The Stevenage Fringe - 2023

If you want to know more or would like to be involved in 2025 then please contact us by email, facebook or twitter using the links at the foot of this page. Likewise please use these links to contact us to give us details of events below that have incomplete details.

There were a huge variety of events celebrating the arts in Stevenage surrounding and during the festival that weren't part of the main programme (click on the link to view the Main programme). See the Fringe events below.

2023 Fringe Programme

June to July 2023
Click on links below to jump lower down the page for more details about the events.

Events:

Ordinary to Extraordinary

If you're in the Town Centre why not come and experience the beauty of art in all its forms at our community exhibition! Featuring stunning photography, breathtaking visual art, and elegant floral arrangements, this event will inspire and delight all who attend. Join us for a celebration of creativity and community!

Entry: FREE

Please note that the exhibition is accessible during normal Leisure Centre opening hours, but access may occasionally be restricted for operational reasons. Call first on 01438 363200 to check if making a special journey.

Herts Libraries presents:
"I did see a Mammoth!"

Children's Story and Illustration Workshop

SORRY BUT EVENT HAD TO BE CANCELLED

Join author and best selling children’s book illustrator Alex Willmore for a fun event around the story and illustrations for his book 'I did see a mammoth!'.

Ideal for ages 4 – 7 (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Curator Tour

A curated tour of the museum lasting an hour.

Tickets: £5 per person, No Concessions. Contact the Museum to book.

Quiz Night

A fun fundraising night for the new museum, lots of different rounds to test your knowledge, including (of course!) a Stevenage round.

Tickets: £5 per person, No Concessions. Includes a cheese platter . Please bring your own drinks. Contact the Museum to book.

Under 5's Smiley Shark Fun Session

Stories, games and art and craft fun - For children under 5 and their parents and carers.

Tickets: £2.50 per person, £1 concessions. Booking essential. Contact the Museum to book.

Lunch and Listen - New Town Shopping

Sadly Dr Elain Harwood from Historic England died recently (she was originally going to give this talk), she'll be much missed as she was a passionate enthusiast for all things new town, so this talk will be a tribute to her< -
Jo Ward will give the talk and we'll share what we have learned about the town centre as part of our Historic England funded "Everyday Histories" project exploring the town centre's journey from ideas on paper drawn up as early as 1950 (when no houses had been built yet!) to a town centre (and town) ready to be visited by the Queen in April 1959 for its official opening.

Tickets: £5 per person, No Concessions. Contact the Museum to book.

Herts Libraries presents:
Make a Dreamcatcher

Make your own dreamcatcher at this craft event. Ideal for ages 5-11.

Tickets: £3 (Children must be accompanied by an adult for this family learning workshop.)
Call 0300 123 4049 to book or call in at the Library to get tickets. - or click on icon below to book

Stevenage Music Centre presents:
Family World Percussion event

EVENT HAD TO BE CANCELLED.
Come and have a bash!
Try out different types of percussion - djembe, samba and steel pans - and get to make some music together at this fun, family friendly workshop in three 45 minute sessions over 3 hours.

Stevenage Arts Guild presents: - Quiz Night

Put your thinking caps on and join us for a fun-filled fundraising quiz! Test your knowledge and help raise funds for Stevenage Arts Guild at the same time. Bring your own drinks and nibbles.

Tickets: £5 per person
To book a table (maximum of 8 persons per table/team) email hilaryspiers@gmail.com.

Weston Concerts (100th Concert) presents:
The Galliard Ensemble

This is a very special event to celebrate the hundredth concert staged by Weston Music Society, founded in 2000 by a group of musical enthusiasts in the village. Concerts have included internationally renowned musicians, as well as up and coming stars in the classical world, and have created a loyal following in their audiences, many of whom travel from out of the area to experience exceptional performances in an intimate, and relatively cheap, rural setting.

Now in its 24th year, the Galliard Ensemble is established as one of Britain’s leading chamber groups having performed in many of the world’s leading venues and festivals, and frequently broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and around the World. Please come and join in the celebration! Pay on the door or book on http://trybooking.co.uk/BTAH

Tickets: £20 per person, £5 Under 25's
Pay on the door or book on trybooking (click on icon)

Under 5's Smiley Shark Fun Session

Stories, games and art and craft fun - For children under 5 and their parents and carers.

Tickets: £2.50 per person, £1 concessions. Booking essential. Contact the Museum to book.

Stevenage Day 2023

This popular event will host over 200 stalls with a wide range of entertainment including Rock in the Park, world music performers, childrens' rides and entertainment, games, displays, food stalls and arena events

For more information go to: www.stevenage.gov.uk/stevenage-day or email stevenageday@stevenage.gov.uk

Entry: FREE

Weston 100 Festival presents: Cherry Tots 10th Birthday Party

Everyone's welcome at this family fun day to celebrate 100 years of the Weston Village Hall and 10 years of Cherry Tots, our wonderful village toddler and baby group, and to mark Cherry’s retirement at end of the summer term. Among the attractions will be 2 bouncy castles, face painter, circus skills, an ice-cream van and lots of cake! Fizz and Birthday Cake at 4pm.

Tickets: Family Day Pass £5 (up to 3 children). £1 for each extra child.
Tickets from Cherry Tots at the Village Hall Fridays 9am - 11am or at the door on the day.

Bob Wright presents: Life Drawing Workshop

A classic life drawing session creating figure studies using professional artists’ models. All levels are welcome, from the seasoned scribbler to the novice. This is a fantastic opportunity to practice observational drawing skills and develop knowledge of human proportions and anatomy. Critique and advice is on hand to help you develop your approach.

Boards, paper and basic supplies provided. Please feel free to bring your own materials and supplies to make the best of the session.

Tickets: £15 per person
To book contact Bob at bobwright@pencilwright.com

Stevenage and Knebworth Arts Group presents: Edith Piaf

Discover the fascinating life and music of Edith Piaf in our talk by Derek Blyth. Join us for an insightful journey through the iconic singer's career.

Tickets: £5

Summer Walk - 800 Years a town

Join Hugh Madgin on a walk through the town’s history

Tickets: £5 per person, £5 Concessions. Booking essential. Contact the Museum to book.

J7C presents: Stevenage Writers - Start Writing!

Have you ever thought of writing but not yet started?

Join us for this introductory workshop for adults. What are your thoughts and memories of this town?

We’ll look at local literature like Howards End, the stimulus for the Forster Country interest at this time. And we’ll finish with some writing and reflection.

FREE EVENT - Drop us a line at stevenagewriters@gmail.com to secure a place, or just turn up on the day!

J7C presents: Stevenage Writers - Just Write!

An indulgent afternoon of writing for adults. There will be quiet places if that’s what you want, or group work to carry you along.  This is a chance to ‘get it down’, to start that project, or even finish it.

There will be experienced writers on hand for advice and encouragement.

FREE EVENT - Drop us a line at stevenagewriters@gmail.com to secure a place, or just turn up on the day!

J7C presents: Stevenage Writers - Showcase Event

Enjoy an evening of writing by Stevenage Writers – an opportunity to engage with some of the talent in the town.

There will be readings, displays, meet the authors, and a review of recently completed works. Refreshments and musical background will be provided to make this a writing social event like no other!.

FREE EVENT - Drop us a line at stevenagewriters@gmail.com to secure a place, or just turn up on the day!

Transport Picnic - Vintage Car and Cycle Display

The Letchworth Garden City Classic and Vintage Car Club picnic is being held in the pretty rural location of Halls Green, near Weston. This event is the LGCCVCC’s annual picnic style meeting where classic and vintage cars are displayed and visitors are welcome to bring their own historic vehicles to show in the main part of the field.

Guests in modern cars have their own parking area in the field too. Live music, refreshments, activities, stalls and more!

Tickets: £5 per car, £2 per motorcycle/pedestrian.
For more details email picnic@lgccvcc.co.uk. To contact by phone - 01462 674347 and for general information about the Car club see: https://www.lgccvcc.co.uk/

Stevenage Arts Society presents: - Glass fusing demonstration

Visitors are welcome to join members of the Arts Society in the Pottery at Springfield House to see how glass fusion is done and how we make the beautiful designs.

There will be a small exhibition of fused glass, paintings and pottery and other art produced by members of the Society in the Oak Room.

Some of the items will be for sale so it’s your chance to pick up an individual piece of work either for yourself or as a gift.

Note: Entry to the Oak Room to view the exhibition is FREE.

Tickets: FREE
For more information email: info.stevenageartsociety@gmail.com.

Stevenage Central Library presents: Create and code with an Ozobot

Suitable for all ages.

Just drop in and learn how to draw lines and move the robots about. No booking required but donations are welcome.

Entry: FREE.

Family Saturday - Terrible Tudors

Free drop-in family craft activities at Stevenage Museum 2-3pm. This Saturday centred on Tudor things.

Tickets: FREE

SKAG presents: Judy Garland

Join us for a captivating talk by Derek Blyth on the life and career of the legendary Judy Garland! Delve into the highs and lows of this iconic performer's journey.

Tickets: £5

South Stevenage Flower Club presents: Terri Potter - Diary of a Floraholic!

If you would like to find out more about how to produce a stunning floral arrangement, why not join us this evening.

A demonstrator for more than 20 years, Terri’s designs are always refreshing, inspirational and she is very generous with detailed explanations.

You can see more of our activities on our website at southstevenageflowerclub.org.

Tickets: £7.50 per person
To book email southstevenageflowerclub@yahoo.com.

Weston Village Hall 100 presents: - Celebrating Local Musicians

As part of Weston Village's celebration of 100 years of our village hall, Weston Music Society is putting on a concert to showcase the hugely talented performers we have in our local area. Whether the performers have grown up locally or decided to make Hertfordshire their home, all are connected to the local community.

Come, listen and be inspired by performers of all ages and stages in their professional careers. With a range of instruments, music from classical to jazz and folk, and a Q&A with the performers, there's something for everyone, families and children welcome.

See http://wvh.org.uk/weston-100-festival-events/ for more details.

Stevenage Central Library presents: - Special Storytimes (1)

This is the first of two Special Storytimes - one yesterda and one today. Both are about Judith Kerr's creations. Today it is about Mog the Cat.

There wil be a Mog story and some Mog based craft activities.

There's no need to book - just turn up. Donations will be welcomed.

Entry: FREE.

Stevenage Arts Society presents: - Demonstration

Visitors are welcome to join members of the Arts Society in the Pottery at Springfield House to see how we work with clay to produce beautiful bowls and dishes.

There will be a small exhibition of fused glass, paintings and pottery produced by members of the Society in the Oak Room.

Some of the items will be for sale so it’s your chance to pick up an individual piece of work either for yourself or as a gift.

Entry: FREE.

Saturday Film Club and Afternoon tea

Join us at the museum for a delicious homemade afternoon tea and a classic film. Suitable for over 14s.

Tickets: £8 per person, No Concessions. Booking Essential. Contact the Museum to book or book online at Art Tickets.
Please let the Museum know (by email or phone) of any dietary requirements when booking.
Due to licensing conditions, please contact the museum to find out which film we are showing.

Access requirements

The museum is all on one level and if you have mobility problems you can park on the forecourt of the church in Cuttys Lane. It is always a good idea to call ahead as we'll need to give you a pass for your car and can meet you there to save you walking all the way to the front desk and then back to put the pass in your car!

Stevenage Central Library presents: - Special Storytimes (2)

This is the second of two Special Storytimes - one yesterday and this one today. Both are about Judith Kerr's creations. Today it is about The Tiger who came to Tea.

There wil be a reading of the story and some Tiger based craft activities.

There's no need to book - just turn up. Donations will be welcomed.

Entry: FREE.

Stevenage and Knebworth Arts Group presents: - Ella Fitzgerald

Join us for a captivating talk by Derek Blyth on the life and career of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald! Delve into the highs and lows of this iconic performer's journey.

Tickets: £5

J7C presents: - Jam @ J7C!

Come along to this very friendly open mic night at Junction 7 Creatives.

Singing, poetry, storytelling, music, more...all welcome.

Whatever your level of experience or confidence, you’re invited to share your creative soul.To take part, just turn up on the night, or email junction7creatives@gmail.com for more information.

FREE EVENT

Stevenage Arts Society presents: - Painting Demonstration

Visitors are welcome to join members of the Arts Society in the upstairs Art Studio at Springfield House to see some of our artists painting Seascapes and Lakes.

There will be a small exhibition of fused glass, paintings and pottery produced by members of the Society in the Oak Room.

Some of the items will be for sale so it’s your chance to pick up an individual piece of work either for yourself or as a gift.

Entry: FREE.

Curator Tour

A curated tour of the museum lasting an hour.

Tickets: £5 per person, No Concessions. Contact the Museum to book.