The Maida Vales

The Maida Vales are playing The Farmer's Boy in St Albans on Saturday 21 November, and it's a free-entry afternoon performance, which is a bit of a rarity for a weekend gig. They're the only act on the bill, so the whole session is built around them.

It's a mid-afternoon slot, running from 14:30 to 17:00, so you'll be in and out well before the evening rush. If you're around St Albans on a Saturday, it's an easy one to fit in without having to clear your whole day or stay out late. The venue is The Farmer's Boy, 134 London Road, AL1 1PQ, right in the heart of town.

Because it's an afternoon show with no entry fee, it's a low-stakes way to catch them live. You can just turn up and listen without having to book ahead or worry about tickets. The set runs for two and a half hours, so there's plenty of room for them to work through their material rather than rushing through a short list. If you've heard them before, it's a good chance to hear the songs stretched out; if they're new to you, it's a decent introduction that doesn't cost anything.

So, The Maida Vales at The Farmer's Boy, Saturday 21 November, 14:30 to 17:00, with no entry fee.