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FEATURES


Classic and Modern Motoring Shows Galore!
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

Tanya Aspinwall
3 days ago


Warwick Arts Centre's Orchestral Season 2026-2027
Czech National Symphony Orchestra in rehearsals. Photo by Jan Maly. Boundary-breaking performances, familiar classics, seasonal favourites, and more are lined up for Warwick Arts Centre's 2026-2027 Orchestral Season. Kicking the season off is a return appearance from the inspiring Chineke! Orchestra (26 Nov 2026). Acclaimed Colombian conductor Tatiana Pérez-Hernández leads the orchestra through works by Stravinksy and Rodrigo, as well as lesser-known pieces by Adolphus Hail

Dave Freak
May 29


Collectormania at Milton Keynes this weekend - and it's free admittance!
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

ann-evans
May 27


King Charles III visits the RSC
King Charles III meets the cast of the Tempest. Photo courtesy of the RSC. On Friday 22 May the Patron of the Royal Shakespeare Company, His Majesty King Charles III, joined audiences at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon for a performance of The Tempest directed by Sir Richard Eyre and starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, who is playing Prospero for the first time in a career that has included thirty-five productions of Shakespeare to date. On arrival, His Majes

ann-evans
May 26


More Farm-Fest fun!
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

ann-evans
May 25


Farm Fest at Stoneleigh huge success
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
Jen Monk
May 24


Rare models and unique concept cars to feature at this year's VauxALL
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

Tanya Aspinwall
May 13


Schoolchildren release 100 butterflies to celebrate Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday
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

Tanya Aspinwall
May 13


Dive into the Springboard Festival
Rebecca Mileham. Photo courtesy of Alison Manning. The opening night of this year's Springboard Festival at the Criterion Theatre in Earlsdon did not disappoint. As Artistic director, Anne-marie Greene said in her opening welcome, this is the 4th year of the festival which consists of a week-long celebration of creative arts, featuring a variety of music, poetry, theatre, literary discussion, community groups and even visual art. The festival brings together amateur and profe

Alison Manning
May 10


Festival on The Close returns to Rugby with a star-studded line-up of music, comedy, and theatre
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

ann-evans
May 5


Fringe Week arts festival next up at Rugby Theatre
David Bradley at Rugby Theatre. Photo courtesy of the artist. Featuring a Harry Potter star, an Edinburgh Fringe comedy show, gripping drama and more, a week-long arts festival is back at Rugby Theatre from 2-10 May. Rugby Theatre’s Fringe Week will see a variety of acts appearing at the historic town centre venue, with tickets starting at just £10. The festival kicks off with Michael Mansfield KC, one of Britain’s most influential barristers, who represented victims and fam

Rosie Fuller
Apr 29


Discover the spirit of adventure at Gaydon Land Rover Show
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

Tanya Aspinwall
Apr 27


Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm to celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday!
Butterfly Owner Clive Farrell (centre) with David Bellamy (L) and Sir David Attenborough (R). Photo courtesy of the Stratford Butterfly Farm. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm is delighted to announce a very special celebration on Friday 8 May, marking the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, one of the world’s most treasured naturalists. Sir David Attenborough, who has previously visited the Butterfly Farm, has long been an inspiration to the team and to millions aroun

Tanya Aspinwall
Apr 26


A magical evening with Titania, Shakespeare's Queen of the Fairies
Nia Gwynne as Titania. Photo by Chris Clarke. Titania – A new one-woman show by D R Hood. Performed by Nia Gwynne at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from 24 – 25 April. Other dates and venues: 8 May: The Tolmen Centre, Constantine, Cornwall; 25 June: The Lyric Theatre, Bridport, Dorset. Running time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (no interval). Review by Ann Evans ‘Run towards things that scare you, so I am running full pelt. Why wouldn’t you want to play the

ann-evans
Apr 25


Criterion's Springboard Festival 2026
There’s lots going on behind the scenes at the newly refurbished Criterion Theatre, Earlsdon, as preparations get underway for their fourth incarnation of the Springboard Festival. Running from Saturday 9 May to Saturday 16 May the Springboard Festival will be showcasing a wide variety of local artistic talent with writers, poets, performers, musicians, both amateur and professional entertaining audiences over the week. Amongst the great line-up of nightly entertainment wi

ann-evans
Apr 20


New Angle on Awards
Portrait Print and Best in Show: Angles and Extensions by Ester Riordan. Fittingly, a new trophy awarded for the judge’s choice of Best in Show at Leamington Spa Photographic Society’s end-of-season competition has been won by an arts-related image. It is presented in memory of long-standing LSPS member Keith Roberts, who was the LSPS membership secretary for many years and was also chairman of the Leamington Spa Arts Society. The Best in Show trophy, chosen by judge John Hai

ann-evans
Apr 17


Red Sky at Sunrise - Laurie Lee in Words and Music
Charlie Hamblett (L) and Anton Lesser (R) Photo credit James Northcote. Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words and Music at Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7FD, Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 7.30pm. Actors Anton Lesser, Charlie Hamblett with Orchestra of the Swan. Director Judy Reaves. Music Director David Le Page. Writer Deirdre Shields. Producer Hambletts. Preview Author, Laurie Lee’s extraordinary story - from Cider with Rosie to the Spanish Civil Wa

ann-evans
Apr 10


Max Cooper - Feeling Is Structure Album Tour
Max Cooper. Photo by the artist. Max Cooper 3D/AV Live, Feeling is Structure Album Tour. At Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre on Friday 15 May 2026. New Album out 8 May 2026. Preview Acclaimed electronic artist and multidisciplinary composer Max Cooper will be bringing his 3DAV live album show to some of the most prestigious venues throughout the UK on the back of his London sold out Royal Albert Hall performance - including Coventry's Warwick Arts Centre (15 May 2026) Re

ann-evans
Apr 4


Stratford Gin & Rum Festival returns for 2026 with New Riverside Venue
Sam Evans of the Shakespeare Distillery. Photo by the company. Gin and rum lovers are in for a treat as the popular Stratford Gin & Rum Festival returns in 2026 with an exciting new riverside home at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon, on 19 July from 12 to 5pm. Taking place beside the River Avon, the festival will bring together a hand-picked line-up of craft gin and rum distilleries, offering visitors the chance to sample, discover and purchase a wide variety of premium

Tanya Aspinwall
Mar 26


Man's Best Friend
Gorgeous dogs enjoying the attention. Photos by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. As life gets back to normal for all the canine competitors and their owners and handlers who were involved in Crufts, Elementary WhatsOn looks back on our visit to this world famous dog show held over the four-day period of 5-8 March at the Birmingham NEC. We’ve put together a roundup of dogs and events that caught our eye, including some gorgeous dogs who may not have achieved Best in Show, but were

ann-evans
Mar 24


Experience the beauty of the ‘Blue Morpho’ Butterfly this Easter!
The Blue Morpho Butterfly. Photo courtesy of The Butterfly Farm. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm is proud to support its sister conservation and breeding project, ‘Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm’ in Belize this Easter. During the holidays from 28 March – 12 April, visitors can experience the breathtaking beauty of hundreds of Blue Morpho butterflies, which have been sourced directly from the project. Known for their iridescent, shimmering wings, the Blue Morpho is one of t

Tanya Aspinwall
Mar 22
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