Entertainment News

The celebrated blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter, Joe Bonamassa, has announced that he will return to the UK in March 2018, including a date at Birmingham’s Genting Arena.

The forthcoming UK tour follows hot on the heels of Joe’s critically acclaimed studio album Blues of Desperation which reached #3 in the Official UK Album Chart, followed last month by the release of his live acoustic album “Joe Bonamassa: Live at Carnegie Hall.”

The March 2018 UK tour will feature Joe alongside a hand-picked group of world-class musicians playing material from Blues of Desperation, plus classic Bonamassa fan favourites.

Birmingham Hippodrome has proudly announced that Beverley Knight (in her pantomime debut), Danny Mac, Matt Slack, Suzanne Shaw, The Grumbleweeds, Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall will star in this year’s production of Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes!

Revealing this year’s casting, Producer and Director Michael Harrison said: “This year’s fantastic line-up will ensure another smash-hit pantomime for Birmingham Hippodrome in 2017/18. With so many stars across the worlds of music, theatre, dance and comedy I’m delighted we’ve assembled such a stellar cast for Birmingham’s ultimate pantomime. Once again there’ll be plenty of laughs, surprises and audience participation to look forward to, so audiences should book their tickets to the ball today.”

Fiona Allan, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome said: ‘We are hugely excited to play host to Beverley Knight in her pantomime debut this festive season. Pantomime is incredibly important to us at Birmingham Hippodrome and we’re extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with Qdos, who continue to entertain and delight audiences from across the region year on year with their unique mixture of storytelling, lavish special effects and hilarious comedy. This year’s line-up promises something for everyone, and with the clock already ticking, it’s never too early to start planning in some Christmas fun.’

Soul diva and Midlands-born Beverley Knight will take up her first pantomime role as The Fairy Godmother. The much-loved recording artist, radio presenter and musical theatre actress has been a mainstay of the UK music industry for over 20 years having released eight studio albums and stormed worldwide charts with hits including Get Up!, Shoulda Woulda Coulda, Gold and Come as You Are.

Joining her in the role of Prince Charming is celebrated Strictly Come Dancing finalist Danny Mac. Last year Danny appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing coupled with Oti Mabuse. The pair reached the finals wowing viewers and panel, and Danny remains the highest ranking male contestant in the show’s long history. Danny recently starred as Gabey in On the Town in the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park.

Returning for his fifth consecutive pantomime appearance, Birmingham’s favourite funny man Matt Slack plays Buttons after winning rave reviews and legions of fans following last year’s performance as Idle Jack in Dick Whittington. Matt will ensure Cinderella goes to the Royal Ball in a performance that will feature his trademark physical comedy, off-the-cuff jokes and hilarious local references.

In the title role of Cinderella will be pop and television star Suzanne Shaw, who rose to fame via the popular ITV talent search Popstars and the record-breaking music group Hear’Say. She has appeared in various leading stage roles and pantomimes, and starred as Eve Jenson in ITV’s Emmerdale. In 2008 she won the third series of ITV’s popular skating show Dancing on Ice and participated in the All Stars series in 2014.

Robin Colvill and James Brandon, better known as The Grumbleweeds, will appear as The Broker’s Men. Regulars on the UK comedy scene since the 1960s across radio, television, theatre, cabaret and pantomime the ‘guv’nors’ of live comedy will bring their inimitable style of family entertainment, musical comedy and laugh-out-loud routines to the production.

Completing the line-up will be Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall as the Ugly Sisters. For the first time Ceri and Phil will come together as the ultimate Ugly Sister pairing, bringing a wealth of panto experience and sensational costumes having impersonated the world’s biggest divas and entertaining thousands of theatregoers every Christmas.

Once again this year’s pantomime will be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, with Michael Harrison as Producer and Director for the eighth consecutive year. Having recently brought his hugely successful productions of Funny Girl and The Bodyguard to Birmingham Hippodrome.

Audiences shall go to the ball this Christmas as Cinderella transforms from rags to riches, outwits her very Ugly Sisters, and with the help of her hilarious friend Buttons and one very magical Fairy Godmother, wins the heart of the dashing Prince Charming. Cinderella will feature all of the ingredients of the perfect Hippodrome pantomime: a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.

The clock is ticking…book your tickets to the Ball today!

The sky was blue, the water looked crystal clear and the beach was rocking. Set against the most idyllic setting imaginable, The Venus Company's first ever Loving the Beach Music Festival on Saturday was an unprecedented success. Blackpool Sands was buzzing with families enjoying a first-rate day out.

The afternoon got off to a lively start when 'Mafia 4' took to the stage. Another local band 'Three Bags Full' followed, getting many to their feet dancing on the shingles in the wonderful afternoon heat. Then, whilst VIP ticket holders enjoyed a delicious three course meal in the café and families lined the beach on blankets and chairs, 'Saloon Star' started their first act. From gypsy jazz to blues, reggae, pop and rock, everyone was catered for. An irresistible combination, packed with old favourites, keeping the mood high and the beach swinging.

This ticket only event was made even more magical with the backdrop of a yacht race which added the final touch to this idyllic scene. With almost no wind, the line of boats sat gracefully on the horizon, creating a sense of tranquil and calm.

Michael Smith, co-owner of The Venus Company comments: “We were obviously nervous when we were planning our first ever music festival but we had a fantastic line up and a stunning location. We needn't have worried. The sun shone, the bands played and the crowds came. It was a resounding success and we are already thinking about a second festival next year.”

The whole event was very much a family affair with children entertained by Punch and Judy shows and artistic face painting by Lisa Wood and her colleague Rachel on site. Fun activities for all the family were also laid on by Beach Schools South West, Devon Wildlife Trust, The Samaritans and South Devon AONB. Many of these activities were based around an environmental theme with the aim to get all the festival goers thinking about how they could do their bit to look after our beaches and oceans. The RNLI were also present on the beach.

Of course, as the festival was hosted by The Venus Company there was plenty of great food and drink available from the takeaway and café. The Bays Brewery tent also proved very popular. Whilst a lucky few with VIP tickets enjoyed a fabulous three course meal of locally sourced produce with premium views from the VIP area.

Michael Smith comments: “We were so thrilled to see our plans come to fruition and to see so many people enjoying our new festival. Clearly we are not the only ones who think that Blackpool Sands is the perfect venue for a family music festival. We are delighted that our Loving the Beach Festival looks set to be a highlight of the summer season.”

This summer, At-Bristol Science Centre is running a series of out of the ordinary events and experiences to spark curiosity, with the first ever Festival of What If. Over the six week summer holiday period, the Festival will focus on three 'what if' themes celebrating what it is to be curious!

Inspired by questions from visitors, each fortnight of the summer will take a different theme, based on a question, and so every two weeks the spaces will come alive with new weird and wonderful activities to get people thinking and doing. The themes are 'What if we had to live on a different planet', 'What if nature took over' and 'What if I could see inside myself'.

There will be special events, extra Planetarium shows, evening talks and outdoor film screenings. There will also be the unique opportunity to take part in some of the schools workshops, as they are opened up to families for the very first time. Also, every Thursday night, At-Bristol's rooftop bar will be open for evening drinks before or after special evening events (Studio talks and Planetarium Nights) – with panoramic views of the city, it's a bit of a hidden gem!

With over 50 events and activities over the Festival period, there will be something for everyone, including (to name just a handful): driverless pods, designing a space house, LEGO robotics workshops, edible facemasks, visiting Vikings and drop-in Planetarium shows.

During the festival, At-Bristol will be looking and sounding a bit different too, with a fiesta weekend at the end of each fortnight, there will be a weekend celebration with live music and lots of additional activities. At-Bristol is also working with artists as they approach the three themes in different and intriguing ways. Whether it's helping to design a house on Mars or experiencing the poetry of plants, the Festival of What If is a chance to look at science from a fresh perspective.

The Killers have announced a major UK and Ireland tour for November 2017.  The tour will follow the release of the band’s upcoming fifth album, Wonderful Wonderful

Tickets for The Killers’ November shows, which begin in Birmingham on 6th November, go on sale at 9am on Friday, 14th July.

The Killers recently released the video for their dazzling new single, “The Man”, the first taster of the new album. The video was shot in and around Las Vegas and sees the band collaborate with the award-winning director Tim Mattia for the first time.

The new tour announcement also follows on from a spectacular, hit-laden surprise set at Glastonbury  which saw the band return to the festival for the first time since their 2007 Pyramid Stage headline show.

Wonderful Wonderful will be The Killers’ first album since 2012’s chart-topping Battle Born. Recorded with the producer Jacknife Lee during album sessions in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, the album is shaping up to be the band’s most sonically forward-thinking record yet; an LP bursting with all of the blazing choruses and arena-filling anthems that make The Killers one of the world’s biggest and most beloved rock bands.

Keith Richards has said music is a language that doesn't speak in particular words. It speaks in emotion, and if it's in the bones, it's in the bones. In light of the current music scene where music is created for commercial purposes chasing social media validation, Roach Killa and Blitz, two amazing artists with hit tracks on world charts, have come together to create music with a purpose - the YYZ Project. They are all set to launch a monologue and three music videos through Canada’s premier South Asian Urban music platform- desiFEST. This a FREE DOWNLOAD for fans and will be available via www.desiFEST.ca/roach-blitz

YYZ is the airport code for Toronto's Pearson International Airport. The name pays homage to not only their Toronto roots but also symbolizes the fact they needed to travel internationally in order to build their careers.

There is  no big features, no industry politics, and no fake social media hype. It's simply the duo doing what they do best...having fun and delivering rap lyrics.

“Over the last few years, desiFEST has worked relentlessly to provide a unique platform for South Asian music aficionados in all major cities of Canada to showcase their talent. We are continuing this mandate by collaborating with artists on their projects and helping to bring new music to North America and the world” says Sathish Bala, CEO desiFEST MUSIC.

When Roach Killa released his debut album “The Revolution”, it peaked at No.6 on the iTunes World Charts. His first single Yaara Dildara reached No1 on the BBC Asian Network charts. Possessing immense versatility, Roach sings Hip Hop, Reggae, RNB and Punjabi Music. He firmly believes in the element of originality.

When it comes to Indian MC’s, one name that always stood above the rest is Blitzkrieg aka Blitz. With an appeal that is global, his lyrics lean more on the emotional side and completely draw people in. His tracks are inspired by people or events in his life that reflect reality and meaning of life.

Together, Roach Killa and Blitz are back again to give fans the YYZ Project with a monologue and three music videos that evoke, inspire and entertain. Fans will recognize their signature sound and style on what aims to become the summer anthems.

Eternal Taal female dhol players and bhangra dancers have broken all generic stereotypes by performing on a vast variety of stages. Since Eternal Taal established in 1999, it has grown from strength to strength, having performed at weddings, festivals, private corporate events and in three Bollywood films; the team is always looking for new platforms to promote Bhangra music.

In April 2017 the manager, Parv Kaur and two of her dhol players made their way to Halifax to film for the brand new hit Channel 4 drama, ‘Ackley Bridge’. The three dhol drummers spent just under 11 hours on the set, most of which was outside in the cold. During that time they socialised with the amazing cast including Adil Ray, Joanne Joyner and upcoming star Darcy Butt.

Eternal Taal team members spend time weekly rehearsing and perfecting routines. Manager Parv Kaur added, “Performing for Ackley Bridge was a unique experience, performing for the same scene a number of times to ensure all angles were captured by the camera - We’re so used to having one take on stage.”

Their iconic maroon and yellow uniform never goes unnoticed. With television appearances on Zee TV for Zee Companion, Sky Sports for the ‘ICC Championship Trophy’ and various BBC appearances; Channel 4 is now another to add to their list. If you missed them on your television screens, you can catch them on 4 On Demand (4OD).

Pulsating rhythms, skilled dancers and vibrant colours filled Arawak Cay in Nassau on Saturday 1st July with a choreography competition to open this year's Junkanoo Summer Festival (JSF).

The further 3 Saturdays of Junkanoo Summer fun in July take place on:

Saturday July 15th with a music competition

Saturday July 22nd with an overall competition

Saturday July 29th of JSF announces the winners and features a Bahamian Music Concert

Junkanoo Summer Festival, a signature event of the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, attracts thousands of local and visitors who gather to watch the Junkanoo groups compete. The eleven groups were challenged to come up with their own theme relating to The Islands of The Bahamas.

Not to be outdone by the vibrant Junkanoo performances, the food and craft vendors also serve up some special delights of their own. The festival is an opportunity to shop, eat and drink in the local culture.

Daytime activities at Junkanoo Summer Festival include pineapple-eating, watermelon and roast corn eating competitions.

Junkanoo Summer Festivals takes a break on Saturday, July 8th for the celebrations around the 44th anniversary of Independence.

On Grand Bahama Island Goombay Summer is held every Thursday in July (7, 14, 21, 28)  – 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, experience the local culture to the sweet sounds of "Goombay", indulge in local delicacies, browse through the most authentic Bahamian arts and crafts, and dance to the beat of Junkanoo!

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time, is a play based on the book by the same name written by Mark Haddon. The play, like the book is about a fifteen-year-old boy named Christopher Boone, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, who discovers that his neighbour’s dog has been murdered. In his quest to find out just who was responsible for the deed, Christopher and the audience embark on a journey that is at times, funny, heart wrenching and downright emotional and inspiring.

Scott Reid makes an excellent Christopher Boone, conveying the young man’s passion for maths and science with such passion that the audience could truly believe that he was Christopher and not just playing a role. As Christopher comes to learn more about what happened to his neighbour’s dog and the reasons behind it, Mr Reid showcases his ability to showcase a variety of emotions with various facial expressions that truly hooked me as a member of the audience into the play, and made me truly root for Christopher.

Mr Reid is ably supported by Lucianne McEvoy who plays Siobhan, Christopher’s teacher at school, David Michaels who plays Ed, Christopher’s father and Emma Beattie who plays Judy, Christopher’s mother. All three cast members bring with them an assortment of emotions and sheer hope for Christopher alongside their own hopes and wants inside the play, that in my mind really helps build up the play and expand the world that it is set in. Bringing to life characters who might otherwise have been overlooked and ensuring that they were given their due.

During the course of the two hours, the audience were treated to a variety of twists and turns that elicited laughs, cheers, gasps and in some cases tears. That the Curious Incident really hit home was shown by the standing ovation the cast members got just as the play was winding up. Never before have I seen such enthusiasm and joy from an audience before, and never before has it been so well deserved. The Curious Incident really took the audience on a roller coaster journey and did it in a way that made you feel as if you, yourself were Christopher, thus giving you an added incentive to see him succeed.

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time, is a brilliant, thought provoking play, that brings with it a bundle of emotions that really make you as an audience member stop and think. It brings a chance for reflection and a chance to see a part of yourself reflected in young Christopher, and unlike other plays where such a thing might be seen as indulgent, here it really adds to the play. If you get the opportunity, go and see it at the Birmingham Hippodrome, the show runs until Saturday 8th July.

The highly anticipated trailer for the Punjabi film Toofan Singh was released to widespread international acclaim.

The international release of Toofan Singh will take place on Friday 4th August 2017 following a one-year postponement triggered by the refusal of clearance by the Indian Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).

Toofan Singh is the story of a young Sikh boy growing up in Punjab during the turbulent 1980's. The story charters his pursuit for justice, survival and equality for all. Devastated by the deteriorating law and order situation, Toofan Singh is forced to fight against corruption, crime and brutality in order to protect society for one and all.

The groundbreaking feature film is the directorial debut of Baghal Singh of Royal Cine Arts and stars renowned Punjabi singer Ranjit Bawa in a project which was his original acting debut.

"I am truly excited that finally audiences around the world will be able to see the fruit of all the hard work and effort that has gone into producing this historical film and inspirational story."

[embed]https://www.14dd5266c70789bdc806364df4586335-gdprlock/watch?v=3Qdi-2sEKTs&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

Now in its 7th year, Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival is thrilled to announce its diverse line up of acts and performers for 2017. From intimate theatre shows through to illuminated installations, live music and large scale outdoor spectaculars, many of which are free to the public, this year's event looks set to excite all ages

Opening this year's festival will be a diverse selection of pop-up performances, walkabout, music and contemporary dance events on Saturday 14th of October, spread across the Town Square and Gardens from midday. On both nights of the opening weekend, the Hydromania show by Avanti Display will take over Bournemouth's Town Hall with a unique family friendly performance. The show is set to engage with the architecture of its location, combining a vibrant interplay of water and light, physical performance and live music. Utilising balconies, windows and the roof of this hallmark building, the takeover of the Town Hall will be a unique spectacle that's not to be missed.

Closing Arts by the Sea on the 21st is 'Sense of Unity'. Sense of Unity brings together outdoor puppeteers Dundu and percussion ensemble Worldbeaters in an evening of visual spectacle and live music. The high-energy beats of Worldbeaters lead a procession in search of the giant, illuminated puppets of Dundu. The journey culminates with the interaction of musicians, puppets and audience, sharing love, light and music. Dundu is produced by Activate Performing Arts, funded by Arts Council England through Coasters Touring Network and is developed in Newbury Corn Exchange's 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space.

Coasters is a three-year project that brings world-class circus and street arts work to coastal towns across England. SeaChange Arts lead a consortium of 11 organisations with the shared ambition of building relationships with audiences in areas of lower engagement and helping transform perceptions of coastal towns.

The 2017 commissioning theme is 'Plastic Beach' which invites artists, Fringe organisers and creative partners to explore the issue of marine pollution and, more broadly, the tensions between ecology and industry. Highlights include Turning the Tide by Mick Stephenson, the Sol Cinema by Paul O'Connor and the Rockpool by Kerith Ogden and Bee Jasco. Look out for Lulu Quinn's beach installation to highlight 'Save Our Seas' project with 'Message in a Bottle'. From the indoor theatre, comedy and performance programme, highlights include 'Labels' by Joe Sellman-Leave, 'Sixth Sense' by Luke Jermay, 'Rewild' by Livia Rita & Artists and 'Surf's Up Family Rave' by Big Fish Little Fish.

The festival is delivered annually by Arts Bournemouth and works in collaboration with many partners, locally, nationally and internationally. It is also supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Bournemouth Borough Council. The aim is to encourage a greater awareness of and participation in outstanding and engaging arts across different media and art forms.

K&K productions join with The People’s Orchestra for the premiere of “Cable: Chronicles of Hope”, directed and produced by George and Harry Kirby. The orchestra will be showcasing a memorable live to film performance composed by John Koutselinis.

The People’s Orchestra (Charity) brings to its audience another incredible concert; Superhero Symphonies – Live at The New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.

Featuring a collection of exciting superhero themed pieces from renowned composers including John Williams, Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer, The People’s Orchestra has put together the perfect night out for heroes alike!

Sarah Marshall, the founder and creative director of The People’s Orchestra, hopes that with the support of audiences the show will be a great success for the charity.

“I am beyond thrilled to bring Superhero Symphonies to The New Alexandra Theatre," explained Director of The People's Orchestra, Sarah Marshall, "It is our largest venue yet and we are definitely raising the bar with a great range of pieces this year. 22nd July will be a great date for music lovers and superhero film aficionados to come together over their love of these great pieces. It will be a phenomenal experience for everyone to enjoy”.

The orchestra will be playing many pieces from popular superhero movies, including themes from Superman (1978), The Dark Knight, The Incredibles, Zorro, Thor: The Dark World, and Captain America along with an original score to an all-new X-Men Fan-Film ‘Cable: Chronicles of Hope’.

Ben Davies – tutor of Sheku Kanneh-Mason, BBC Young Musician 2016 – will join Birmingham Conservatoire’s Strings Department when it moves in to its new £57 million home later this year.

The appointment follows hot on the heels of the Chinese cellist Jian Wang’s arrival as the Conservatoire’s International Chair in Cello beginning in September 2017.

As a cellist and teacher, Ben Davies has performed with artists and orchestras as diverse as Shirley Bassey, Peter Gabriel, the City of London Sinfonia, Garsington Opera Orchestra and members of the Amadeus Quartet.

He has previously taught at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Holloway University of London, Marlborough College, Wells Cathedral School and the Guildhall School of Music.

On taking up his new role at Birmingham Conservatoire, Ben Davies said:

“I am honoured to be invited by the Principal, Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, to join the cello department at the newly located Birmingham Conservatoire.

“I very much look forward to working with the cello students and am excited to be involved with the musical life of the Conservatoire in its new home."

Born and raised in York, Ben studied at the University of Manchester and the Royal Academy of Music, and from 1990 to 1995 he was cellist in the Rosell Quartet. Since 2000 Ben has been Principal Cello of the English Touring Opera orchestra. Seasons have included Baroque operas performed on period instruments, and the Olivier Award winning production of ‘King Priam’ in 2014.

In 2012 Ben was elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) in recognition of his significant contribution to the music profession.

Ben enjoys a diverse career, combining his commitment to teaching with a rich variety of freelance playing, which has included performing with Dame Shirley Bassey on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company and working in the theatres of London’s West End.

Prior to being offered his new role at Birmingham Conservatoire, its Principal, Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, invited Ben to give a masterclass to current students. He said:

“I am delighted to welcome Ben Davies to the Birmingham Conservatoire family. It is a real pleasure to have him join us at this crucial time for the Conservatoire, as we move in to our new home.

“Together with the recent appointment of Jian Wang as our International Chair in Cello we now have a cello department which is one of the best in the world.”

The new Birmingham Conservatoire has also been announced as the leading venue for the prestigious BBC Young Musician competition in 2018, as the contest prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Following the regional auditions later this year, Birmingham Conservatoire will host the Category Finals between Friday 16 and Tuesday 20 March 2018, alongside the Semi Final on Friday 23 March. All performances in Birmingham will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Four.

Birmingham Conservatoire’s new home, opening in the Eastside region of the city in September this year, will also welcome the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award Final in 2018.

The Belgrade Theatre has launched a campaign to name Coventry’s number one song in the countdown to Godiva Rocks, a new musical featuring songs by Coventry artists, premiering on the Main Stage in October.

YOU can now vote for your favourite Coventry song from a list of the 34 top ten hits by Coventry & Warwickshire artists, by visiting www.belgrade.co.uk/covsong or vote in person at the Coventry Music Museum in Ball Hill.

Voting closes on Thursday 31 August and the winning song will be announced on Friday 1 September.

Pete Chambers BEM, Coventry Music Historian and Owner of the Coventry Music Museum said, “This is an opportunity for Coventry to shout about its achievements. Visitors to the Museum are always surprised to hear about the breadth of Coventry’s musical history, and so often you hear them say “I didn’t know they came from Coventry!” We have a tendency of underplaying our cultural achievements in Coventry and now at a time when we are bidding to be UK City of Culture in 2021, it is crucial that we spread the word.”

Godiva Rocks will highlight Coventry’s rich and vibrant musical history with a soundtrack of over 20 classic songs performed by a live band, and tells the story of boy meets girl on a fateful night at the Orchid Ballroom in 1964.

Girl meets boy in Coventry – but nothing, and nobody, is what they seem, all because of one extraordinary night at the Orchid Ballroom, back in December ’64. Shady financier Leo Freeman’s decision to knock down the Orchid ballroom has far-reaching consequences – as daughter Nell meets the extraordinary Patrick Vernon – and the hunt for a missing tape reveals a history of musical passions and romantic jealousies stretching back to the dawn of musical time.

The production, which is written by Alan Pollock and directed by Hamish Glen, reunites the same creative team behind the Belgrade’s smash-hit Coventry Blitz play, One Night in November.

Writer Alan Pollock said, “At one level it’s a simple girl-meets-boy story with a massive twist. (Massive!) But really it’s a play about a search – of a boy for his father, and for a missing tape that encapsulates the perfect Coventry sound – the distillation of everything that makes this melting-pot city unique. And of course an excuse to highlight some of the greatest pop sounds ever to come out of Cov – twenty classic songs from the city.”

Godiva Rocks continues the Belgrade’s commitment to staging productions that reflect the stories of the city and region, such as Nick Walker’s FA Cup play, We Love You City and, more recently, Bob Eaton’s 2 Tone Musical Three Minute Heroes.

With the shortlist soon to be announced for UK City of Culture in 2021, the Theatre is also hoping that the new musical will help residents reclaim ownership and a sense of pride for Coventry’s musical history, and promote the city on a national level.

The city is best-known as the birthplace of 2 Tone, with artists such as The Specials and The Selecter both originating from Coventry, but it has also been home to Hazel O’Connor, The Enemy, Frank Ifield and many other famous artists who helped put Coventry on the musical map

Frontier Canada is offering a four-night package in Jasper including car hire from Calgary, four nights at the famous Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, tickets for the STAR Package which admits guests to the Keynote talk with Brian Cox and Phil Plait as well as the Space Talks from £651.  Frontier Canada is also offering a free entrance ticket to the Jasper Planetarium.

The Festival is sponsored by the Rocky Mountaineer.  Frontier Canada is also offering tailor made options to include either the multi-award winning, daylight only train from Vancouver, a tailor-made fly drive option which might include Kananaskis, Banff and Lake Louise as well as a package featuring VIA rail from either Vancouver or Edmonton plus a flight to Whitehorse in the Yukon which is another area known for its dark skies.

Those looking to combine a sunny beach break with great music this summer should look no further than Tenerife. As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has idyllic beaches, all year-round sun and is this summer hosting a number of unmissable music festivals and concerts. The main event, which has been dubbed the most important music event in the Canary Islands for the past 30 years, is the final gig of Aerosmith's farewell tour on 8th July.

Also lined up are concerts from electro house musician Steve Aoki, DJ Kayper, as well as the singer of the UK's current number one, “Despacito”, Luis Fonsi, who will all be performing in Tenerife during the months of July and August.