What's on this week - editor's choice NEWS
A weekly roundup of the best events taking place across the length and breadth of Britain.
London
Feast of St George | Today at Trafalgar Square, St James's - Come and celebrate St Georges Day in Trafalgar Square, with a feast of traditional English fare and free fun for everyone!Organised by the Mayor of London, the Feast of St George is inspired by St Georges Days 13th century origins as a national day of feasting.Therell be an English farmers market, with around 20 stalls selling mouth-watering treats like hog roast, homemade pies, cakes and freshly squeezed lemonade - all can be enjoyed in a splendid banqueting area seating 250 people between Trafalgar Squares iconic fountains.In Cooks Corner, supported by Northbank, see live demonstrations from leading London chefs as they cook up English dishes from past and present.Therell be plenty of activities for the kids too with a marquee full of family activities and an outdoor games area where you can try a range of traditional garden games
The science of laughter | 25 Apr 2014 at Royal Institution Of Great Britain, Mayfair - If you ask people what makes them laugh, they will tell you they laugh at jokes: however if you look at when they laugh a very different pattern emerges, in which laughter can be seen as an extremely important social emotion. Sophie Scott will explore the science of laughter, from laughter in other animals to the acoustics of laughter, and the ways that laughter is processed in our brains.
Footprints | 26 - 30 Apr 2014 at Building B, Camberley - The exhibition Footprints consists of photographs that have previously been entered into one of our four bi-monthly photographic competitions, each based on an environmental theme. Launched by The Photographic Angle in 2010, Footprints had the key objective to promote a greater sense of environmental awareness in the face of mans unprecedented impact on our global environment. Footprints is a touring photographic exhibition created and supported by The Photographic Angle. For more information see www
BFRS Career Event | 1 May 2014 at Princes Hall, Aldershot - This event has been structured to suit the Armed Forces community and their families. You might have left the forces years ago, or just be thinking about it now, or maybe you are already in the resettlement process. Whatever your situation, were hoping youll find this event useful and productive for your future career. Meet employers, find jobs, access self-employment opportunities, enrol in training schemes and get in touch with a whole raft of support services specialising in the transition from Military to Civilian life
Grand Designs Live | 3 - 11 May 2014 at ExCeL London, Custom House - Grand Designs Live, the UKs top contemporary home show, returns to London's ExCeL. Presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, and based on the hugely popular Channel 4 series, the show offers visitors a unique opportunity to see all the latest trends for the home. With areas dedicated to interiors, technology, kitchens, bathrooms, build and gardens, there's something for every room in your home. And with over 500 exhibitors, you can shop from a great selection of brands with 100's of items not available on the high street
South
Feast of St George | Today at Trafalgar Square, St James's - Come and celebrate St Georges Day in Trafalgar Square, with a feast of traditional English fare and free fun for everyone!Organised by the Mayor of London, the Feast of St George is inspired by St Georges Days 13th century origins as a national day of feasting.Therell be an English farmers market, with around 20 stalls selling mouth-watering treats like hog roast, homemade pies, cakes and freshly squeezed lemonade - all can be enjoyed in a splendid banqueting area seating 250 people between Trafalgar Squares iconic fountains.In Cooks Corner, supported by Northbank, see live demonstrations from leading London chefs as they cook up English dishes from past and present.Therell be plenty of activities for the kids too with a marquee full of family activities and an outdoor games area where you can try a range of traditional garden games
Folk Weekend Oxford | 25 - 27 Apr 2014 at Old Fire Station, Oxford - A weekend of folk music, ceilidhs, dance, workshops and much more. The whole of Oxford comes alive with things to do and people to see. There's a full family schedule including the much loved family ceilidh. Check out the full line up on the website or look out for the programmes around venues in Oxfordshire
The science of laughter | 25 Apr 2014 at Royal Institution Of Great Britain, Mayfair - If you ask people what makes them laugh, they will tell you they laugh at jokes: however if you look at when they laugh a very different pattern emerges, in which laughter can be seen as an extremely important social emotion. Sophie Scott will explore the science of laughter, from laughter in other animals to the acoustics of laughter, and the ways that laughter is processed in our brains.
Footprints | 26 - 30 Apr 2014 at Building B, Camberley - The exhibition Footprints consists of photographs that have previously been entered into one of our four bi-monthly photographic competitions, each based on an environmental theme. Launched by The Photographic Angle in 2010, Footprints had the key objective to promote a greater sense of environmental awareness in the face of mans unprecedented impact on our global environment. Footprints is a touring photographic exhibition created and supported by The Photographic Angle. For more information see www
Kyle Eastwood and Band | 29 Apr 2014 at The Concorde Club, Eastleigh - Eastwood Joined by Long-Time Band Featuring Pianist Andrew McCormack, Saxophonist Graeme Blevins, Trumpeter Quentin Collins, and Drummer Martyn Kaine ''Eastwood demonstrates monster bass chops.' - JazzTimes 'Kyle Eastwood is such a credible veteran young bass player that no one is surprised anymore that he represents so well young jazz players in Europe.' - Buffalo News It has been 15 years since bassist Kyle Eastwood burst onto the jazz scene with his 1998 debut, From There To Here. At that moment in his budding career, the press seemed more preoccupied with his paternal lineage (he's the son of famed actor-director Clint Eastwood) than his music
Midlands
Brassed Off | 23 - 26 Apr 2014 at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry - To co-incide with the 30th anniversary of the miners strike, we are proud to present this production of Brassed Off directed by Damian Cruden (Director of Olivier Award winning Best Entetainment The Railway Children). Starring local Brass Bands from your area and set against the very real backdrop of the collapse of the mining industry in Thatchers Britain, Brassed Off promises to be a moving but uplifting celebration of human endeavor and creativity against all the odds.
Folk Weekend Oxford | 25 - 27 Apr 2014 at Old Fire Station, Oxford - A weekend of folk music, ceilidhs, dance, workshops and much more. The whole of Oxford comes alive with things to do and people to see. There's a full family schedule including the much loved family ceilidh. Check out the full line up on the website or look out for the programmes around venues in Oxfordshire
Miss Nightingale | 28 Apr - 2 May 2014 at The Library Theatre, Sheffield - After taking the UK and the West End by storm in 2013 Miss Nightingale - the musical comes back to Sheffield by popular demand - even funnier, more moving and with an amazing new cast. Feisty singer Maggie and her songwriter, George, are struggling to find their big break. She longs for the bright lights of fame. He's hiding a dark secret in the shadows
David Serero | 1 May 2014 at Glee Club Birmingham, Birmingham - French baritone David Serero has received international recognition from playing over 600 concerts worldwide. His TV appearances have been watched by 30 million viewers and radio performances heard by 18 million listeners. His eclectic live repertoire includes Opera, Broadway, World Music and Theatre and has seen him perform at the Opera Garnier Paris, LOlympia, The Eiffel Tower, the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, with the Budapest Opera conducted by Placido Domingo and sold-out West End shows at the Dominion Theatre, London. David has performed the title role and produced the world premiere of Duke Ellingtons only musical Beggars Holiday and in the musical You Are Not Alone with Jermaine Jackson, which was written, directed and produced by David
Lake Street Dive | 5 May 2014 at Glee Club Birmingham, Birmingham - LAKE STREET DIVE - UK TOUR 2014 - GLEE CLUB BIRMINGHAM Brooklyn based four-piece Lake Street Dive bring their brand new album to the stage at Glee Club Birmingham on Monday 5th May 2014. Lake Street Dive have been performing for nearly a decade after meeting as fellow students at the New England Conservatory in Boston. The band was hand picked by Minneapolis trumpet/guitar player Mike Olson and named after an actual neighborhood of seedy bars in his hometown. Vocalist Rachael Price came from outside Nashville, Tennessee, stand-up bassist Bridget Kearney was an Iowa native, while drummer Mike Calabrese called Philadelphia home
East
Sherlock Holmes | 26 Apr 2014 at St Peter's by the Waterfront, Ipswich - How can one show with just four actors possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear! The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company put dynamic detective duo Holmes and Watson through their paces as they tackle their most fiendish case yet in this delightfully inventive and hilarious show for all ages featuring live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at.
Soul Legends | 3 May 2014 at Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre, Cromer - Billed as the feel good show of the year, brand-new smash-hit, Stateside spectacular Soul Legends is coming to town. Boasting that it features more soul classics than any other production songs from Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, Edwin Starr, Barry White, The Four Tops, The Jacksons, George Benson, Martha Reeves, The Emotions, Kool & the Gang, Stevie Wonder, The Pointer Sisters and many more. Show producer Michael Taylor says: Its all aboard the sensational soul train show of the year. We embark from souls heady Sixties origins
Viva La Drag | 25 Apr 2014 at Ipswich Regent Theatre, Ipswich - Viva La Drag at Ipswich Regent Theatre live on Friday, 25 April 2014 in Ipswich, Suffolk. For tickets to see Viva La Drag at Ipswich Regent Theatre, see the list of ticket prices.
European Market 2014 | 26 Apr 2014 at Market Place, Great Dunmow - The town centre will come alive with the tastes, smells and products of Continental Europe - and beyond - when the Traditional European Food and Craft Fair arrives in town. Bringing a lot of produce and products that are new and different, the fair will be in town on Saturday 26th of April. The town centre will be transformed into more of a bustling market place than ever before, as the marketers build on the success of their visits in earlier years. This year, we have some new exciting stalls: German salami, Finnish crafts, Peruvian handicrafts, Italian macaroons and Paris handbags
North West
The Real People | 25 Apr 2014 at Citadel Arts Centre, St Helens - The Real People, or "The Realies" as they are known to their fans, formed in 1987 and over the following four years were as pivotal as The La's and The Stone Roses in reinventing rock & roll, after the synth-led new wave music which had dominated the 80s. There can be no doubt that The Real People were a key influence for Noel and Liam Gallagher as Oasis began their ascent to stardom. New guitarist Alan Gillibrand joined in 1995 along with drummer Gary Ford and armed with a new deal from Winchester Films/MGL Records. The Real People recorded their third album, "What's on the Outside"
King King | 2 May 2014 at Citadel Arts Centre, St Helens - The meteoric rise to prominence of British blues breakers King King, has seen the racking up a host of accolades culminating in this years Best Band and Best Album at the British Blues Awards. Since they began touring three years ago, King Kings unique brand of multi-faceted blues rock has won over audiences as diverse as The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the internationally acclaimed Belgium Rhythm & Blues Festival in Peer and even Glastonbury. Driving force behind King Kings unstoppable charge is Alan Nimmo, a virtuoso frontman possessed of an almost impolite level of charisma and the talent to back it up. An award winning bluesman in his own right and widely known across the UK and Europe
Ruby Turner | 3 May 2014 at Citadel Arts Centre, St Helens - Born in Jamaica, Ruby moved to England when she was nine and her major break came when she was taken under the wings of British blues legend, the late Alexis Korner. Her first album, "Women Hold Up Half The Sky" was released to critical acclaim in 1986. This period spawned the hits 'If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) and 'I'd Rather Go Blind' and, in the American R'n'B chart, the number 1 hit single 'It's Gonna Be Alright' - one of less than ten British records to achieve this! Later she released the hit album 'The Motown Songbook' on which she performed with some of the great stars of that era - The Four Tops, The Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin etc. From this album she also released the smash single Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Joan As Police Woman | Today at Manchester Gorilla, Manchester - Joan As Police Woman appears live in Manchester, Greater Manchester at Manchester Gorilla on Monday, 21 April 2014. For ticket prices to watch Joan As Police Woman at Manchester Gorilla, see the list of tickets available for Joan As Police Woman.
North East
The Michael Nyman Band | Tomorrow at The Sage Gateshead, Gateshead - The Michael Nyman Band at The Sage Gateshead live on Tuesday, 22 April 2014 in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. For tickets to see The Michael Nyman Band at The Sage Gateshead, see the list of ticket prices.
The Rifles | 23 Apr 2014 at Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne - 'The Rifles' are a British hard-rock band that stem from Chingford, London. Bursting on to the indie scene in 2006, with their critically acclaimed debut album "No Love Lost", produced by Ian Broudie of 'The Lightning Seeds', the album went on to be a critical and commercial success. They followed this up in 2009 with "The Great Escape", which took a much grander and epic approach to their sound, not to mention more than 3 years worth of recording time. 'The Rifles' third album "Freedom Run" was released in late 2011
Neil Finn | 24 Apr 2014 at The Sage Gateshead, Gateshead - Neil Finn appears live in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear at The Sage Gateshead on Thursday, 24 April 2014. For ticket prices to watch Neil Finn at The Sage Gateshead, see the list of tickets available for Neil Finn.
After Midnight unplugged | 25 Apr 2014 at Porters Coffee House, Tynemouth - Mike Hall (guitar/vocals) and Dave Robson (bass/vocals) from well-known local band After Midnight will be taking time off from their Classic Clapton UK Tour to perform a rare acoustic set at Porters Coffee House on Friday 25 April. Tickets £7.00. AFTER MIDNIGHT were formed in Newcastle in 1985
Scotland
Northern Streams 2014 | 25 - 26 Apr 2014 at Grassmarket Centre, Edinburgh - Cross the North Sea this month, courtesy of the Northern Streams festival of music, song and dance from Scandinavia and Britain. Guests include Norways dynamic rock and roll Storm Weather Shanty Choir, award-winning Kevin Lees, Dave Wood & Noa Shamir (Denmark/Britain); Shetlands premier duo Maggie Adamson & Brian Nicholson and innovative Swedish/Scottish musicians Kristin Borgehed & Nathan Bissette. The programme includes workshops on sea shanties, Shetland music, Swedish songs and Scandinavian folk dancing (for adults and children), a sharing session and 2 evening concerts - all at its new festival venue, the Grassmarket Centre, a community social enterprise which helps build skills and confidence in people. For more details & to book: visit www
Alkaline Trio | Today at ABC Glasgow, Glasgow - With their highly revered brand of alcohol fueled punk rock, Alkaline Trio first formed in 1996 to eventually become one of the most successful and long-running bands in modern punk-rock. Arriving onto the scene with their angst-ridden dark version of pop-punk, the Alkaline Trio quickly became a favorite amongst the circles of the Midwestern punk scene in the late 90s, following the release of a series of successful EPs as well as their first full length album, Goddammit. The early 2000s consisted of a continual rise in popularity for the Alkaline Trio, the release of the two albums From Here to Infirmary and Good Mourning saw the band's first Billboard charting as well as the steady rise of their fanbase. Their latest albums, This Addiction (released 2010) and Damnesia (released 2011), have shown a continued success and a promising future yet ahead for these punk rock veterans
Brody Dalle | Today at Glasgow Garage, Glasgow - Brody Dalle appears live in Glasgow, Renfrewshire at Glasgow Garage on Monday, 21 April 2014. For ticket prices to watch Brody Dalle at Glasgow Garage, see the list of tickets available for Brody Dalle.
Kvelertak | Tomorrow at Cathouse, Glasgow - Kvelertak performs live at Cathouse in Glasgow, Lanarkshire on Tuesday, 22 April 2014. Buy and compare your tickets for Kvelertak at Cathouse now.
Wales
Matthew and the Atlas | Today at The Globe, Cardiff - Matthew and the Atlas at The Globe live on Monday, 21 April 2014 in Cardiff, Glamorgan. For tickets to see Matthew and the Atlas at The Globe, see the list of ticket prices.
Young Kato | 23 Apr 2014 at Club Ifor Bach, Cardiff - Young Kato performs live at Club Ifor Bach in Cardiff, Glamorgan on Wednesday, 23 April 2014. Buy and compare your tickets for Young Kato at Club Ifor Bach now.
Funeral for a Friend | 27 Apr 2014 at Cardiff University Students Union, Cardiff - Funeral for a Friend at Cardiff University Students Union live on Sunday, 27 April 2014 in Cardiff, Glamorgan. For tickets to see Funeral for a Friend at Cardiff University Students Union, see the list of ticket prices.
Rich Hall | 27 Apr 2014 at Glee Club Cardiff, Cardiff - Regular comedian on the BBC2 panel show QI and many others, Rich Hall is a master of observational comedy, who likes to turn his attention to the irony of American life. This deadpan comic genius is back on the road, and funnier than ever. Don't miss this chance to see comedy at its very best.
Alan Davies | 1 May 2014 at St David's Hall, Cardiff - After more than a decade since his last stand-up show and following a hugely successful tour of Australia in 2011, Alan Davies, the much-loved star of iconic television series such as Jonathan Creek and QI, makes a long-awaited return to live stand-up this Autumn.