Classical Concert

The Camerata Chamber Orchestra, provider of free concerts in aid of Hertfordshire churches, is giving its next performance in St Albans City Centre. The programme will feature Vivaldi’s concerto for 4 violins in B minor, Telemann’s E minor concerto for flute and recorder and Haydn’s dramatic and elegant Symphony No: 84, as well as works by JC Bach and Holst. All are welcome; admission is free, with a retiring collection for the church.

Marlborough Road Methodist Church, St Albans, Saturday, December 3, 7.30pm. Details: r.bowman482@btinternet.com

The Amazons

The Amazons return to The Horn with a support slot with Jimmy Eat World and a Q Award Nomination for Best Breakthrough Act under their belts. The Reading rock quartet, signed to the legendary Fiction records, have been described as “one of the most exciting outfits on the live circuit”. Their latest single, In My Mind, was produced by Catherine Marks (Wolf Alice, Foals, The Vaccines) and captures The Amazons’ ability to blend a fiery cocktail of aggressive stop-start dynamics with an anthemic hook.

The Horn, Victoria Street, St Albans, Thursday, December 1. Details: 01727 853143, thehorn.co.uk

Starry Night of Poets

Is religious poetry dead? To find out come to the launch of The Poet’s Quest for God – 21st Century Poems of Faith, Doubt and Wonder. The anthology contains 300 poems and, as the title implies, many are written by non-believers. Some are about the absence of God – or definitions of human value which could apply to any faith. The event will be hosted by Canadian poet, editor and publisher, Todd Swift.

Waterstones, 8 St Peter's Street, St Albans, Saturday, December 3, 7pm. Details: 01727 834966

The Nutcracker

The traditional tale of The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara and her enchanted nutcracker doll. Their adventures see Clara and the Nutcracker combat the Mouse King, and join the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier on a wonderful journey through the glistening Land of Snow to a kingdom made entirely of sweets. Returning by popular demand, Vienna Festival Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker promises to delight audiences of all ages with its festive setting and light-hearted story.

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Saturday, November 26, 2.30pm. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk

Harp and a Monkey in The Great War

Folk at the Maltings concert will feature ‘electro-folk storytellers’ Harp and a Monkey. In the first half, Harp and a Monkey will perform some of their other songs, after an opening set from New Roots finalists, Rosie and Rowan. The second half of the concert will be devoted to the band’s show The Great War: New Songs & Stories and is held in association with the authors of the recently published book, St Albans: Life on the Home Front, 1914-1918.

Maltings Arts Theatre, The Maltings, St Albans, Friday, December 2, 8pm. Details: 07807 521436 maltingsarttheatre.co.uk