Local writers taking part in Cov Lit Fest. A new community literary festival is taking place in Coventry city centre from 25-27 June 2026 with fun and fascinating book-related activities for all ages in venues across Coventry City Centre, with a strong focus on local authors. The collage above shows local writers: l- r Top row: Pippa Virdee, Eleanor Nesbitt, Ann Evans Middle row: Nicky Downes, Danny Scott, Margaret Mather Bottom row: Anna Stephens, Andrea Mbarushimana and Di

Killer Queen Natalie Van Spelde and ensemble. Photo by Martin Pulley. We Will Rock You, Music and Lyrics by Queen, Story and Script by Ben Elton, at Rgby Theatre from 20 – 27 June 2026. Directed by Emma Bright, Musical Director Liam Walker, Choreographer Jo Walker. Review by Ann Evans This could be the shortest review ever – I only need two words to describe Rugby Theatre’s production of We Will Rock You – Utterly Brilliant! But I won’t stop there because there is so much w

BBC Orchestra. Photo courtesy of the BBC. Friday Night is Musicals Night with the BBC Orchestra, Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre on 19 June 2026. Review by Antony Hopker BBC’s iconic Friday Night is Music Night arrived at Warwick Arts Centre and put on a treat for the Coventry audience. The long-running show was playing a live show, which will be broadcast in September. If you weren’t there it’s well worth listening to. If you were there, it’s well worth hearing it agai

Never a dull moment. Photo courtesy of Brainiac. Brainiac Live at The Belgrade Theatre, 20 June 2026. Review by Jan Malatesta The Belgrade once again, welcomed Brainiac Live, based on the well-known TV show, for a momentous and awe-inspiring science spectacular. The show was energetic and fast-paced, with enthusiastic audience participation, ear-splitting sound effects, and plenty of loud explosive bangs. Our high-spirited presenters – Ned, Taz, Raz, and Dave the Handyman –

A topical floral dislay. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. It’s always good to try out the brand new and of course the well-established, and at the BBC Good Food Show and BBC Gardeners' World Live currently on at the Birmingham NEC, there are new products and firm favourites galore. Hot off the press, so to speak is CoffeeB, a brand-new eco-friendly way of making exceptional coffee that was launched just the day before! (17 June 2026). James Newitt is the founder of Coffee

Photo courtesy of La Joaquina Flamenco Express. Authentic Flamenco Sound and Dance performed at The Rother Street Arts House, Friday 19 June 2026. Review by Charles Essex Artistic Director of the newly-opened Rother Street Arts House, John-Robert Partridge (JP), has organised an eclectic programme of guests and acts and theatrical performances. JP cast his net widely and brought one of the foremost Flamenco groups to Stratford. The highly talented and experienced Flamenco Ex

Professor Alice Roberts and David Stevens. Photo © BBCGWL Professor Alice Roberts and designer David Stevens are the proud winners of Best Show Garden and a Platinum award at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2026 for their immersive Garden of Evolution. This educational show garden is inspired by 500 million years of life on Earth, and academics from the University of Birmingham have played an active part in its development. Visitors to the garden can journey through dramatic prehi

One of our favourite gardens, Sensed, Not Seen. Designed by Rebecca Williams. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Good Food Show is on from 18 – 21 June at the NEC Birmingham. Review by Ann Evans For many visitors to the BBC Gardeners' World Live Show today and over the weekend, they will be heading straight for the beautiful show gardens, to see what the experts have come up with this year. Well, they won’t be disappointed as a dozen gardens

Ghostbusting charity fundraisers. Photo courtesy of Rob Tysal Pro Photography. Showmaster’s Collectormania was back at Milton Keynes Centre:mk for three days at the end of May, drawing in huge crowds, and attracting stallholders from all over the country. The show was held over the weekend of Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May with free admittance. Centre:mk in Milton Keynes was an ideal place to hold this Comic Con event as it already had a bustling footfall with all the local shopp

Playbox cast of ORFEO. Photo courtesy of Luci Barriball. Playbox Theatre presents ORFEO - A Midsummer night's journey from dusk to dawn. Saturday 20 (audience arrivals from 10pm) to Sunday 21 June 2026. At The Dream Factory, Warwick. This Midsummer Night, audiences are invited to step beyond theatre and enter an extraordinary overnight journey through love, celebration, loss, memory, music, and the Underworld itself. For the first time in its history, Playbox Theatre pre

BBC Orchestra. Friday Night is Musicals Night with the BBC Orchestra, Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Preview Lovers of the long-running Friday night is Music Night are in for a treat when the BBC Concert Orchestra visits Coventry. The long-running show has been wowing its legions of loyal fans for more than seventy years with its frequent tours, each show focusing on a different theme. And as part of this year’s season the concert at the Warwick Arts Centr

Popcorn by Ben Elton at The Criterion Theatre, Earlsdon, Coventry from 27 June to 4 July 2026. Preview A play adaptation of the best-selling 1996 novel of the same name by well-known comedian and author Ben Elton. Set against the glimmering backdrop of Hollywood, Popcorn follows acclaimed film director Bruce Delamitri on the night of his Oscar triumph. His celebrations are cut short when two violent intruders — fans who claim his movies inspired their crimes — invade his ho

Photo courtesy of the British Motor Museum. The British Motor Museum invites visitors to return to the golden age of hot hatches in the new exhibition: ‘Spoiler Alert: The Hot Hatch Story’, celebrating these everyday heroes of the streets. This exhibition is inspired by the energetic atmosphere of car meets and the bold visuals of era-defining car magazines, immersing visitors in the 80s and 90s hot hatch culture in a space brimming with nostalgia. Opening on 20 June, ‘Spoi

Brainiac Live, Sydney Opera House. Photo (c) Anna Kucera. Brainiac Live, the Olivier award-winning family science spectacular is coming to The Belgrade on Saturday, 20 June with performances at 12.30pm and 3pm. Running time 1 hour, suitable for 5 years and upwards, but great for all the family. Preview After winning the 2025 Olivier Award for Best Family Show, the science sensation Brainiac Live will visit the Belgrade Theatre on Saturday 20 June as part of its UK tour and

Adam Frost and James Martin. Photo © BBC Gardeners' World Events. BBC Good Food Show and BBC Gardeners World Live – two shows, one ticket, at the Birmingham NEC from 18-21 June 2026. Preview It’s the ultimate day out whether you’re a foodie, a garden lover – or both. Enjoy both shows at the Birmingham NEC from Thursday to Sunday this week (18-21 June). There will be everything to inspire you, pick up new tips and tricks, get new recipes, shop from a huge range of producers a

Sam, Jack and David with Sherry Expression. Photo courtesy of Shakespeare Distillery. Shakespeare Distillery is celebrating its biggest international success to date after Jester Rum Cask Strength Sherry Expression was crowned World's Best at the prestigious World Rum Awards 2026. Following last year's Bronze Medal success, the Stratford-upon-Avon distillery has gone one step further, with its latest limited-edition release progressing through every stage of the competiti

Jools Holland at the WAC. Photo courtesy of Antony Hopker. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Warwick Arts Centre, 13 June. Review by Hilary Hopker. I know Jools Holland well - he’s always in my front room on New Year’s Eve. I am of course referring to years of having watched Hootenanny and Later…with Jools Holland. This was the first time I’ve seen him live. The show opened with support act Will Brown, who is a pop and soul newcomer. He started his set with hi

The World Premiere of Game of Thrones: The Mad King by George R.R.Martin, adapted by Duncan Macmillan at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 20 July to 5 September 2026. Preview The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) have announced the full cast for the world premiere of Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a new play based on the novels by George R. R. Martin, adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke. Director, Dominic Cooke said: “I’m very lucky to be working along

Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth. Photo courtesy of the artists. Us, Pots and a Welsh Chapel- Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth at Warwick Arts Centre, Friday 12 June 2026 Review by Alison Manning In April 2022, whilst holidaying in Wales, we noticed an impressive, large old chapel for sale in the town of Pwllheli. My daughter joked about buying it, but sadly we didn't have a spare £200,000, though that seemed like quite a reasonable price for such an expansive, grade