alongside a real Roman potter. Fantastic 12ft tall carnival puppets will make appearances throughout the afternoon. There will also be festival glitter and face painting, music by the Maida Vales and the Pluckwits as well as arts, games and delicious food and drink.

The Orchard, St Albans Cathedral, St Albans, Saturday, June 22. Details: 01727 890210 stalbanscathedral.org

Bushcraft Weekend

Come along for a special weekend where you can learn all about bushcraft, try your hand at activities and watch demonstrations. There will also be the opportunity to explore areas of the site which are not usually open to the public. Have a go at shelter building in the woodland area, see if you can find all the items in the scavenger hunt, learn about cooking over a fire, and explore the site using the orienteering map. Come and attend a ‘Wild Larder’ tour with Kev Palmer who has been working as a bushcraft instructor for 18 years. He’ll show you which of the wild plants, found in the museum’s woodland, can be used for food and remedies.

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23. Details: 01494 871117 coam.org.uk