A new - and free - summer festival is coming to St Albans city centre tonight, but what can attendees expect?
The first Maltings Summer Sounds event will be held this evening, June 27, and promises to be packed with late-night shopping, live entertainment and street food.
The shopping centre will transform with live music and DJ sets at the bandstand, alongside a variety of pop-up bars and street food vendors, offering everything from global flavours to sweet treats.
Maltings general manager Richard Marrett said: “The weather forecast looks great for tonight, so please, come on down and enjoy this wonderful event that celebrates our amazing retailers and fantastic local community.”
Find out everything you need to know about tonight's event below:
Where is the event?
The festival takes places at The Maltings Shopping Centre, and at various shops. Much of the music will be performed at the bandstand.
A full map for summer sounds has been published via The Maltings Instagram page.
When is the event?
The event begins this evening (June 27), at 6pm running until 10pm.
Travel
Attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport to reach the city centre.
Multiple bus routes including the 302, 602, 601, 653, 305, 724 and 275 all call at the closest stop - Police Station - or St Peter's Street which is a short walk away from The Maltings.
Visitors can also enjoy free parking from 6pm to midnight on June 27, in The Maltings Car Park.
Music
Musicians will perform at the band stand opposite Costa and a DJ will be set up towards Wilko's.
Hemel-based performance academy Brilliant Theatre Arts kick things off showcasing young stars-in-the-making, with a spectacular selection of musical theatre hits.
Grace George then heats things up. The rising star whose soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics have been featured on ITV’s Love Island - she will perform two headline sets.
At the Wilko’s end of the shopping centre, the legendary Dirty Stereo DJs will keep the summer vibes going with uplifting house music throughout the evening.
In celebration of Pride Month, the host for the evening is the iconic Fiona Flange who boasts more than 28 years of drag excellence.
Food
There is a seriously good line-up of street food at summer sounds, with something for everyone.
- Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire favourites Chicken George, will be offering crispy fried chicken
- "Wood-fired perfection" can be found at St Albans market legend Peddling Pizza
- Infuse St Albans will be cooking a selection of "flavour-packed" dishes from across the world
- Waffle Wands will offer "sweet treats on a stick" through its iconic dish
Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Drinks & Bars
Attendees can enjoy some top drinks, alcoholic and soft, offered by eateries, breweries and bars.
- The 3 Brewers of St Albans - will be offering a range of local craft beers
- Fade To Black - will also be providing some "delicious draft beers"
- "Sip for a cause" - charity Youth Talk are hosting a Prosecco Bar
- Blackridge Distillery - has a selection of "Artisanal goodness"
- For soft drinks visit Costa for iced coffees and coolers
- Bakers + Barista’s - will be serving up refreshing soft drinks and more, keeping you cool
- Bunkum Rum - offer a full bar and plenty of rum
Shopping
- The Alternative Beauty – spin to win for amazing prizes, make-up consultations and an exclusive summer fashion pop-up with Karen Jennings of @StylingOut50
- Virgin – book your dream holiday and celebrate with a complimentary bottle of prosecco
- Bouyage – Receive amazing goody bags and enter a prize draw to win fantastic treats including a relaxing facial, a blow-dry and more
- Up We Pop – bringing the fun and fizz with prosecco, and a spin to win
- Accessorize – 20 per cent off full-priced items and a Henna studio, with all donations going to the Monsoon Accessorize foundation
- Clipso – enjoy hair consultations, meet and receive advice from GHD experts, and be in with a chance to win an incredible prize
- Vache Bleue – Five STAR Event – with a chance to meet artists including Jake Wood (Max Branning, Eastenders), OneLife183 (contemporary British pop/graffiti artist Kelvin Wise) and signings with Jeff Thomson (former Australian cricketer) and Mick Harford (Luton Town club legend).
- Hotel Chocolat – free samples of chocolate heaven
- Sanrizz – shop exclusive offers and book in for styling appointments
- Lush – put on your best performance at Lush with their open mic and sing-along lyrics
- Fashion by Peony – recently opened, Peony are offering Prosecco for a sip and shop experience
- Aveda Solange – complementary consultations, hand and head massages, discounts on selected hair treatments and if you book on the night, you receive a 20 per cent exclusive discount on colour appointments, facials, or full body massages.
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