25 Jun 2025
Football icon Mick Harford, one of the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket Jeff Thomson, and EastEnders’ Max Branning, aka Jake Wood, will be taking part in a special signing event as part of The Maltings Shopping Centre’s Summer Sounds.
The free evening of music, food, drink and entertainment takes place this Friday from 6-10pm, kicking off summer in St Albans!
The live music stage, at the Costa bandstand, will host St Albans born and bred acoustic star, Grace George, Flabba; the ultimate ABBA tribute duo and Brilliant Theatre; showcasing the rising stars of St Albans.
Dirty Stereo; spinning upbeat house music guaranteed to get you dancing will be at the Wilko end of the shopping centre.
In celebration of Pride Month, the host for the evening is the iconic Fiona Flange. With over 28 years of drag excellence, Fiona is no stranger to the spotlight – from hosting Pride events and ladies nights to unforgettable drag brunches.
Local legends will bring the flavour with Chicken George serving up their famous crispy American-style fried chicken, Peddling Pizza delivering wood-fired perfection and Infuse offering must-try world dishes packed with flavour and a plentiful selection of vegan and GF options.
Don’t forget to treat yourself and the family to a waffle wand – The Maltings favourite waffle on a stick (with gf options available).
Beat the heat and enjoy award-winning real ales and craft beers from The 3 Brewers, or taste the legendary beer from Fade to Black. Sip for a cause and grab a glass of bubbly from the Youth Talk Prosecco bar, with all proceeds going towards supporting free counselling for young people in St Albans.
Discover the spirit of small batch gins, moonshine, and more from Black Bridge Distillery, or enjoy rum fuelled fun at Bunkhum Rum with a full bar and plenty of rum!
The Maltings’ own Costa Coffee will be serving up refreshing soft drinks and more, keeping you cool.
Retailers have pulled out all the stops with some fantastic offers and prizes to make it a truly unforgettable evening:
- The Alternative Beauty – spin to win for amazing prizes, make-up consultations and an exclusive summer fashion pop-up with Karen Jennings of @StylingOut50;
- Virgin – book your dream holiday and celebrate with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco;
- Bouyage – Receive amazing goody bags and enter a prize draw to win fantastic treats including a relaxing facial, a blow-dry and more;
- Up We Pop – bringing the fun and fizz with prosecco, and a spin to win;
- Accessorize – 20% off full-priced items and a Henna studio, with all donations going to the Monsoon Accessorize foundation;
- Clipso – enjoy hair consultations, meet and receive advice from GHD experts, and be in with a chance to win an incredible prize
- Hotel Chocolat – free samples of chocolate heaven;
- Sanrizz – shop exclusive offers and book in for styling appointments;
- Lush – put on your best performance at Lush with their open mic and sing-along lyrics;
- Vache Bleue – 5 STAR Event – with a chance to meet artists including Jake Wood (Max Branning, EastEnders), OneLife183 (contemporary British pop/graffiti artist Kelvin Wise) and signings with Jeff Thomson (former Australian cricketer) and Mick Harford (Luton Town club legend);
Centre manager Richard Marrett said: “The weather forecast looks great for Friday, so please, come on down and enjoy this wonderful event that celebrates our amazing retailers and fantastic local community.”
