St Albans’ Summer in the City comes to a close

SUMMER in the City which brought street entertainment to the centre of St Albans has been pronounced a big hit.

It ended at the weekend with comedy around the market on Saturday from The Vegetable Nannies showing off their pramful of little charges and Fairly Fresh Fish which introduced shoppers to dancing prawns and a lively octopus.

Sunday saw the Town Hall Square and St Peter’s Street come alive with dance, comedy, aerial acts and more besides.

Supermarket trolleys and tandems made unusual dance partners for two dance companies while the third, Savoy Hop, showed off their skills in jive and Lindy Hop.

Violinist, Sid Bowfin, demonstrated his high energy antics and visitors were also able to create music on junk instruments or produce unique pieces of artwork with St Albans’ own Culture Cart.

The first weekend provided a taste of Covent Garden-style entertainment as buskers, outdoor theatre, music and street performers took to St Peter’s Street. Performers included an escapologist, a dancing robot and walkabout acts who mingled with crowds and wandered between the market stalls.

Councillor Beric Read, the district council’s portfolio holder for community engagement and localism, said: “August was a great month for St Albans with something happening in the city centre every weekend providing entertainment for visitors to the shops and cafes.

“Although Summer in the City came to a grand finale this weekend with street performers everywhere, the fun does not stop there. It will be a busy autumn for the city with Giant Monopoly, St Albans Food and Drink Festival and the brand new St Albans Christmas Market.”

The street entertainment for Summer in the City was organised by St Albans Arts, Sport and Health Development, part of Leisure Connection, the council’s contractors.