What's on in Watford this weekend, October 12th and 13th, 2019

Watford Fringe

With over 50 high quality events covering a wide range of genres, the Fringe has something exciting for every taste. Events will include music performances, theatre, workshops, street magic, talks, comedy, and much more.

Various venues in Watford, Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13. Details: watfringe.co.uk

Three Rivers Music Society Concert

One of the most remarkable musical compositions of the 19th century will be performed in Chorleywood this weekend. Felix Mendelssohn was only 16 when he wrote his String Octet in E flat major, opus 20, in 1825. The octet will feature in a concert being given by the newly-formed Ensemble 18-17, which is led by the renowned Chorleywood-based violinist, Peter Nall, a former member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The ensemble will also perform Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Serenade in C major for Strings, opus 48. The third piece to be played will be Malcolm Arnold’s Concerto for Two Violins and String Orchestra.

Chorleywood Memorial Hall, Common Road, Chorleywood, Sunday, October 13, 3pm. Details: trms.uk

Accordion Dreams

As part of the third Watford Fringe Festival David Silver will be performing a selection of accordion music from around the world, together with some original compositions. He'll also talk a little about how the instrument is constructed and how it is played.

The LP Café, 173 The Parade, Watford, Saturday, October 12, 2pm. Details: 01923 225671 sales@watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Down the Rabbit Hole

Imajica Theatre's Immersive production follows Alice as she ventures into Wonderland. Audiences are welcome to sing and dance at a magical Tea Party hosted by the Mad Hatter. Relaxed theatre productions are suitable for a younger and more sensitive audience, with soft house lighting and a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the show. By removing barriers audiences are transported into a magical world, where anything is possible and dreams really do come true.

Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Road, Watford, Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 2pm. Details: pumphouse.info

Once Upon a Princess

The ultimate pop princess party is heading out on the road for its first ever UK tour. This smash-hit glittering production features all your favourite fairy tale princesses plus a soundtrack of top pop hits and movie musical classics that will have the whole audience singing and dancing. The books in the Fairyland library have got muddled up and magic maker Fairy Muddled needs your help to put the pages back in the right books. Join her as she follows the clues to discover which princess will marry Prince Charming. This enchanting production features songs from Olly Murs, Dolly Parton, Cher, Michael Buble, Jess Glynne, The Greatest Showman and more plus West End and Broadway numbers from Shrek, Hairspray, Footloose, Annie and The Wiz.

Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth, Sunday, October 13, 12pm and 4pm. Details: 01923 711063 watersmeet.co.uk

The Nutcracker

Be swept away on a magical adventure in one of the most famous classical ballets of all time – The Nutcracker. With its combination of enchanting choreography and unforgettable music, this fabulous ballet is a treat like no other. Set to Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, 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.

Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth, Saturday, October 12, 7.30pm. Details: 01923 711063 watersmeet.co.uk

Dance Taster Session

As part of the third Watford Fringe Festival, Pump House Clog Morris will be hosting a dance taster session at the Pump House.

Colne River Room, Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Road, Watford, Saturday, October 12, 4.15pm. Details: pumphouse.info

Hertfordshire Wedding Fair

Whether you are looking for the latest wedding gift ideas or a beautiful wedding venue from around Hertfordshire or beyond, this is the wedding fair to visit for inspiration. The fair hosts over 70 quality exhibitors and includes some of the oldest and best known wedding companies in the region. There are two professional fashion shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm featuring dresses from a number of bridal shops, in addition you can view the latest menswear on the catwalk. For family members you will also see bridesmaid dresses and the latest collections for mother of the bride or mother of the groom.

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Sunday, October 13, 11am to 4pm. Details: 01727 844488 alban-arena.co.uk

The Double Dangerous Book for Boys with Conn Iggulden

Get ready to spark your imagination with Chorleywood Bookshop and Conn Iggulden. In this long-awaited follow-up to his much-loved bestseller, written with his sons Cameron and Arthur, Conn Iggulden presents a brand-new compendium of cunning schemes, projects, tricks, games and tales of extraordinary courage. Whether it’s building a flying machine or learning how to pick a padlock (or your own front door, but not someone else’s), discovering our forgotten explorers and the world’s greatest speeches, or mastering the lauded task of solving a Rubik’s cube, The Double Dangerous Book for Boys is the ultimate companion to be cherished by readers and doers of all ages.

Chorleywood Library, Lower Road, Chorleywood, Saturday, October 12, 5pm. Details: 01923 283566 chilternbookshops.co.uk

Annual Book Sale

With thousands of books, the annual sale promises to be as extensive as ever, with big sections for fiction, non-fiction and children’s books – and tea, coffee and homemade cakes too. Admission is free and all proceeds go to Christian Aid.

Baptist Church, Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, Saturday, October 12, 8.30am to 2.30pm. Details: croxleybooksale@gmail.com

Music and Record Fair

The second Tanx Trax music and record fair of 2019 featuring music memorabilia, CDs, vinyl and cassettes from local dealers.

Chiltern Sports & Social Club, Maple Lodge Close, Rickmansworth, Sunday, October 13, and Monday, October 14, from 9am. Details: 07989 156742 tanxtrax@gmail.com