22 Apr 2026
The Zombies are hosting a special fan event over Halloween weekend (October 30 – November 1), celebrating the “British Invasion” band’s musical legacy and deep ties to their hometown of St Albans.
This will be the third occasion that fans from across the globe have congregated in St Albans to experience live music, first-hand stories from original band members, record signings, and other Zombies-themed activities throughout the vibrant city where the band first formed as schoolboys in 1961.
This year’s Begin Here Festival will feature a once-in-a-lifetime acoustic performance by lead singer Colin Blunstone, set to candlelight in St. Albans Cathedral on Saturday October 31.
Other festival events will focus around local landmarks, including a fan club opening party at The Blacksmiths Arms, where The Zombies first met, and a ’60s-themed costume dance party at The Pioneer Club, where the band held their very first rehearsal. Expect a weekend of surprise guests and music-filled activities throughout the city.
The festival is named after The Zombies’ 1965 debut album Begin Here, which the band has now reissued via their own label Beechwood Park Records, in vinyl, CD and digital formats, fully-remastered in the original Mono mix.
The Zombies formed in St Albans and became a popular local band before winning The Times’ “Herts Beat Competition” at Watford Town Hall in 1964. This victory earned them a deal to record a single for Decca Records.
The resulting track ,’She’s Not There’, found the band following on the heels of The Beatles, becoming the second British band to score a Number 1 hit in America with a self-written song.
Festival tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 24 at 3pm via The Zombies’ website. Fans can also join The Zombies’ official fan club or order a copy of Begin Here (Mono Remastered) from the band’s official store for access to an exclusive pre-sale today (Wednesday).
If you are interested in becoming involved in this year’s Begin Here Festival as a volunteer or local business, please reach out to The Zombies’ Management at BeginHereFest@gmail.com.
For tickets and more information please visit https://www.thezombiesmusic.com/beginherefestival
