One of the many tanks at The Tank Museum. Photo courtesy of Rob Levett-Millett. The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset. Review by Rob Levett-Millett A collection of over 300 military vehicles sets a high bar of expectation which The Tank Museum somehow obliterates with heavy ordinance. You may look at a map of Bovington, Dorset and see the Museum, its neighbour Monkey World, and assume you have a plan for a two-stage day out. You will assume wrong. There will be no time for Monke

St John Rosse_Nicholas_Powwow on the Beach. Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition 2026, held at the Mall Galleries, London, from 16 to 26 September 2026 from 10am to 5pm. Admission: £7 (Free for Friends of Mall Galleries and under 25s, concessions available). No booking required Preview As the Royal Society of Marine Artists’ (RSMA) prepares for its 81st Annual Exhibition at the Federation of British Artists’ Mall Galleries this September, new figures reveal a suc

EA participants. Photo courtesy of the BMM. This autumn, the British Motor Museum will partner with Playground Games to host two exciting STEM Careers Days for KS2 students. Held on 13 & 14 October, the days will be packed with hands-on activities, interactive tours, and inspirational talks. These events will give students the chance to explore real-world STEM skills and discover how their interests and school studies could lead to future careers. Each day runs from 9:30am to

The Retro Truck Show held at the weekend. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum has even more key motoring shows coming up this Autumn. The Museum has already hosted a packed calendar of events throughout the summer months including last weekend's Retro Truck Show on 5 & 6 September. Still to come are the MX-5 Owners Club National Rally on 13 September, DR1VR Show on 20 September, Rustival on 26 September, Jaguars at Gaydon on 27 September, Porsche Boxster 30t

See finely detailed furniture such as this by Tony Dunham. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. Miniatura - The Dolls' House Show at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh NAEC, near Coventry. On Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 October 2026. Preview We’re getting closer and closer to the Autumn Miniatura Show. This magical exhibition that brings you some of the world’s very best artisans when it comes to making dolls houses, dolls houses furnishings and the actual sc

Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry announces what’s coming up this Autumn/Winter 2026/27 season. Preview Astronaut Tim Peake. Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre. There’s monstrous tales, award-winning theatre, electrifying dance and some of the brightest visual art stars set for Warwick Arts Centre’s Autumn/Winter 2026-2027 Season. The UK’s most significant exhibition of contemporary art, British Art Show 10, opens in Coventry on 2 October 2026 (until 10 Jan 2027), with Warwi

Members of UK Garrison and Rebel Legion. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. It was fun and games all the way at MCM Comic Con held at the Birmingham NEC recently. Around 8,000 visitors attended many dressed as their favourite character. Also, with 110 exhibitors it was the ideal shopping opportunity – the place to buy unique gifts or keepsakes. Clothing, steampunk, hats, T-shirts, replica fantasy and sci-fi weapons and accessories, unique ornaments, original artwork, jewel

Helpful staff. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum has been awarded the accreditation of VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction following its recent assessment. The Museum achieved an impressive score of 91%, the second year in a row that it has been in the top 10%. The completely objective assessment looks at a number of key areas that are important to any tourist, from pre-arrival communications and first impressions, to cleanliness and catering, wi

Part of The Old Red Lion London's ShakeFest. Understudy No. 5. Written and performed by Hadrian Conyngham. Directed by Warren Rusher. A 50-minute monologue at The Old Red Lion pub, 418 St John Street, Islington, London EC1V 4NJ at 5pm on 30 August. Part of ShakeFest. Preview Understudy No. 5 is a work of new poetry and prose, following a theatrical janitor as he discovers that the abandoned props and costumes are filled with the spirits of minor Shakespearean characters un

Georgina Liley, James McLean, Catherine Warnock and Rob Took. Photo credit Robling Photography. Wensleydale Whey by Lucie Raine (at Calcutt Boats, Southam), 16 August 2026. Performed by The Mikron Theatre. Director: Elvi Piper. Review by Charles Essex . Writer Lucie Raine’s clever script takes us back 900 years to Jervaulx Abbey with Cistercian monks, who supported themselves with cheese making. The show starts with an appropriate Gregorian chant to set the scene. Fast-forw

Three Shot written and produced by Coventrians, performed in London. Three Shots written by John Marquez will be performed by Coventry Artists at the White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4DJ from 1 to 12 September 2026. Produced by Harry Berry. Preview The play Three Shots by John Marquez is set in Coventry, in Binley Woods, and stars two Coventry-born actors, John Marquez, well-known for his roles in Doc Martin and Wild Cherry, and his brother Martin M

Kathryn (centre), Graeme (next right) and Willoughby guests. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography. Stan's Cafe River Tours: The Avon at Willoughby Village Hall on Wednesday 5 August. Review by Ann Evans Stan’s Cafe River Tours are well underway this summer, following the river's route from its source in Northamptonshire to Tewksbury and its union with the River Severn. And to illustrate the journey is a specially commissioned three-metre-long textile tapestry illustrating the r

The Visit York team at their new office. Photo courtesy of Visit York. The Visit York Visitor Information Centre has officially opened the doors to its new city centre home at 28 Back Swinegate, York. Managed by Make It York, the Visitor Information Centre has relocated from its former premises at 21 Parliament Street to its new location, just 140 metres, less than two-minutes away. Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: "We’re thrilled to welcome you all to

To mark the European Athletics Championships, Casa Atletica Italiana is organising a two-day networking event celebrating all things Italian, and in particular the Marche region, taking place at the Hotel Du Vin in Birmingham, on 10-11 August. Over three focussed sessions, you’ll have the chance to learn more about Italy’s hidden gem, the Marche, hear about its outstanding design, fashion & sport offering, and network with local businesses. Participants can expect to hear

Crybabies haunt Greyfriars Kirkyard. Photo credit DuncanMcGlynn. Francesca Moody Productions in association with Plosive Live present Crybabies: The Scaring, directed by Jon Brittain. Premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Pleasance Two. Preview Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominees Crybabies (Michael Clarke, James Gault, Ed Jones) join forces with Olivier Award-winning Fleabag and Baby Reindeer producers Francesca Moody Productions and director Jon Brittain

Barry Potter (left) with his family team at a recent toy fair at the NEC. Photo Rob Tysall Pro Photography. Being interested in toys isn’t just for kids! Adults of all ages are enjoying the hobby of collecting toys of all types. For some its model trains, others go for diecasts such as Dinky, Corgi and the many other models and manufacturers. For some it’s the distant past when tin plate was all you could buy; or it might be dolls and teddies, and the ever-popular TV, film an

3m long tapestry traces the river’s path. Photo courtesy of Stan's Cafe. Midlands-based theatre company Stan’s Cafe have announced the dates for their latest production, River Tours: The Avon - with performances across Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Birmingham (1-16 Aug 2026), including a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company, in Stratford-upon-Avon. The poetic production floats visitors through centuries of history, folklore and wildlife, from the River Avon’s source in N

Family with Jim. Photo courtesy of the BMM. Summer has officially arrived at the British Motor Museum with a wealth of family activities, running from 17 July – 2 September, focused on two incredible feature exhibitions, both packed with fascinating cars and stories. First there’s Forza Horizon 6: The Experience, where visitors can discover a fantastic line-up of cars from the game, and get behind the wheel of a state-of-the-art racing simulator to test their mettle in the di

CBSO in the Bull Ring Birmingham, photo credit Jonathan Ferro. Free performances for thousands of residents and Symphony Hall tickets for just £1. From Thursday 27 to Monday 31 August, CBSO in the City returns for its third year, with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s (CBSO) musicians performing for free to tens of thousands of residents across Birmingham. The CBSO will fill the city with music, popping up in unexpected spaces and for anyone attending the performanc

Sock forest. Photo credit Mall Galleries. A magical, one-of-a-kind, immersive exhibition by Huaicun Zhang, from Thursday 23 July – Saturday 15 August 2026: 10am – 5pm, Mall Galleries, London. Admission £10 (Free for under 5s) – all profits going to children’s charity Pencil Tree CIO. Preview China’s award-winning children’s author and artist transforms Mall Galleries into a ‘living picture book,’ telling the story of childhood, migration and home. Visualisation of ‘Little

Morris Dancers. John Wright Photography. Warwick Folk Festival is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Bronze from the Live Events Access Charter. The Charter is a framework to support and encourage live event organisations to progress their inclusive practices for diverse disabled people across all areas of their business. The award recognises the festival’s commitment to making it as accessible and inclusive as possible. It follows a tough assessment of its access

Ghost busters! Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. MCM Comic Con at the Birmingham NEC from 7 – 9 August 2026. Preview It’s almost time for the MCM Comic Con event at the Birmingham NEC! It’s the place to be if you enjoy TV, films, gaming, Manga, all things nerdy and of course cosplay! Held over three days, it’s always a fabulously fun show where you get to dress up as your favourite character - or enjoy the impressive costumes worn by others. Check out the line-up of cele

Last year's Floral butterfly, this years will be planted differently. Photo courtesy of the Stratford Butterfly Farm. This summer, visitors can enjoy a tropical adventure at Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm and take advantage of great savings for the whole family. As part of the Government’s Summer Saver initiative, the Butterfly Farm is reducing VAT from 20% to 5% on admission tickets, helping visitors make the most of their summer days out. This is available for visits un

Petrol & Pride. Photo by Olgun Kordal. There’s still plenty of summer fun to be had at the British Motor Museum, with a full schedule of motoring shows running throughout late July and August. The Museum has already hosted a packed shows calendar throughout June and early July. The remaining shows include the Rootes Heritage Day and Old Ford Rally on 19 July, Petrol & Pride on 26 July, Fiat & Friends on 1 August, Young Driver Experiences on 2 August, the Ultimate German Car M

Photo courtesy of the Neurodiversity Show. The Neurodiversity Show at the CBS Arena, Coventry on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 from 10am – 4pm. Preview by Annette Kinsella. You have to finish cleaning the house before your in-laws arrive this afternoon. Do you: A) Make a plan to tackle each room quickly and efficiently? B) Start off, but get distracted by an old postcard and end up booking a holiday to the Lake District? C) Start off, but get distracted by that same postcard and en

CEO Peter Armstrong. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum invites visitors to return to the golden era of hot hatches in their new exhibition: ‘Spoiler Alert: The Hot Hatch Story’, celebrating these everyday road heroes. Inspired by the energetic atmosphere of car meets and the bold visuals of era-defining car magazines, the exhibition immerses visitors in the 80s and 90s hot hatch culture in a space brimming with nostalgia. ‘Spoiler Alert’, which opened on 20

Copernicana CIC and Firstlight Theatre bring The Morality of Mrs. Dulska to The Bear Pit Theatre, 8–11 July 2026. Running time 110 minutes (plus interval) Preview A fiercely funny European masterpiece is coming straight to the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Copernicana CIC and firstlight Theatre are staging Gabriela Zapolska’s landmark comedy, The Morality of Mrs. Dulska, at The Bear Pit Theatre this July. The play is a hilarious, biting satire about keeping up appearances

Looking down into the workshop. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum is ready to welcome families this summer with £1 child tickets for visits between 25 June and 1 September. The Chancellor recently announced the UK government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, which will temporarily reduce VAT on eligible family activities from when schools finish for the summer in Scotland (25 June) until children return to classrooms in England, Wales and Northern Irel

Petrol & Pride. Photo by Olgun Kordal. The British Motor Museum is to host ‘Petrol & Pride’, which returns for its second year on Sunday, 26 July. Building an empowering new fixture for members, friends and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, the event aims to allow everyone to show off their pride in their wheels and themselves. The event is inclusive not only of all people, but of all vehicles. Visitors can immerse themselves in a day of music, food and fun in the beating h

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

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

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

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

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

Rugby’s Festival on The Close, In support of the Bradby Boys Club takes place from 20-25 June 2026. Preview Set against the stunning backdrop of Rugby School, this year's Festival on the Close promises an unforgettable season of world-class entertainment, featuring everything from laugh-out-loud comedy and incredible live music to family favourites and unmissable special events. Gather your friends, bring the family, and make memories under the summer sky – because Festival o

Keith and Marj coming to Warwick Arts Centre. Photo courtesy of the artists. Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth present Us, Pots and a Welsh Chapel at Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre on Friday 12 June 2026 8pm. Preview If you’ve been following Channel 4's Our Welsh Chapel Dream you will have already met ceramic designer Keith Brymer Jones and his partner actor and designer Marj Hogarth. This stage show gives you an opportunity to meet the beloved Great Pottery Throw Do

Warwickshire Singers are delighted to be teaming up with Singing for Pleasure’s Ula Weber to host a Come and Sing Day at Kenilworth Methodist Church on Saturday 12 September 2026. Open to all singers, the day will be an opportunity to meet other singers and experience the joy of singing a wide range of music together, including folk, jazz, gospel and sacred. It is preferable if singers can read or follow written music, but much of the singing will be learnt in the moment. Ula

Canley Parade. Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre. Coventry’s colourful Canley Parade, along with The Big Lunch, return on Saturday 6 June 2026 for a packed day of entertainment, food and activities for all. Bringing together residents, schools, artists, community groups, volunteers and local organisations, the annual event is one of the city's most vibrant community celebrations. Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 parade continues the tradition of cel

The Metro and Mini Show. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum will host a full schedule of ten classic and modern motoring shows throughout June and July. These will include the Banbury Run on 7 June, Classic & Vintage Commercial Show on 13 & 14 June, Aston Martin Owners Club Festival on 21 June, Ford Nationals on 28 June, Wythall BusFest on 4 July, National Metro & Mini Show on 5 July, BMC & Leyland Show on 12 July, Rootes Heritage Day and Old Ford Rally on 19

Showmasters’ Collectormania, Middleton Hall, centre:mk, Middleton Hall, Milton Keynes, from 29 – 31 May 2026. Free Admittance. Organisers, Showmasters bring the amazing Collectormania back to the centre:mk Europe’s largest Free to Enter Comic Con! Here’s your chance to meet starts from film and TV, take part in photoshoots, autograph sessions and explore hundreds of stalls full of TV and film memorabilia. Famous names from film and TV include Brian Blessed, Lesley Ash, Math

Shetland Pony Grand National. Photo credit Rob Tysall Pro Photography. The Great British Farm-Fest drew in thousands of people over the weekend, the glorious weather adding to the enjoyment. And you certainly didn’t have to be involved in the farming world to enjoy the show. There was everything for a great family day out - plus you would take the dog too. Organisers were calling this ‘Britain’s biggest farming party!’ Held at the NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire it was hoste

Kaleb Cooper and Jeremy Clarkson. Photo credit Paul Cooke. Thousands Flock to Day Two of The Great British Farm-Fest as Jeremy Clarkson Champions British Farming “Every person needs a farmer three times a day,” declared Festival host Jeremy Clarkson to roaring applause from thousands of visitors as Day Two of The Great British Farm-Fest delivered another unforgettable celebration of British farming, food, countryside culture and live entertainment. Junior Jockey's have fun in

Last year's show. Photo courtesy of the BMM. VauxALL, the celebration of all Vauxhall, Opel and Bedford models, is calling all owners and enthusiasts to bring their vehicle to the British Motor Museum on Sunday 17 May. Sponsored by Howden Classic Insurance Services, VauxALL is in its fourth successive year and is widely respected as one of the leading Vauxhall events in the UK. This headline May event is recognised by many as the start of the show season for the Vauxhall, O

A pupil from Thomas Jolyffe Primary and one of the birthday butterflies. Photo credit the school. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm marked the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough on Friday 8 May with a memorable celebration bringing together local schoolchildren, visitors and staff to honour one of the world’s most treasured naturalists and broadcasters. Pupils from Thomas Jolyffe Primary School and Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School joined the special event, releasing

Sara Pascoe. Photo courtesy of the artist. Festival on the Close, Rugby, from: 20 – 25 June 2026. Preview Rugby, the much-loved Festival on The Close returns to Rugby this year with an exciting programme packed with headline performances, unforgettable music, comedy, and live theatre. As the festival approaches its ten-year anniversary, organisers promise a spectacular celebration of live performance for audiences of all ages, and all in support of Rugby’s Bradby Club, the lo

Meet Shaun the Sheep! Photo courtesy of the BMM. Gaydon Land Rover Show 2 & 3 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire. Shaun the Sheep and Lara Croft Land Rovers join adventure winners and unique historic vehicles at one of the UK’s largest and most exciting shows for the iconic British vehicles. There's also the chance to win a VIP day out at the museum for your family. Adventure in motorsport and films takes the spotlight at the hugely popular Gaydon Land R