Here’s a round up of some of the events happening in the Garden City this coming week, complied by Discover Letchworth, also available in the Comet, for more details on these and future events visit their ‘What’s On’ page here,
Art and Exhibitions
Who Lived In My House: Friday 13 December until Sunday 11 January (Fridays & Saturdays only). Uncover the hidden past in early Letchworth homes. Throughout 2019 a ‘Who Lived at my House’ project sought the ‘hidden histories’ of working men and women who came to the town and helped to build its communities. This exhibition showcases the work of children from Pixmore and Hillshott schools who learned about the history of their homes over 100 years, and the findings of a wider public who came to an event to trace the history of their home. At the International Garden Cities Exhibition, 296 Norton Way South. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 10am 5pm.
Parade, a Celebration of Contemporary Art Textiles: Friday, December 13 to Sunday, February 16. New exhibition opening today. Inspired by the banner ‘Foursquare our City’, designed by Edmund Hunter in 1903 to celebrate the founding of Letchworth. Bringing together 15 acclaimed international artists Parade is presented as a survey and acclamation of recent developments in visual art textiles, showcasing the many ways in which threads and fabrics are being used by contemporary artists. At Broadway Studio and Gallery, 2 The Arcade. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information call 01462 476110 or visit www .broad way -letch worth .com.
Tremble | Tromos – Katherine Roberts and Sian Wilson: Friday, December 13 to Sunday, February 16. Opening today, Tremble | Tromos is a collaboration between multidisciplinary artist Katherine Roberts and sound artist Sian Wilson exploring themes of birth and transformation. In response to Roberts’ poem Tromos the artists have created sculptural work, drawing and soundscape. At Broadway Studio and Gallery, 2 The Arcade. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information call 01462 476110 or visit www .broad way -letch worth .com.
Spa Songs – Fay Zmija Nicolson: Friday, December 13 to Sunday, February 16. Opening today, Spa Songs is a musical performance composed and choreographed by artist, Fay Zmija Nicolson. Working only with voices, the musical element of this work draws from harmonic relationships found in Early Music, along-side the DIY and anti-establishment energy of folk and punk traditions. At Broadway Studio and Gallery, 2 The Arcade. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information call 01462 476110 or visit www .broad way -letch worth .com.
The Broadway Plinth – Anna Reading – Flock: Friday, December 13 – Sunday, February 16. We’re pleased to announce that the 2019 Mark Tanner Sculpture Prize winner, Anna Reading, will be exhibiting a new work with us this December as part of our Broadway Plinth programme. This new work continues the artist’s exploration into the absurd relationship between the organic and the synthetic. At Broadway Studio and Gallery, 2 The Arcade. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information call 01462 476110 or visit www .broad way -letch worth .com.
Health and Wellbeing
Forty Plus Cycling Club: Thursday, December 12.. This week’s ride is to Gamlingay, with lunch at The Woodview Farmshop. Next week’s ride is to Shuttleworth Aerodrome. Meet at 10.30am. At The Three Magnets, 18 – 20 Leys Avenue. For more details call Geoff, the rides organiser on 01582 618196.
T’ai Chi sessions with Ian Deavin: Friday, December 13 and Monday 16. T’ai Chi is an ancient form of gentle stylised movement well known for its ability to strengthen leg muscles, improve balance, still the mind and enhance general health. At The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road. Monday 12.30pm – 1.30pm, Friday 2pm – 3pm. Cost £6 per session. For more information visit www .letch worth cen tre .org.
Caring Yoga with Saibhung Kaur: Friday, December 13. Kundalini Yoga, chair to mat. This is a term time weekly drop-in class aimed at re-discovering vitality, joy and inner peace. Ideal for carers and those living with long-term conditions, the Kundalini Yoga postures can be adapted to meet most needs and can be done on a chair or on a mat. At The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road. From 1.45pm – 3pm. Cost £5 per session. For more information visit www .letch worth cen tre .org.
Kids and Families
Skating in Letchworth: Thursday, December 12 to Sunday, January 5. Get festive with the whole family this Christmas at Letchworth Outdoor Pool. The 20 x 10 metre covered real ice rink will be located on the terrace. Perfect for all ages and skating abilities, we have a range of figure skates available and skating aids to hire. As well as the ice rink, the cafe will be serving a range of festive hot food and drinks. At Letchworth Outdoor Pool, Icknield Way. Tickets Adult £10, Children £7, 2 Adults and 2 Children £27, 1 Adult and 2 Children £17. Session times Monday – Friday 4pm – 9pm, Weekends 10am – 9pm. For more information including School Holiday and Christmas/ New Year session times and to book visit www .sll .co .uk/ s k a t e l e t c h worth.
The Wind in the Willows: Friday, December 13 – Sunday 15. Join Broadway Theatre in an exciting adventure along the riverbank with a brand-new staging of Kenneth Grahame’s family classic ‘The Wind in The Willows’ this Christmas! Meet loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and wise old Badger. With catchy new songs and lots of humour that will entertain and delight the whole family. At Broadway Theatre, Eastcheap. Show times Friday 10.15am and 1.15pm, Saturday 11am, 3pm and 7pm, Sunday 11am and 3pm. Tickets £15, concessions £13, family £54. For more details and to book call 01462 681088 or visit www .broad way -letch worth .com.
Christmas Craft Saturdays: Saturday, December 14. Keep your little elves busy on the run up to Christmas as the Standalone Farm team take over the Museum at One Garden City with our Christmas Craft Saturdays. While you’re here why not pick up a Standalone Farm gift card from Discover Letchworth – just next door? It’s the perfect gift for family and friends! At Museum at One Garden City, Broadway. Drop in sessions are free on a first come basis between 10am and 2pm and suitable for children aged between 4 – 8. This session will also run on 21 December.
Santa’s Grotto: Saturday, December 14 and 21. Santa Claus makes a welcome return to Garden Square Letchworth Town Centre this year to see who has been naughty or nice. Santa will be in his grotto from 10am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 4pm. Entry £3 per child or £5 for two children. All proceeds will go to the Prospects Trust and 1st Baldock (Templars) Cub Scouts.
Nutcracker Tree Decoration Craft Workshop: Saturday, December 14. Garden Square Shopping Centre will be hosting a FREE Nutcracker Tree Decoration Craft Workshop. Little ones can use a variety of materials and techniques to make their own version of this classic Christmas character. Trained supervisors will be on hand to offer creative guidance. At 7, The Arcade from 10am – 3pm. For more information visit www .gar den square -shop ping .co .uk.
Christmas Tree Festival: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15. The Garden House Hospice invite you to join them for live music, children’s entertainment, refreshments, Christmas quilting exhibition and carols at 3pm. From 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 11:30am to 4pm. At the Free Church, Norton Way South.
Holiday Hoedown: Saturday, December 14 and Sunday 15. Imajica Theatre Company presents Smilin’ Sam’s Holiday Hoedown. Smilin’ Sam welcomes y’all to step into your dancing boots and get ready for the finest event of the year. At The Auditorium Theatre, St Christopher School, Barrington Road. Starts 11am and 2pm daily. Tickets £8 Adults, £6 Children/ Concessions, £24 Family available at www .tick et source .co .uk/ i m a j i c a t h eatre.
Winter Wonderland Family Yoga with Uma Amrita Kaur: Sunday, December 15. A lovely space to connect and have fun with your children. We will use our imagination, exercise, relax and most definitely smile! At The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road. From 3.30pm – 4.30pm. £5 per person. For more information visit www .letch worth cen tre .org.
Theatre, Film, Music and Dance
Letchworth Recorded Music Society: Friday, December 13. Featuring ‘Christmas get-together’. At The Settlement, 229 Nevells Road. Starts at 7.30pm. Guests £2.50. New members and visitors welcome. For more details call Judie on 01462 632171.
Saturday Night Dances: Saturday, December 14. Ballroom – Latin – Sequence, music by Janice. At the Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road. From 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Entry is £7.50 per person. For further information contact Jan on 01462 628247 or 07811 053648 or visit www .come -dance .co .uk.
A Christmas Concert – Garden City Singers: Saturday, December 14. Join Garden City Singers for their fun and festive concert supporting the Garden House Hospice. At Letchworth Free Church, Norton Way South. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £5 including mulled wine and mince pies available from choristers or David’s Bookshop, 14 Eastcheap.
The Nutcracker (2016 Recording): Tuesday, December 17. Royal Opera House: Recorded live at the Royal Opera House on 8th December 2016. The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of The Nutcracker, created by Peter Wright in 1984, is the production par excellence of an all-time ballet favourite. Tchaikovsky’s glittering score, the gorgeous festive stage designs, and The Royal Ballet’s captivating dancing including an exquisite pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince, make this Nutcracker the quintessential Christmas experience. At Broadway Cinema, Eastcheap. Starts at 7pm. Tickets £13 includes a complimentary drink on arrival. For more information and to book call 01462 681088 or visit www .broad way -letch worth .com.
Town and Community Events
Christmas Tree Sale: Thursday, December 12 to Monday, December 23. Pick up a Christmas tree and get your festive preparations underway. At The Wynd. Open between 10am – 5.30pm, and staying open until 8pm on Friday December 6, 13 and 20. For more details visit www .loveletch worth .com.
Letchworth Garden City Late Night Shopping Extravaganza: Friday, December 13 and 20. During December participating retailers will stay open for this late night shopping extravaganza. Pop along and get your Christmas shopping sorted. At Letchworth Garden City Town Centre. Open until 8pm with free parking at Multi Storey, Rowland Way from 3pm — 9pm. For more information visit www .gar den square -shop ping .co .uk or www .loveletch worth .com.
Who Let the Dads Out: Saturday, December 14. A group for Dads, Grandads and Father Figures to enjoy with their under 6’s. Pop along and enjoy a bacon roll, coffee and biscuits. Make some crafts and have a comfy seat! Usually ends with a story. Every second Saturday monthly. At St Paul’s Church, Pixmore Way. From 10am – 11.30am. For more details call Peter on 07986 709199.
Community Cafe: Saturday, December 14. Have a break from the Christmas rush and pop in for a free cuppa. Try some activities and use our free gift-wrapping service. With a quiet area upstairs to relax. Citizens Advice are also on hand, bring a bag to top up with goodies from Letchworth Best Before Cafe. All welcome. At 30a, Leys Avenue between 10am and 3pm. Also open on Saturday 21 December.
North Herts Irish Association Christmas Dance: Saturday, December 14. Join Joe McCarney & Jerry McGuinness for an evening of fun, bring your own food. Christmas raffle. At Jackmans Community Centre, Ivel Court. Members of NHIA and JCC £6, non-members £7.
Christmas Wreath Workshop: Saturday, December 14. Get creative and be inspired by nature at our wreath making workshop in the woods. At Norton Common, Icknield Way. From 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Cost £25 per person. All materials, tools and equipment provided, includes festive drinks and snacks. Spaces are limited to 10 per session. For more information and to book email: culturewoodcic@ gmail. com.
Kingfisher Club: Monday, December 16. Howard Cottage Housing Association runs this club for local people who have low to moderate dementia or are socially isolated. Fun activities and games, plus light refreshments and a two course, nutritious lunch. At the Kingfisher Court, Southern Way. From 10am – 3pm, cost is £15. For more information call 01462 683307.
Kingfisher Club: Thursday, December 17. Howard Cottage Housing Association runs this club for local people who have low to moderate dementia or are socially isolated. Fun activities and games, plus light refreshments and a two course, nutritious lunch. At Macfadyon Webb House, Norton Way North. 10am – 3pm. Cost is £15. For more information call 01462 683307.
