Here’s your guide to the best things to do this weekend in the St Albans area.

1. A Pleasing Terror
Over a century after they were first published, the ghost stories of MR James still retain their power to terrify and amuse. This gripping one-man show sells out every year, so book your tickets soon. 
Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, AL1 2DL, Wednesday, November 22, from 8pm. Details: 01727 857861, abbeytheatre.org.uk

2. Seasonal Fayre
The Salvation Army will be putting on a wonderful fair this season with lots of goodies and activities to choose from. With refreshments, cakes, toys, books and plenty more, there will be something for everyone. The Salvation Army, Victoria Street, St Albans, Saturday, November 22, from 10am to 1pm. Details: 01727 854554, salvationarmy.org.uk/st-albans

3. Frost Fair
An exciting and vibrant Christmas Fair offering up to 200 stands of exciting, unusual and original gifts, crafts folk showing off their skills, a Fine Food Fair, entertainment from choirs, dancers and street entertainers, visits from Father Christmas, mulled wine and drop in workshops. Hatfield House, Hatfield, November 21-23, 10am to 5pm. Details: frostfair.co.uk, hatfield-house.co.uk

4. Harpenden Christmas Carnival 
Get into the Christmas spirit at this spectacular event encompassing a carnival procession, charity stalls, a Farmers Market, turning on of the Town’s Christmas lights, fairground rides and festive shopping.
Harpenden High Street, Harpenden, Sunday, November 23, from 12pm to 6pm. Details: 01582 768278, harpenden.gov.uk 

5. Only Fools and Boycie
Actor John Challis will reel off stories and secrets from his time on the BBC hit comedy show at this one-off event that will delight all Only Fools and Horses fans.
Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Saturday, November 22, from 7.30pm. Details: 01727 857861, abbeytheatre.org.uk

6. Katie’s Jumping Fleas
This high-energy, St Albans-based ukulele troupe returns, promising an evening of popular songs from the 1960s to the present day. Their eclectic repertoire includes ballads, classic pop songs, country music, rock classics and frenetic rock’n’roll. The Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans, November 21 and 22. Details: 0333 666 3366, maltingsartstheatre.co.uk

7. Autumn Concert
Gluck’s Overture, Grieg’s piano concerto and Mendelssohn’s Hear My Prayer will make up the program of this concert by The Abbey Gateway Orchestra. It will also feature Our Lady of Lourdes and Harpenden Street Methodist Choirs. St Nicholas Church, Church Green, Harpenden, November 22, from 7.30pm. Details: 07769 672308, anna@abbeygateway.org

8. Sibelius’s First
The program of glorious music includes Wagner’s The Mastersingers of Nuremberg Overture, Delius’ The Walk to the Paradise Garden, Korngold’s Violin Concerto (Adelia Myslov – violin) and, of curse, Sibelius’ Symphony No.1. St Saviour’s Church, Sandpit Lane, St Albans, November 22, 7.30pm. Details: 01727 857422, tickets@saso.org.uk

9. On the Eve of War
Harpenden Choral Society opens its 39th Season ‘On the Eve of War’, featuring choral and orchestral works by Haydn, Bridge, Holst, and Barber which reflect both the triumph and despair of human conflict. Conducted by Musical Director John Andrews with soloists Alice Privett, soprano, Helen Johnson, alto, Chris Turner, tenor, and Andrew Mahon, bass; the concert will be accompanied by Roger Carter on the organ and the King’s Sinfonietta. Methodist Church, High Street, Harpenden, November 22, 7.30pm. Details: 01582 419379, harpendenchoralsociety.org