| Southdown Performing Arts Centre |
| A Christian performing arts centre |
Description
Southdown Performing Arts Centre, located on Southdown Road in Harpenden, is a vibrant hub for music, dance, drama, and community events with a spiritual heart. With an 80 seat studio theatre it hosts local performances, after school classes, private hires and touring acts - bringing creativity and connection to the heart of town.
| Sarah Coveney Evans Art |
| Abstract Artist |
Description
I explore how paint can express the intangible and create atmosphere through touch, symbols, marks and hues. My abstract paintings celebrate my love of nature, experiences and surroundings, and fascination with colour and light. My background as an award-winning glass artist and classical musician are strong influences on my work.
| Hardynge Choir |
| An inclusive, friendly local choir |
Description
The Hardynge Choir is an unauditioned choir. Our aim is to provide a challenging outlet for singers wishing to perform mainstream choral works alongside contemporary and lesser known works. We believe singing should be taken seriously with commitment, but also be fun and open to all.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088344430797
| The Arts Society Harpenden Evening |
| Arts lectures and visits |
Description
Monthly evening lectures and occasional study days by experts deliver a wide variety of interesting and engaging presentations on topics related to the arts. Members also benefit from visits to exhibitions and short cultural breaks in various parts of the UK and access to regional events.
| Magic Voices |
| Contemporary Music Choir |
Description
Harpenden’s 'Magic Voices' is a non-auditioned, friendly contemporary music choir. We sing unique arrangements of well-known songs from a wide variety of sources, including musical theatre, films and the world of popular music. We rehearse on Monday evenings at the Methodist Church in the High Street.
| SW DANCE Academy |
| Dance classes for all ages |
Description
SW DANCE Academy offers vibrant, inclusive dance classes for all ages across St Albans and Harpenden. Offering street dance, lyrical, and freestyle classes, its supportive atmosphere fosters confidence, creativity, and fun. Students can perform in showcases, competition squads, camps, and dance intensives - all led by passionate, accredited instructors.
| Harpenden Dance School |
| Dance school for toddlers through to adults |
Description
Harpenden Dance School was established in 1982. We offer classes for children aged from 2 years+ all the way through to adults. Our timetable of dance styles include Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Modern Theatre, Jazz and Musical Theatre, plus adult classes for Ballet-Tone, Tap, and Jazz. Approximately 200 pupils attend weekly lessons. Jasmine Osborn assisted by a team of teachers bringing a wealth of qualifications and experience to the school which also enjoys the benefits of talented pianists in all of our ballet and pre-school dance classes. Pupils have the opportunity to be entered for examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance and/or the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and we put on our bi-annual show at the EMC. Next show will be March 2025.
Instagram: @harpendendance
| Artscape |
| Fine Art & Craft Materials |
Description
When people visit Artscape, they can expect professional, friendly service with knowledgeable staff to assist them. It doesn’t matter what patrons need – picture framing, mountboards, art and craft materials, stationery, computer refill ink cartridges, high-quality colour copying, etc. We offer a host of services and products to ensure that you get everything you need in one shop.
Instagram: @artscapeharpenden
| Herts Visual Arts Forum |
| Hertfordshire wide organisation connecting Artists |
Description
Harpenden has a thriving area group, as part of the countywide HVA. We meet monthly for social catch up, plus helpful organisation information. HVA organises ‘Open Studios’ (amongst other exhibiting opportunities) where artists either open their studios to the public or share a space to offer their artwork for sale.
| Harpenden and District Local History Society |
| Local History Society and Museum |
Description
Harpenden History has a museum open to the public, with an archive for research, a thriving band of volunteers, a mission to educate the public in the local history of Harpenden and to make a valuable contribution to the cultural life of Harpenden. Visit the museum! Join in our activities!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harpendenhistory/?locale=en_GB
| Musicale |
| Music lessons for all ages |
Description
Musicale is passionate about sharing their love of music and lighting that spark in others! There is something here for everyone! Offering term time music lessons (age 7-100), instrument rental, Summer Holiday Music Courses (age 5-18), ensembles and groups (age 4-100), and hall hire. Making music, making memories, make it Musicale!
| Art on the Common |
| Open Air Art Fair |
Description
Established for over 30 years, Hertfordshire’s premiere outdoor art event on Harpenden Common showcases stunning artworks from over 60 local artists across a wide spectrum of genres. A charitable event - in the last 3 years (20222-24) raising an incredible £17K for Cancer Research in pitch sales and commission.
| Harpenden Photographic Society |
| Photographic society |
Description
Harpenden Photographic Society is a friendly club of around 70 active members. The varied programme provides an opportunity to enjoy and improve your photography with like-minded enthusiasts. Speakers are drawn from well-known photographers with the aim to inspire through showing work across many genres. New members welcome!
Follow us on Insta @harpendenphotosociety
| Harpenden Art Club |
| Practical art, all levels, evenings (adults) |
Description
We meet in person on a Thursday night in the Salvation Army Halls. We are a friendly and supportive club, and welcome all levels of experience from absolute beginner to professional artists. Our programme includes practical sessions and artist demonstrations (Sept-May) and outdoor sketching in the summer.
| The Arts Society Harpenden Area |
| Promoting art through a programme of lectures |
Description
A group for people who love learning about art of any kind - paintings, sculpture, photography, music, architecture and more. Members enjoy monthly morning talks given by engaging expert speakers, and benefit from visits to galleries, exhibitions, historic houses and cultural events.
| Hurst Children's Theatre Group |
| Singing, dancing, drama and acting classes |
Description
HCTG is an all-singing, dancing and acting drama group for children aged 3-18. The emphasis is on having fun and picking up important life skills. Hour long classes are weekly (term time only) and lead to 2 productions in local theatres each year. We also run holiday workshops and parties.
| Harpenden and Wheathampstead Gang Show |
| The longest running gang show in the world |
Description
Scouts aged 9-18 perform an annual multi-award-winning show jam-packed with song, dance and comedy. First put on in 1949, this perennial favourite in the Harpenden calendar demonstrates the talents of unauditioned young people who rehearse for four months, produced by volunteers. A joyful and spectacular experience.
| Eric Morecambe Centre |
| Theatre and entertainment venue |
Description
Harpenden’s Eric Morecambe Centre opened its doors in September 2021. This state-of-the-art culture and entertainment venue boasts a variety of different spaces for theatre, music, exhibitions, meetings and is the home to Harpenden Museum. We regularly host live music, tribute acts, comedy, theatre productions, school concerts, an annual Christmas Panto as well as a comprehensive film programme. Our venue is used by local activity groups including dance and exercise classes, as well as popular local toddler and pre-school groups. Our function rooms provide the perfect venue for private celebrations, as well as charity and corporate events.
Instagram: @everyoneactive
| Harpenden Choral Society |
| Thriving and friendly amateur choir |
Description
Harpenden Choral Society, founded in 1975, is a vibrant amateur choir of ~75 singers based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. They perform four concerts annually—including carols, classical works, and workshops—often with professional soloists, orchestras, and guest coaches. New members receive support, free lessons (under-30s), and a welcoming community.
Arts and culture Forum
The Town Council has a priority to find ways in which we can support and improve the arts and culture sector locally. To do this we have recently formed an Arts and Culture Forum with local organisations who have joined us to help shape our objectives. Find out more about these exciting groups below. If you work or volunteer within this sector and would like to join the Forum please contact Harpenden Town Council.
If you are looking for a venue for your organisation to meet, we may have availability at Park Hall community space, alternatively visit our Halls for Hire page to look at other local options.
