132 things you must do this spring
APRIL
ARTS AND ANTIQUESWILLIAM TURNBULL AT CHATSWORTH An exhibition of Scottish artist William Turnbull’s work in the iconic stately home’s beautiful gardens.
Where Chatsworth House, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire: 01246-565300, www.chatsworth.org
When Until 30 June
MALVERN FLEA & COLLECTORS FAIR Worcestershire’s largest one-day fair. Up to 300 stallholders with ceramics, paintings, glassware, decorative items and furniture.
Where Three Counties Showground, Great Malvern, Worcestershire: 01636-676531, www.b2bevents.info
When 1 April
BIRDS EYE VIEW FILM FESTIVAL Celebrates the talents of international women filmmakers. Screenings, Q&As and classes.
Where BFI Southbank, ICA, Bafta, and various venues, London: www.birds-eye-view.co.uk
When 3 to 10 April
ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SPRING FAIR UK’s largest vetted antiques fair featuring 400 stalls offering antiques, fine art and collectables dated pre-1940.
Where The NEC, Birmingham: 020-7384 7748, www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk
When 4 to 7 April
KINVER ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS FAIR Ceramics, paintings glassware, books, kitchenalia and furniture.
Where The Leisure Centre, Enville Road, Kinver, Near Stourbridge, West Midlands: 07774-147197, www.b2bevents.info When 14 April
BARROW RIVER ARTS FESTIVAL This international multidisciplinary festival features music, poetry, literature and visual art at two beautiful and historic locations.
Where Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny: www.barrowriverartsfestival.com
When 19 to 21 April
FOOD AND DRINK
THE CAKE & BAKE SHOW Demonstrations by celebrity chefs, workshops and a food market.
Where Manchester Central, Petersfield, Manchester: www.thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk
When 5 to 7 April
BRIGHTON WHISKY FESTIVAL Brings together whiskies from all over the world. Tastings, whisky workshops, almost every style of whisky imaginable.
Where Hilton Brighton Metropole, King’s Road, Brighton: 01904- 410841, www.thewhiskylounge.com
When 6 April
CAKE INTERNATIONAL THE CAKE DECORATING AND BAKING SHOW Learn the latest techniques in sugarcraft and cake decoration. Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood of The Great British Bake Off fame will give a presentation.
Where ExCeL, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London: 01425-277988, www.ichf.co.uk/cake
When 12 to 14 April
CHEESE MAKERS MARKET See, tasty and buy cheeses produced in the UK and Europe. More than 70 different producers.
Where The Market Place, Old Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire: www.cheesemakersmarket.com
When 13 April
LANCASHIRE FOOD FESTIVAL Celebrates a host of traditional and exotic foods with many available to buy in the food halls and marquee.
Where Town Hall, Accrington, Lancashire: 01254-380293, www.lancashirefoodfestival.co.uk
When 13 and 14 April
THE FARM SHOP AND DELI SHOW The UK’s only national show for independent delis, farm shops and food halls. Where The NEC, Birmingham: 01293-610301, www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk
When 14 to 16 April
LONDON COFFEE FESTIVAL New coffees from around the world. Also artisan food.
Where The Old Truman Brewery, 91-95 Brick Lane, London E1: www.londoncoffeefestival.com
When 25 to 28 April
CHEESE AND WINE FESTIVAL Celebrates the fi nest of Britain’s ethical and artisan produce, plus tutored tastings and talks.
Where Southbank Centre, South Bank, London SE1: www.cheesewinefestival.com
When 26 to 28 April
OUTDOORS
WESTON-SUPER-MARE SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL See masterpieces at the largest sand sculpture festival in the UK.
Where Weston-Super-Mare seafront, Somerset: 01934-417117, www.westonsandsculpture.co.uk
When From 29 March until the end of September
WOMEN’S HERITAGE WALKS The Glasgow Women’s Library leads walks around the city, which unearth local history and hidden gems.
Where Necropolis, 50 Cathedral Square, Glasgow: 0141-248 9969, www.womenslibrary.org.uk
When 7 April
THE TWEED RUN LONDON Race through the streets of London dressed in your finest tweed.
Where Various venues, London: www.tweedrun.com
When 13 April
FESTIVAL OF VINTAGE Music, dance, fashion from the 1930s to the 1960s, and cars.
Where The York Racecourse Exhibition Centre, York: 0113-345 8699, www.festivalofvintage.co.uk
When 27 and 28 April
WRAY SCARECROW FESTIVAL Villagers adorn their homes with scarecrows in a bid to win the best scarecrow competition.
Where Wray, Lancashire: www.wrayvillage.co.uk
When 27 April to 6 May
MUSIC
GATESHEAD INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL UK’s biggest jazz festival. A broad spectrum of jazz genres, guests: Ruby Turner and Jacqui Dankworth.
Where The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear: 0191-443 4661, www.thesagegateshead.org
When 5 to 7 April
MOUNTBATTEN FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines play a wide range of musical styles from stage and screen.
Where Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London: 0845-401 5034, www.royalmarinesevents.co.uk
When 11 to 13 April
GARDENING
RHS LONDON ORCHID SHOW AND BOTANICAL ART SHOW Features a range of orchids from growers from around the world.
Where Royal Horticultural Halls, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1: 0845- 260 5000, www.rhs.org.uk/london
When 12 to 13 April
RHS SHOW CARDIFF Enjoy beautiful plant displays and buy plants from the exhibitors.
Where Bute Park, Cardiff Castle, Cardiff: 0845-260 5000, www.rhs.org.uk/cardiff-flower-show
When 19 to 21 April
HARROGATE SPRING FLOWER SHOW Various show gardens, a garden design clinic and a range of stalls.
Where Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire: 01423- 546158, www.flowershow.org.uk
When 25 to 28 April
EAST ANGLIAN GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR Dog events, equestrian, treasure trail, falconry and food.
Where Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich, Norfolk: 01263-735828, www.ukgamefair.co.uk
When 27 and 28 April
BOOKS
AYE WRITE! GLASGOW’S BOOK FESTIVAL Celebrates the rich variety of Glaswegian writing and the best of Scottish and international writers.
Where The Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow: 0141-287 2999, www.ayewrite.com
When 12 to 20 April
THE BIG STAMP AND SCRAPBOOKING SHOW More than 60 retailers at one of the UK’s biggest papercraft shows: card making, rubber stamping, etc.
Where Alexandra Palace, London: 01536-481778, www.bssbs.co.uk
When 13 and 14 April
CHIPPING NORTON LITERARY FESTIVAL Jack Straw and Katharine McMahon will speak at this year’s event. Plus lectures, debates and workshops.
Where Various venues, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire: 07775-120271, www.chiplitfest.com
When 18 to 21 April
BRISTOL SPRING POETRY FESTIVAL Enjoy readings and performances as well as workshops.
Where Various venues, Bristol: 0117- 933 0900, www.poetrycan.co.uk
When 22 to 28 April
STAGE HIGHLIGHTS by Georgina Brown
- Nick Hytner, the NT’s head honcho, directs Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear in Shakespeare’s tragedy about that green-eyed monster, jealousy. Yes, it’s Othello – and it opens on 23 April.
- Zoë Wanamaker is the wife betrayed after 25 years of marriage in Peter Nichols’s black comedy, Passion Play, which opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 7 May.
- Alan Ayckbourn wrote Relatively Speaking for his theatre in Scarborough in 1965 ‘to make people laugh when their seaside holidays were spoiled by rain’. Felicity Kendal and Jonathan Coy will do the same at the Wyndham’s Theatre in London from 20 May.
- Can Daniel Radcliffe get down and dirty for Martin McDonagh’s The Cripple Of Inishmaan, part of Michael Grandage’s exceptionally starry season at the Noël Coward Theatre from 18 June
- Meanwhile, Skyfall director Sam Mendes’s next big thing is Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, with Douglas Hodge starring in the Dahl-book-movie-musical. Will it be sweet? It takes to the stage at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25 June.
- Toby Stephens and Anna Chancellor are a scorching double act in Noël Coward’s Private Lives, a couple who can’t live with one another and can’t live without each other. Last year’s Chichester hit transfers to London’s Gielgud Theatre on 3 July.
- Alan Bennett’s glorious play, The History Boys, can be seen in the city in which it is set, Sheffi eld, at the Crucible from 22 May, while the Bath summer season includes David Haig’s Lear, and Patricia Hodge, Caroline Quentin and Rory Bremner headline in Relative Values. Enjoy.
MAY
OUTDOORS
OBBY OSS DAY Rumoured to be our oldest dance festival. Residents dance to drums, accordions, and round the maypole.
Where Obby Oss Day, Padstow, Cornwall: 01841-533449, www.visitcornwall.com/whats-on/northcornwall/padstow/padstow-may-day or www.padstow.com
When 1 May
WEYMOUTH INTERNATIONAL BEACH KITE FESTIVAL One of Britain’s biggest kite festivals with competitions, demonstrations and workshops.
Where Weymouth Beach, Weymouth, Dorset: 01305-785747, www.visitweymouth.co.uk
When 4 to 6 May
CHEESE ROLLING AT RANDWICK The rolling, and eating, of the cheese is told to ward off evil spirits. Where Various venues, Randwick, Gloucestershire: 01905-570890, www.cotswolds.info/strange-things When 5 May
THE HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY FAIR Falconry displays, dog shows, equestrian events, angling and plenty of foody treats. Where Netley Marsh Showground, Netley, Hants: 01283-820548, www.livingheritagecountryshows.co.uk
When 5 and 6 May
STILTON CHEESE-ROLLING COMPETITION Wooden cheeses are rolled down the high street in this traditional event. Where Stilton, Cambridge: www.stilton.org/about_rolling.html
When 6 May
ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW The largest outdoor equestrian show in the UK, often attended by members of the Royal Family.
Where Home Park, Windsor, Berkshire: 0844-581 4690, www.rwhs.co.uk
When 8 to 12 May
BRENTWOOD ROBIN HOOD GAME AND COUNTRY SHOW Family fun includes re-enactments, stunt displays, falconry and archery.
Where Brentwood Centre Showground, Brentwood, Essex: 01702-549623, www.aztecevents.co.uk
When 11 and 12 May
THE MIDDLE-EARTH WEEKEND Celebrate JRR Tolkien’s links in the childhood haunts that inspired him. Archery, exhibitions, readings, barrel racing, competitions, drama, music.
Where Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham: 0121-427 2555, www.middleearthweekend.org.uk
When 11 and 12 May
RSPB SCOTTISH BIRDFAIR Showcases the latest in birding technology, clothing and literature.
Where Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, Edinburgh: 0131-317 4100, www.scottishbirdfair.org.uk
When 11 and 12 May
COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE AND PUPPET FESTIVAL Punch and Judy and puppetry from around the world.
Where St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, London WC2: 020-7375 0441, www.alternativearts.co.uk
When 12 May
DEVON COUNTY SHOW One of the largest country events in the UK: horses, livestock, food producers, hundreds of trade stands, stunt demos, BMX extreme freestyle team and displays.
Where Westpoint, Exeter, Devon: 01392-353700, www.devoncountyshow.co.uk
When 16 to 18 May
AMBLE PUFFIN FESTIVAL In honour of the seaside’s 36,000 feathered friends.
Where Various locations, Amble, Northumberland: www.northumberland-coast.co.uk/amble.php
When 18 May to 1 June
ROYAL WELSH AGRICULTURAL SPRING FESTIVAL This popular weekend offers a farmers’ market and horticultural and sustainable living exhibitions.
Where Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys: 01982-553683, www.rwas.co.uk
When 18 and 19 May
BLACKFORD HIGHLAND GAMES Includes all the traditional disciplines, such as throwing the hammer, tossing the caber, putting the shot, tug of war, running, cycling and Highland dance.
Where Highland Games Park, Blackford, Perthshire: www.blackfordhighlandgames.co.uk
When 25 May
1940s WARTIME WEEKEND Re-enactments, vintage and military vehicles, bands and more.
Where Various venues, Bury, Greater Manchester: 0161-764 7790, www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk
When 25 to 27 May
HIGHCLERE GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR Working dogs, sheepdog trials and gundog scurries.
Where Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire: 01889-563232, www.countrymanfairs.co.uk
When 26 and 27 May
YORKSHIRE GAME FAIR Activities include clay pigeon shooting and dog competitions.
Where Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire: 07557-948785, www.yorkshiregamefair.co.uk
When 26 and 27 May
ROYAL BATH AND WEST SHOW Oldest agricultural shows in England.
Where The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset: 01749-822200, www.bathandwest.com
When 29 May to 1 June
COTSWOLD OLIMPICK GAMES Based on Robert Dover’s original games, with Morris dancing, falconry and cannon fire. Where Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire: 01789- 868191, www.olimpickgames.co.uk
When 31 May
INVESTEC DERBY FESTIVAL LADIES DAY Put on your best hat and frock for this major society event.
Where Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom Downs: 01372-726311, www.epsomderby.co.uk
When 31 May 
GARDENING
SOUTHEND SPRING GARDEN SHOW More than 200 exhibitors, a food court and craft marquee.
Where Garon Park, off Easter Avenue, Southend on Sea: 01702- 549622, www.aztecevents.co.uk
When 4 to 6 May
MALVERN SPRING GARDENING SHOW Food and wine, crafts and live music.
Where Three Counties Showground, Malvern: 0845-260 5000, www.rhs.org.uk
When 9 to 12 May
CHELSEA FRINGE HORTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Exhibitions, garden open days, pop-up spaces and street parties.
Where Various venues, London: www.chelseafringe.com
When 18 May to 9 June
RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW This year’s centenary show will feature more than 700 exhibitors, 20 show gardens, and even gnomes.
Where Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3: 0845- 260 5000, www.rhs.org.uk
When 21 to 25 May
CAMBRIDGESHIRE GARDEN SHOW More than 200 exhibitors.
Where Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire: 01702-549623, www.aztecevents.co.uk
When 31 May to 2 June
ARTS & ANTIQUES
VIKINGS! THE UNTOLD STORY Find out what the Vikings were really like and view a collection of artefacts rarely seen outside of Scandinavia.
Where National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh: 0131-225 7534, www.nms.ac.uk
When Until 12 May
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL FRINGE England’s largest fringe festival with comedy, music, art and theatre.
Where Various venues, Brighton, East Sussex: 01273-917272, www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk
When 4 May to 2 June
IMAGINATE FESTIVAL Performing-arts shows for children and young people.
Where Various venues, Edinburgh: 0131-225 8050, www.imaginate.org.uk
When 6 to 13 May
THE FOWEY FESTIVAL OF WORDS AND MUSIC Celebrates the life and work of Daphne du Maurier, with concerts, guided walks and exhibitions.
Where Various venues, Cornwall and Devon: 01726-833847, www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk
When 8 to 18 May
THE BUXTON ANTIQUES & FINE ART FAIR Includes textiles, glass, silver, pottery.
Where Buxton Pavilion, St John’s Road, Buxton: 01278-784912, www.cooperevents.com
When 16 to 19 May
GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL Showcases the best operas: Ariadne auf Naxos, Falstaff, Billy Budd and Don Pasquale.
Where Glyndebourne Opera House, Lewes, East Sussex: 01273-813813, www.glyndebourne.com
When 18 May to 25 August
BATH FRINGE FESTIVAL Music, fringe theatre and comedy take over the city.
Where Various venues, Bath, Somerset: 01225-480079, www.bathfringe.co.uk
When 24 May to 9 June
KEATS HOUSE SUMMER FESTIVAL Celebrates the poet John Keats with creative writing workshops, theatre, crafts and music.
Where Keats House, Camden, London: 020-7606 3030, www.londontown.com
When 25 May to 2 June
YORKSHIRE ANTIQUES AND ART FAIR Up to 350 stalls selling antique and vintage items.
Where Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire: 01274- 588505, www.antiquesfairs.com
When 25 and 26 May
ROCHESTER DICKENS FESTIVAL Music, drama, dance and street theatre set in the area that inspired some of Dickens’s greatest work.
Where Rochester, Kent: 01634- 306000, www.medway.gov.uk
When 31 May to 2 June
ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN The biggest acoustic festival in Europe, with music from The Hollies and The Proclaimers, as well as stalls and craft activities.
Where Uttoxeter Racecourse, Wood Lane, Staffordshire: www.acousticfestival.co.uk
When 31 May to 2 June
HOMES
THE SCOTTISH HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW Seminars, masterclasses and professionals give advice on building your ideal home.
Where SECC, Glasgow: 020-7970 4077, www.homebuildingshow.co.uk
When 18 and 19 May
CARS
THE DUXFORD SPRING CAR SHOW Classic-car show giving visitors and vintage enthusiasts the chance to get up close to automotive classics.
Where Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire: 01223- 835000, www.iwm.org.uk
When 5 May
VOLKSFLING More than 2,000 Volkswagen enthusiasts share their passion.
Where Biggar Agricultural Showground, Biggar, South Lanarkshire: 07547-390755, www.volksfling.co.uk
When 24 to 26 May 
FOOD & DRINK
FOODIE SHOW DORSET Food stands, talks and demos by top chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.
Where Dorchester Football Stadium: www.foodieshowdorset.co.uk
When 10 to 12 May
GRILLSTOCK Local food, drink and produce, cooking equipment, live music and cookery demos.
Where Bristol Harbour, Bristol: www.grillstock.co.uk
When 11 and 12 May
LOCH FYNE FOOD FAIR A wide range of food, including Winston Churchill Venison, speciality wine and entertainment. Where Loch Fyne Oysters, Clachan, Cairndow: 01499-600482, www.lochfyne.com/Events/Loch-Fyne-Food-Fair
When 18 and 19 May
CORNWALL ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL Tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations and food market.
Where Penventon Park Hotel, West End, Redruth, Cornwall: 01872- 865101, www.cornwallfoodanddrink.co.uk
When 19 May
VEGFESTUK One of Europe’s biggest vegetarian events, with more than 100 stallholders selling food, body products, fashion and more.
Where Bristol Amphitheatre and Waterfront Square, Bristol: 0117-307 9872, www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk
When 24 to 26 May
ART HIGHLIGHTS by Sam Taylor
- Moore And Rodin: Giants Of Modern Sculpture promises to be one of the summer’s most successful exhibitions. Housed amid the 70 acres of gardens at Perry Green in Hertfordshire, Moore’s home for more than 40 years, the exhibition features the very best from these two pioneers of modern sculptor.
- The Tate Liverpool blockbuster show is Chagall: Modern Master. On from 8 June, it brings together more than 70 works from collections around the world.
- Jacob Epstein: Portrait Sculptor at the National Portrait Gallery gives visitors the chance to glance at his impressive, often beguiling, studies of writers, politicians and other leading figures selected from the gallery’s own collection.
- Barocci: Brilliance And Grace at the National Gallery until 19 May is a spring dose of baroque fever. Deifi ed for his epic altarpieces, The Entombment took 16 men to lift into place.
- Conceptual art fans will be captivated by Simon Starling’s new work. Phantom Ride invites the viewer on a ‘roller-coaster ride without rails’. At London’s Tate Britain until 20 October.
JUNE
OUTDOORS
LEICESTER RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL Activities include boat trips, live music, arts and crafts.Where Bede Park, Mile Straight and Western Boulevard, Leicester: 0116- 252 7000, www.leicester.gov.uk/riversidefestival
When 1 and 2 June
HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND HIGHLAND GAMES There will be plenty to keep children busy, including more than 40 trade and food stalls, while the parents nip to the beer garden.
Where Helensburgh Rugby Football Club, Argyll: www.helensburghandlomondgames.co.uk
When 1 June
CORNHILL HIGHLAND GAMES Heavyweight championship, tug of war and Highland dancing. Also road races for adults and juniors.
Where Cornhill Playing Field, Cornhill, Aberdeenshire: 01466- 751298, www.cornhillgames.org.uk
When 1 June
THE LONDON TO BRIGHTON CLASSIC CAR RUN Classic and kit cars race between the capital and the seaside.
Where London to Brighton: 01905- 570862, www.classiccarrun.com
When 2 June
ROYAL CORNWALL SHOW One of the UK’s leading agricultural shows with more than 1,000 stalls and plenty of activities.
Where Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Cornwall: 01208- 812183, www.royalcornwallshow.org
When 6 to 8 June
THREE COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW Crufts qualifying event attended by 7,500 dogs and their owners. Where The Malvern Showground, Great Malvern, Worcestershire: 01684-584924, www.threecounties.co.uk/championshipdogshow
When 6 to 9 June
NOTTINGHAM CASTLE OUTDOOR THEATRE SEASON Al fresco theatre performances at the magnifi cent 17th-century castle.
Where Nottingham Castle, Nottingham: 0115-915 3700, www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
When 6 June to 31 August
MINT POLO IN THE PARK A major event in the Polo calendar.
Where The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, Putney: www.polointheparklondon.com
When 7 to 9 June
MARLOW REGATTA One of the finest events in the British rowing calendar.
Where Dorney Lake, Eton, Buckinghamshire: www.themarlowregatta.com
When 15 and 16 June
BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF NATURE Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages can explore and enjoy the natural world in the heart of the city. Where Various venues, Bristol Harbourside: 0117-317 8751, www.festivalofnature.org When 15 and 16 June
BROOKLANDS DOUBLE TWELVE MOTORSPORT FESTIVAL This will be the biggest motoring competition at Brooklands since 1939. Plenty of iconic sports cars.
Where Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey: 01932-857381, www.brooklandsmuseum.com
When 15 and 16 June
CHESHIRE COUNTY SHOW Try your hand at archery and claypigeon shooting; bird displays, a funfair, food and theatre. Where Clay House Farm, Tabley, near Knutsford, Cheshire: 01565- 650200, www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk
When 18 and 19 June
ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW A showcase of Scotland’s best food, farming and country pursuits.
Where Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh: 0131-335 6200, www.royalhighlandshow.org
When 20 to 23 June
STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE Thousands flock to watch sunrise.
Where Stonehenge, Amesbury, Wiltshire: 0870-333 1181, www.english-heritage.org.uk
When 21 June
SPORT
WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.
Where The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon: 020-8944 1066, www.wimbledon.com
When 24 June to 7 July
POLO FOR HEROES Polo event to raise funds for Help For Heroes.
Where St Albans Polo Club, St Albans: 07793-360103, www.poloforheroes.co.uk
When 29 June
ARTS & ANTIQUES
SOHO FLEA MARKET Products by up-and-coming artists, fashion designers and glassblowers.
Where Dean Street, Soho, London W1: www.cityshowcasemarkets.com
When 2 June
OLYMPIA INTERNATIONAL FINE ART & ANTIQUES FAIR The largest antiques fair in the UK, offering a rich selection of items.
Where Olympia Exhibition Centre, London: 0114-223 9811, www.olympia-art-antiques.com
When 6 to 16 June
ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS Includes song recitals, orchestral and chamber music and operas. Where Various venues, Suffolk: 01728-687100, www.aldeburgh.co.uk
When 7 to 23 June
NOT THE ROYAL ACADEMY Works rejected by the Royal Academy get a second chance.
Where Llewellyn Alexander Gallery, London: 020-7620 1322, www.nottheroyalacademy.com
When 10 June to 17 August
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL Cliff Richard, Jools Holland & His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Lisa Stansfield, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and more.
Where Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey: www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
When 13 to 24 June
HOLMFIRTH ARTS FESTIVAL Eleven days of music, theatre, art, books, comedy, fun and inspiration.
Where Holmfirth and the Holme Valley, West Yorkshire: www.holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk
When 13 to 23 June
FALMOUTH INTERNATIONAL SEA SHANTY FESTIVAL This free festival promotes the maritime heritage of the area. Where Venues in Falmouth, Cornwall: www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk
When 14 to 16 June
BLUES ON THE FARM Family-friendly blues festival. Where Pump Bottom Farm, Chichester: 01243-773828, www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk When 20 to 23 June
UKULELE FESTIVAL OF GREAT BRITAIN Celebrates all things uke.
Where Venues in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: 07415-130400, www.ukulelefestival.co.uk
When 21 to 23 June
BOOKS
LONDON INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUARIAN BOOK FAIR Showcases antique books, maps, rare manuscripts and first editions.
Where Olympia Exhibition Centre, London W14: 020-7439 3118, www.olympiabookfair.com
When 13 to 15 June
BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL Premiere literary event in Scotland, with workshops, talks, competitions.
Where Harmony House and various venues, Scotland: 0844-357 1060, www.bordersbookfestival.org
When 13 to 16 June
BROADSTAIRS DICKENS FESTIVAL Savour the delights of the town Dickens called ‘Our English Watering Place’. With exhibitions, a Victorian fair, a parade, theatre and music.
Where Various venues, Broadstairs, Kent: 01843-861827, www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk
When 15 to 21 June
FOOD & DRINK
THREE WINE MEN Oz Clarke, Olly Smith and Tim Atkin introduce new wines.
Where Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester: 01829-720130, www.threewinemen.co.uk
When 8 and 9 June
BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SUMMER Family weekend of celebrity-chef demonstrations, MasterChef brought to life, kitchen garden and stalls.
Where The NEC, Birmingham: 0844- 581 1341, www.bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com
When 12 to 16 June
CHELTENHAM FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Exhibitors selling everything you’ll need to stock your kitchen.
Where Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham: www.cheltenham-foodfestival.garden-events.com
When 14 to 16 June
ROCK OYSTER FESTIVAL Try the area’s local produce. There will also be live music.
Where Dinham House, Wadebridge, Cornwall: www.rockoysterfestival.co.uk
When 21 to 23 June
PEMBROKESHIRE FISH WEEK FESTIVAL Taste the finest seafood in the area.
Where Milford Haven Dockside, Pembrokeshire: 01437-776171, www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk
When 23 June to 1 July
FASHION
BRIGHTON FASHION WEEK Five-day fashion event with catwalk shows and photography exhibitions.
Where Various venues, Brighton, East Sussex: www.brightonfashionweek.com
When 12 to 16 June
TV HIGHLIGHTS by Michael Moran
Precise transmission dates are hard to come by but a brief survey of my in tray reveals quite a few promising items. There is ITV’s adaptation of Dorothy Koomson’s bestselling novel Ice Cream Girls starring Jodhi May; the utterly splendid Jessica Hynes has written and stars in the BBC’s suffragette-themed sitcom Up The Women; and Dates, a series of interconnected plays from Channel 4 that tells the stories of couples meeting for a first date in the manner of Rattigan’s Separate Tables.BIG SCREEN HIGHLIGHTS by Kat Brown
- Oh thank goodness, it’s spring. Celebrate with a glass of fizz, and Robert Downey Jr in the third instalment of the colossally entertaining Iron Man franchise, Iron Man 3 (April 26) before Pedro Almodóvar’s new comedy I’m So Excited (3 May).
- Two big numbers shimmy against each other on 17 May: Baz Luhrmann’s anticipated The Great Gatsby – the clothes! The stars! We’re clapping already! – and Star Trek Into Darkness. The first reboot of Star Trek was funny, joyous and dramatic and converted thousands to the Trek-side. And with Benedict Cumberbatch starring in the sequel, we’re expecting more great things.
- On 14 June comes Joss Whedon’s take on Much Ado About Nothing, the ultimate home movie. He puts on a Shakespeare play in his house. This is the fi rst time UK audiences get to see the results.
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT…
- Toe Wrestling World Championship Devised in the 1970s by George Burgess to give England the chance to be world-beaters in at least one sport Where Bentley Brook Inn, Ashbourne, Derbyshire: 01335-350278, www.bentleybrookinn.co.uk When 8 June
- National Outdoor Tug of War Championships Even though it was cancelled as an Olympic sport in 1920, tug of war continues apace Where The Memorial Ground, Sandhurst, Berkshire: www.tugofwar.co.uk When 15 June
- World Egg Throwing Championships Events include Egg Throwing And Catching, Static Relay Egg Throwing and Russian Egg Roulette Where The Park at Thorpe Latimer, Lincolnshire: 07900-267870, www.eggthrowing.com When 30 June