Theatregoers will be treated to open-air productions of classic stories this summer while surrounded by the blooming flowers at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Following the success of last year’s performances, that attracted hundreds of guests, the Edgbaston-based gardens will launch theatre season on July 1. For three weeks, theatre fans can enjoy a different performance every Wednesday. The spectacular stories, produced by popular touring theatre companies, include Jane Eyre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest.

Chapterhouse Theatre will receive a warm welcome back to the Botanical Gardens, after successful productions of Sherlock Holmes, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jungle Book in 2014. Fairies, lovers and magic will return to the 15-acre gardens as A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes control of the grounds on July 8. Last year, this performance attracted a mammoth 700 people.

Lincoln-based Chapterhouse will also be kicking off the celebrations with a special performance of Jane Eyre on July 1. The classic tale – adapted from Charlotte Bronte’s novel – will have audience members swooning as the tale comes to life. The stop off at Botanical Gardens is a part of the group’s 16th year of touring the UK and Ireland, bringing some of the best-loved classics to idyllic garden settings.

Shakespearian magic won’t end there, as Gloucester-based Rain and Shine Theatre – that has been described by The Stage magazine as “one of the best companies touring open air theatre” – bring The Tempest to the flowering gardens on July 15. Guests will be able to watch as the mystery of Prospero’s island unfolds in this family-friend performance.

http://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Theatregoers will be treated to open-air productions of classic stories this summer while surrounded by the blooming flowers at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Following the success of last year’s performances, that attracted hundreds of guests, the Edgbaston-based gardens will launch theatre season on July 1. For three weeks, theatre fans can enjoy a different performance every Wednesday. The spectacular stories, produced by popular touring theatre companies, include Jane Eyre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest.

Chapterhouse Theatre will receive a warm welcome back to the Botanical Gardens, after successful productions of Sherlock Holmes, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Jungle Book in 2014. Fairies, lovers and magic will return to the 15-acre gardens as A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes control of the grounds on July 8. Last year, this performance attracted a mammoth 700 people.

Lincoln-based Chapterhouse will also be kicking off the celebrations with a special performance of Jane Eyre on July 1. The classic tale – adapted from Charlotte Bronte’s novel – will have audience members swooning as the tale comes to life. The stop off at Botanical Gardens is a part of the group’s 16th year of touring the UK and Ireland, bringing some of the best-loved classics to idyllic garden settings.

Shakespearian magic won’t end there, as Gloucester-based Rain and Shine Theatre – that has been described by The Stage magazine as “one of the best companies touring open air theatre” – bring The Tempest to the flowering gardens on July 15. Guests will be able to watch as the mystery of Prospero’s island unfolds in this family-friend performance.

http://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Whether you’re contemplating your honeymoon or a summer getaway with the kids, The Holiday and Travel Show will be packed with a variety of travel specialists on hand to inspire you. There’ll be plenty of prizes up for grabs too not least a luxury trip to Istanbul plus superb discounts for 2015/2016 holidays.

Specialist companies exhibiting include Kuoni, Turkish Airlines, Simply Luxury, Espirit, Santa’s Lapland and Ski Total among others.

For more information email quote@puredestinations.co.uk or call 0121 446 4932

In association with Pure Destinations, Lotty Harper PR and Edgbaston Priory Club

The inaugural year of Rave Against Racism sees a multitude of the biggest names perform in Birmingham. The event has been organised to help bring bigotry to an end, raise awareness and spread the anti-racism message worldwide.

Starting in Birmingham, the not-for-profit organisation has been busy gathering some of the best artists which will be set over five stages at Alfie Bird & The Oobleck in Digbeth.

The line up includes Andy YamWho, Adam Regan, Anton Debiage, Beck&Bird, Danny Mekanik, Deano Farrino, Deep City Soul, Don Carlo, Discomendments, Free School, Funk D’Void, Harvey Lane, Jake Conlon, Jakkin Rabbit, Jam Jah Sound, Jah Hamma Sound System & Cheshire Cat, Jock Lee, Jonnie Greaves, Kenny Redz (Promised Land), Lee Marks, Leftside Wobble, Leo Zero, Mark Rae Music, Peza, Problematic Disko, Rich Lane, Rob Mello, Sir Real, Sticky Joe, Steve Cobby (Fila Brazillia), Truth & Lies Music, Winston Hazel (Forgemasters) and Young Warrior.

There will also be live art & graffiti by the Canvas crew. An 8Bit Lounge with retro gaming, AV and music from Chromatouch, Subcitizen and friends.

Tickets are buy 2 get 1 free from http://goo.gl/EroKB6

Australian singer Nicki Gillis is coming to rock Coventry! The Ladies Rock tour is a celebration of female rock and pop songs from the ‘60s through to the early 2000s, featuring hits from iconic female stars including Helen Shapiro, Tina Turner, Annie Lennox, Joan Baez, Cher and Pink to name but a few.

Nicki has been performing professionally since she was 15 years old but her first time at the Albany was last year alongside Coventry-born 1960s pop sensation Frank Ifield. Nicki was so well received that she has been invited back to the theatre where she’ll be accompanied by a live band and audio-visual show.

For tickets and more information please visit www.albanytheatre.co.uk/ladiesrock or ring the box office on 024 7699 8964.

The UK’s most successful live act ever are back on the road. Four years since the band’s last record-breaking tour Progress Live this is a wonderful chance to bathe in the love for Mark, Gary and Howard.

www.ticketfactory.com

This isn’t the sanitised, saccharine Peter Pan of many recent adaptations. Instead Ayres and Greenlaw bring to life the danger, delightful anarchy and vibrancy of J M Barrie’s original story.

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Families in Birmingham who may never have gone camping before will get the chance to experience what it’s like, as a pop-up campsite roadshow takes to the city. Kids and parents will be able to enjoy cooking demos; take a look inside state-of-the-art tents, caravans and motorhomes; have a go on cycling, rowing or cross-trainer equipment to simulate the activities campers enjoy while on holiday such as fell running, kayaking or mountain biking.

There will also be fun activities such as tent pitching competitions; face painting; children can have a go at drawing designs on a tent and the best picture of the day will receive a Shaun the Sheep The Movie activity pack.

Plus, there will be the chance to win a free 7 night Ready Camp holiday as well as an iPad and £250-worth of Go Outdoors vouchers.

Visit www.nccw.co.uk for more information.

The Killers continue to headline stadiums and festivals around the world but Flowers remains a hugely successful solo artist and he’s back touring his new album The Desired Effect, successor to the chart-topping Flamingo.

www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk

This live show features more than 100 performers and is conducted by Ben Foster with music performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and members of the BBC National Chorus of Wales.

www.theticketfactory.com