Following sell out performances last year, The Horrible Histories returns. Featuring professional actors and Bogglevision 3D special effects, you get a real sense of what it was like to live in the sixteenth century. In Terrible Tudors you find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives, his punch up with the Pope and survive the Spanish Armada as it sails right into the audience! In Vile Victorians you will find out what exactly a baby farmer did. Could you survive the filth of the factories, the slums & the sewers – and prepare for the Charge of the Light Brigade?

WHERE: The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Box office 0247 655 3055, www.belgrade.co.uk

This year’s Festival continues to appeal to a variety of musical interest. On Friday 27th April the programme ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ has been specially devised for Bromsgrove by Gabrielle Byam Grounds. An ensemble of English Serenata with vocalist and narrator offer a variety of music from classical to Swing and Jazz. The music choice of “the upstairs” as opposed to “the downstairs” may surprise. On 9th May the distinguished Chilingirian Quartet return in their 40th anniversary year to give a concert in Grafton Manor Chapel accompanied by the Australian saxophonist Amy Dickson. With recognition of the Diamond Jubilee Sir Roy Strong will give an illustrated lecture on ‘Coronation in the Twentieth Century’ and the final concert with the English Symphony Orchestra and the Elgar Chorale, conducted by Dr Donald Hunt, also acknowledges the Queen’s anniversary. The festival continues to celebrate young talent, not only in this year’s YoungMusicians’ Platform(12th to 15th April) but also with the return of three former finalists, including Alexander Sitkovetsky (2006). The jazz concert involves young musicians in the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra fromthe Birminghamand Paris Conservatoires.

Couples choosing a venue for their big day will have the opportunity to be given a personal guided tour of The Belfry’s extensive facilities. The Belfry’s dedicated special events team will be on hand to share their experience of helping to organise dream weddings, from initial ideas right through to the day itself, including traditional receptions, civil ceremonies and partnerships, renewal of vows and Asian weddings.

Pre-booked visitors to the Wedding Open Day will be welcomed with complimentary Champagne and canapés before being shown around a selection of suites, set-up for a wedding ceremony and breakfast, whilst taking in the idyllic setting and stunning grounds.

WHERE: The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield www.TheBelfry.com. To book call 0300 500 0405 or email specialevents@thebelfry.com

Enjoy a lazy brunch to the soothing sounds of jazz with the Reuben James Trio. The sensational young pianist whose career has rocketed over the past 12 months is now a permanent fixture in the New Orleans trumpet player Abram Wilson’s band after touring around Europe and has performed on various live TV and radio shows. With brunch served until 4pm this could be a very laid back Sunday.

When: Sun 15th April (Jazz from 12pm-3pm; Brunch from 12pm-4pm)

WHERE: The Arden Hotel, Stratford Tel: 01789 298682 www.theardenhotelstratford.com

To mark the centenary of the 1912 disaster, the influential 1969 Gavin Bryars composition The Sinking of the Titanic is to be performed live by the composer and his ensemble in two special concerts – one at the Barbican in London and one at our very own Town Hall in Birmingham. Inspired by reports that the RMS

Titanic’s string ensemble continued to play the hymn, Autumn as the ship sank, this moving production is beautifully intimate.

Countrytastic celebrates all that is rural and provides an ideal welcome to Spring. There are plenty of activities (indoor and outdoor), animal displays, tractor rides and oodles of adorable animals to cuddle. Aaah!

Get your hands on the very latest in gadgetry at the fourth Gadget Show Live. Alongside five halls of technological heaven; Suzi, Jason, Ortis, Jon and Pollyanna will also be back in the Super Theatre providing an hour of high octane entertainment three times a day.

Farm Day at Forge Mill is a lovely Spring event in a pretty and intimate setting. An opportunity to meet and cuddle a variety of farmyard animals is the highlight along with Major Mustard’s hilarious puppet show. Farmyard activities and a sing-along with Indigo Arts will be running throughout the day too.

Lovable characters Peppa Pig and George, from the BAFTA award-winning TV series, will be coming to Blenheim Palace to meet families at the Pleasure Gardens. Everyone’s favourite little piggies will be joined by others including The Piplings fromTV show,Waybuloo.

Entertain the children with an afternoon searching for treats and treasures in Brockencote’s beautiful gardens, then enjoy a leisurely Sunday lunch.