GLAMOROUS movie and TV star Joan Collins is appearing at the Alban Arena next Tuesday, March 13, where she will share the stories and secrets of her celebrated career.

The star of Dynasty, who is beloved by celebrity and gossip columns alike, will regale the audience with her life story from 7.45pm when she comes on stage.

Tickets are available from the Arena box office on 01727 844488 or book online at www.alban-arena.co.uk

Three bands are taking part in Music City Unsigned – billed as the unsigned music event of the year – at the Arena next Saturday, March 17.

Members of the public have voted for their favourite unsigned band in the St Albans district with the top three playing from 7.30pm.

They include Dublin-born Rae Kelly who has been composing since the age of 10 and has an eclectic range of influences from David Bowie and Radiohead to Tori Amos and Carol King.

By the age of 18 she had twice been a finalist in the Irish 2FM National song contest and was hailed by an Irish radio presenter as “the full package’’. She moved to St Albans and has obtained an MSc in Music Composition for Film and Media.

Joining her is St Albans-based rock band Tranquil Fury originally formed in 2007 before honing their skills and building a following in and around Beds, Herts and Bucks and the London area.

In 2009, they released their first music video and accompanying digital release “the price” (briefly shown on Sky’s Lava TV) which led to over 20,000 views in the first month.

The third finalists are Waiting for Katherine who have taken the local scene by storm in an amazingly short period of time. They have been together as a band for less than two years but won Battle of the Bands 17 at The Horn within a few months of getting together. Since then they have built on their reputation as one of the most enjoyable live bands in the area,

The Horn in St Albans will keep the music flowing with DJ sets throughout the evening and a late night party back at the music pub with MCU1 runners up Swanvesta Social Club!

Mother’s Day next Sunday, March 18, is marked at the Arena by a Night at the Opera, a programme of works by Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Rossini, Bizet, Offenbach and more from 7.30pm.

The artists will appear in period evening dress recreating the atmosphere and grandeur of past times and the performance will be accompanied by a select chamber ensemble.

It is being performed by London Festival Opera who have appeared with major opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

A visit to the Arena by Fascinating Aida next Friday, March 16, has sold out.

n Due to popular demand, the Arena is again screening The Iron Lady at 1.30pm this Saturday.

Depicting the life of Margaret Thatcher and the price she paid for power, the film has won its star Meryl Streep both an Oscar and a Bafta award for best actress. Tickets are �4.