02 Sep 2026
Preparations for this year’s Begin Here Festival – the St Albans-based Zombies music event – are now in full swing, with details of the full programme now announced.
For the weekend of October 30 to November 1, Zombies fans will have the chance to see, meet, mingle with the Rock and Roll Hall Of Famers, get their albums signed, dance the night away at a ’60s themed costume party, bask in the voice of Colin Blunstone and a string quartet at the Cathedral, enjoy insightful Q&As and so much more!
Festival passes are moving quickly, but for fans who cannot attend the whole weekend Saturday day passes are available alongside tickets for just the candlelight concert with Colin, when he will be accompanied by Dave Bainbridge (Strawbs, Lifesigns, IONA), and Q Strings quartet.
The evening will also feature special guests Russ Ballard (Argent), Søren Koch (The Zombies, Beatophonics), and a very special guest yet to be announced. The show will be opened by local folk trio, ARC (Anya, Russell and Cara Rodford).
This year’s schedule is as follows. All events are for Festival Pass holders only, with two exceptions. The tickets for the Saturday night Cathedral show only are available from the festival website, and the Sunday Music Brunch is an “add on” available to Platinum and Gold pass holders only.
Friday
1-4pm – Pick up badges at Festival HQ (Collective Gallery & Art Project Space 18 Holywell Hill);
5-7pm – Fan Club Opening Party at the Blacksmiths Arms, where the band first met in 1961;
7.30pm – Photos by the Fan Club Mural at The Pioneer Club, followed by ’60s costume dance party from 8-10pm.
Saturday
9-10am – Jog with the Zombies Runners or stroll with the Blunstone Strollers (starting at the Cathedral Green);
11am – Group drone photo on the Cathedral Green – all badge holders will receive a digital copy;
1pm – Record signing with all four original members and the current line up – Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Chris White, Hugh Grundy, Steve Rodford, Soren Koch – at the Collective Gallery;
3-4pm – Q&A with original bassist Paul Arnold, interviewed by Mike Naylor at St Albans Museum + Gallery;
7-10pm – Colin Blunstone and friends Candlelight concert at St Albans Cathedral.
Sunday
11am – Music Brunch with Soren Koch and friends at The Horn;
3pm – Panel Q&A with all four original band members at St Albans Museum + Gallery;
TBC – Closing party with Steve Rodford and The Maida Vales at The Boot.
Visit the website to see more photos from past festivals and purchase tickets: https://www.thezombiesmusic.com/beginherefestival
