THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Events PREVIEWS
Birmingham Rep Audio Walk
Sarehole Mill, Birmingham, Sun 16 June
This is the first of the Birmingham Repertory
Theatre’s new audio guided walks around
Moseley Bog. The project has been inspired
not only by the people who regularly wander
through the area but also by the life of JRR
Tolkien, who played there as a child. Starting
at Sarehole Mill, the experience includes the
chance to bug hunt, create a magic wand,
build a den, sample a writing workshop,
investigate pond wildlife, and enjoy free performances
specially created for the day.
Uttoxeter Food And Drink
Festival
Uttoxeter Racecourse, Stafford,
Sat 22 - Sun 23 June
Returning for a second year, this celebration
of Staffordshire’s culinary delights promises
a great day out for foodies. In addition to
offerings from an array of exhibitors - including
Old School Wines, Denstone Farm Shop,
Snowdonia Cheese and Hoggie Hoggie Hog
Roast - this year’s festival plays host to some
mouthwatering demonstrations by some of
the best chefs in Staffordshire. These,
together with a showcase from Young
Masterchef finalists, take place in the show’s
new cookery demonstration theatre.
Back With Mods
Scooter Festival
Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton,
Fri 14 - Sun 16 June
A Mod’s two biggest passions - music and
scooters - here come together in three full-on
days of themed entertainment. As well as
providing a meeting place for many of the
country’s top scooter clubs, Santa Pod offers
enthusiasts the chance to test their prize
possessions on the site’s dragstrip, compete
in a Show’n’Shine event, and take part in an
eight-mile ride-out to Grendon Lakes (on the
Sunday). And, in addition to the usual selection
of funfair rides and amusements, the fes
Cosford Air Show
RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, Sun 9 June
tival also boasts some impressive acts
across its multiple music zones, including
The Selecter, Neville Staple of The Specials
and Bad Manners.
Alice Day
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum,
Coventry, Sat 22 June
Running alongside the Herbert’s new exhibition,
Looking In Wonderland, this one-day
event invites visitors to dress in themed
fancy dress and take part in a variety of
drop-in activities, including Alice-inspired art.
Other features during the day include a Mad
Hatter’s Tea Party and a fun trail linked to the
exhibition.
Classic Car And
Transport Show
Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent,
Sun 16 June
Each year more than five thousand visitors
attend this popular show, which has featured
on the Trentham Gardens events calendar
for the past twenty-four years. The site’s
parkland provides a perfect setting for enthusiasts
to peruse over one thousand vintage
and classic vehicles, fifty-five club stands, an
autojumble and trade stands. Over in the
show’s main arena, entertainment comes in
the form of the Piston Rings Motorcycle
Display Team. A great way to give your dad
a Father’s Day treat.
WIN
TICKETS
whatsonlive.co.uk
to enter
This Midlands’ premier annual air event is celebrating its seventy-fifth birthday in style this
month. Along with a programme of non-stop airborne entertainment (high-speed military jets
and aerobatic performers), there’s plenty of on-the-ground entertainment to enjoy too, including
a funfair, static aircraft displays, military exhibitions, a craft fair and, of course, the famous
RAF museum itself.
Big Brum Buz Tours
Birmingham City Centre, weekends only,
from April to September
What better way to explore the UK’s second
city than via a guided bus tour? Made available
by Birmingham tours, the open-topped
bus takes regular weekend excursions
through and around the city between April
and September. Special tours are also available
at intervals throughout the season. This
month sees the Big Brum Buz visiting two
heritage sites within one tour - exploring the
Tudors at Blakesley Hall and the world of
JRR Tolkien at Sarehole Mill (2 June).
For full information regarding times and
prices, visit www.birmingham-tours.co.uk
Step Back To The 1940s
Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster, Sat 29
- Sun 30 June
This month sees the award-winning Severn
Valley Railway return to the past by taking a
lighthearted journey back to wartime Britain.
A popular annual event on the Severn Valley
calendar, this living history weekend features
historic vehicle displays and costumed reenactors.
Saturday evening entertainment
1940s-style is provided by Andrew Sisters
tribute band The Three Bells and musical trio
The Bevan Boys. Dicky Lines completes theline-up
as impersonator and compere.
www.whatsonlive.co.uk 67