Entertainment News

Stars of new movie, Warcraft, have officially opened one of Madame Tussauds' most epic experiences yet Warcraft – The Madame Tussauds Experience, a new touring attraction that will remain in London until 31 August. Developed in close collaboration with Legendary Pictures and WETA Workshop, the experience brings to life characters in impressive sets recreating the elegant Kingdom of Stormwind and the harsh, unrelenting landscapes of Azeroth, both of which feature prominently in Duncan Jones' new movie.

The sounds of Adele, Coldplay and Justin Bieber will fill the air at Walsall Arboretum on Tuesday 21^st June (International Music Day) as Walsall College Music students host their first ever live music festival. The FREE event kicks off at 12noon at the park’s bandstand and will see a range of college bands perform a mix of original tracks and cover songs to entertain the crowds. There will be music styles to suit different tastes from pop to RnB and rock to ska, with headlining acts including, The 2, In Stone and L&M.

Radio and TV presenter and supporter of charity Age International Penny Smith is encouraging people to enter the Charity’s photo competition to raise awareness of and celebrate older people around the world. Titled ‘Strength for Life’, the theme of the competition is open to interpretation. Whether they’re images showing the challenges older people face in developing countries or insights into later life globally, Age International is looking for thought-provoking photos from across the globe before their competition closes on 5 June.

The #BigGleeGiveaway kicks off on Monday 6 June and continues until Monday 11 July 2016. For six weeks, the club will slowly reveal a series of presently secret locations around the city where eager comedy fans can grab their freebies - these could be anywhere from local cafes and supermarkets, to major High Street stores. The locations of the free tickets will be announced on the venue’s website every Monday morning at 10am and via social media using the hashtag #BigGleeGiveaway.

Film-makers are being encouraged to enter their work into the Research in Film Awards, organised by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Now in its second year the Awards celebrate short films that have been made about the arts and humanities and their influence on our lives.   The Awards have a category open to the general public and the winning film maker will receive £2,000 towards their film-making and the chance to attend a ceremony this November at the prestigious 195 Piccadilly in London, the home of BAFTA.

It’s al fresco this weekend at the Hogshead in Wolverhampton as they launch their inaugural Hogfest with eleven local musicians taking to the courtyard stage throughout Sunday accompanied by barbecue, outside bar and eight traditional ciders on tap.

The sea, boats and water sports will be the leading stars of Fenáutica 2016, Tenerife's most popular nautical show, due to take place on 4th and 5th June this year at Marina del Sur (Las Galletas). Packed with an array of fun activities, exhibitions, workshops, concerts and a regatta, Fenáutica, which will be held close to Tenerife South Airport, is free for visitors to the island to attend.

City of Wolverhampton Council has been granted planning approval for its revised Civic Halls refurbishment designs. The application was made last month in response to new structural findings during the preliminary works. Detailed investigations showed the load bearing capacity of the existing steel structure is less than was originally anticipated.  The designs have therefore been revised, with the main change being a modification to the shape of the proposed second balcony in the Civic Hall.

The View from The Shard will be transformed into the Height of Summer, London's tallest garden oasis this summer, featuring thousands of brilliant blooms in celebration of The Year of The English Garden. The immersive garden will provide a haven for guests to enjoy 800ft above London, whilst highlighting the immense importance of UK wild flowers in pollination and elevating bee populations.

An off-site project by Ikon Gallery will see the boy choristers of Birmingham Cathedral Choir singing Evensong lying down on the floor of the nave, rather than standing in the stalls. Untitled (a retrospective view of the pathway), is a site-specific work at Birmingham Cathedral on 15 and 17 June 2016. The work is by Birmingham-born Roger Hiorns, a Turner Prize-nominated artist and ex-Cathedral Chorister.

Brand new data from eBay reveals that one in five people across the Midlands thought a zombie apocalypse was more likely than Leicester City’s historic Premier League title win. With a new TV zombie advert launching this month, the online shopping destination conducted a study across the Midlands and unveils the findings of the ultimate survival plan for a full-blown invasion.

Musical Connections, a support network for isolated and vulnerable adults with specific needs across Birmingham and Solihull, will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary concert at the Midlands Arts Centre on 27th May. Showcasing original material written by both new and longstanding members, the concert will also include the launch of ‘20:20 vision’, the project’s 2016 CD, as well as public signposting and information stalls prior to the event from 5.30pm, for people interested in finding out more about the project and other local opportunities and support available.

It's Dinosaur Week at Flambards, Helston, this May Half Term. From 28 May – 5 June journey into the Jurassic for a day full of family fun. Explore a prehistoric-themed landscape, home to more than a dozen different dinosaurs ranging from a metre-long baby stegosaurus to giant triceratops. You will also be able to spot giant dinosaur eggs, baby dinosaurs and even a nest of pteranodon hatchlings.

Talented crafters could see their creations exhibited at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, after it launched a West Midlands-wide competition for makers to showcase their work. Craft Open West Midlands is the first open event to be held at the Lichfield Street gallery and organisers are looking for both professional and hobbyist crafters to submit their work. The autumn exhibition will embrace a wide range of contemporary craft practice, reflecting the vibrant talent of the regional craft industry.

Pastry tutor Mark Tilling and two of his former pupils have been crowned the winners of BBC2's Bake Off: Crème de la Crème. Mark, Head of Squires Kitchen International School, and star pupils Helen and Samantha beat 14 other teams to the top spot to be named the crème de la crème of British pastry in the tense finale on Tuesday 19th May.

Budding buccaneers will love Blackbeard's Horrible Half Term, 28 May – 5 June, at Pirate's Quest in Newquay. A fantastic family adventure, embark on a tour with the infamous pirate crew and follow a special treasure map to discover Blackbeard's hidden gold! Discover the truth about Edward Teach, infamous pirate 'Blackbeard, and his notorious past.