News

Chalkhill Blue © Paul Thrush

Buzzing to bring bees and butterflies back

England’s once-rich grasslands have all but vanished, with 97% of semi-natural habitats lost since the 1930s, taking with them the vibrant tapestry of wildflowers and the pollinators that depend on them. Bees, butterflies and other vital species have seen their homes shrink dramatically, but efforts are now underway to turn the tide and bring these […]

Steve Mitchell - Celebrating George Michael

Musical history of George Michael electrifies Berko

The Celebrating George Michael show electrified a singing and dancing audience as the musical history of the singer who blended pop, soul and R & B evolved, Lyn Drummond reports. As Steve Mitchell started to sing at Berkhamsted’s Civic Centre on 19 April, there was an audible gasp at how much he sounded and looked […]

Mr B

Cats in need of homes

These beautiful cats are currently with Cats Protection Hemel Hempstead & Berkhamsted Branch – can you offer any of them a forever home? Spyro, Ember and Fawn These bundles of fun and energy with lots of love to give and who love playing with anyone and everything are now 10 months old and are looking […]

ATG Inspire Youth Theatre Act

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s creative learning arm gets a refresh

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s Creative Learning arm has had a refresh, and will now support the community under its new name: ATG Inspire. Continuing the venue’s commitment to excellence in cultural education and engagement, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s ATG Inspire programme offers inspiring activities and meaningful experiences that empower people to develop and thrive within the arts […]

Agatha Christie's The Hollow

Agatha Christie’s The Hollow to come to Milton Keynes

Following sell-out tours of And Then There Were None, Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, producers Fiery Angel and director Lucy Bailey (director of the West End hit Witness for the Prosecution) partner once again to bring one of Agatha Christie’s most psychologically charged mysteries to the stage. Agatha Christie’s The […]

Victoria Collins MP at the Marshcroft site in Tring

Council rejects Marshcroft

Victoria Collins, MP for Harpenden & Berkhamsted, has welcomed the decision by Dacorum Borough Council to reject the controversial Marshcroft development, despite knowing that developers could still win on appeal. The council voted on Thursday evening to refuse the 1,400-home scheme, which would have had a massive impact on Tring and the surrounding Chilterns landscape. […]

Medieval Knights Chiltern Open Air Museum

Medieval knights in action at Chiltern Open Air Museum

Step back in time and experience the thrill of the Middle Ages as Chiltern Open Air Museum hosts Clash of Steel: Medieval Knights and the Legend of St George on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Visitors can witness the excitement of full-contact knight battles in the arena, as skilled reenactors bring history to life with dramatic […]

Rabit Credit Paul Bunyard

Can you help with vital wildlife surveys?

Hundreds of volunteers across the UK will be looking in their gardens, local green spaces or riverbanks over the next few months and recording their sightings in a bid to help endangered wildlife. Wildlife conservation charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is calling for nature enthusiasts, families and individuals to take part in two […]

Mean Girls musical production shot. Photo credit: Paul Coltas

Mean Girls strikes a chord with a new generation

Naomi MacKay watched Mean Girls at Milton Keynes Theatre, which runs until Saturday 18 April. The touring production of Mean Girls: The Musical proves that this sharp, candy-coated adaptation of the original movie from 2004 still has plenty of bite. Bringing Tina Fey’s iconic high school satire to stages across the country, it balances glossy […]

Chloe Champken

Leighton Buzzard’s Chloe Champken directs new play Snazzy

Director Chloe Champken, who grew up in Leighton Buzzard and Luton and attended Berkhamsted Collegiate School, will direct Snazzy, a new play about the creation of the Snazaroo face-painting brand, premiering this summer at the New York Theatre Festival. Written by British actor and producer Joe Staton, Snazzy tells the true story behind Snazaroo, founded […]

Vyne Theatre dance and music festival

The Vyne debuts dance and music festival

The Vyne Theatre, Berkhamsted, will present its first summer dance and music festival – including international ballet stars – in July and August. Corinna Chute, director of The Vyne Theatre, describes the festival as an exploration of the profound synergy between dance and music. ‘The programme is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all […]

Hospice plant sale

Hospice plant sale

The Hospice of St Francis has announced the return of its much-loved plant sale, taking place on Saturday 16 May 2026, from 10am to 2pm at Spring Garden Lane in Berkhamsted. This popular annual fundraiser has become a firm favourite for green-fingered enthusiasts and local families alike, attracting hundreds of keen gardeners each year. Visitors […]