20 Questions

2O

Questions

1Full (real) name – including any

embarrassing middle names

Jessica Ann June Downes.

2What do you do? I’m a maintenance engineer apprentice for Toyota UK and attend Cambria College. I am the future! I program and fix robots and will be one of the people who integrates Toyota’s future technologies in the automobile world.

3Who shares your life? I live in Towyn, North Wales, with my family. I have three siblings: Joe is 21, Bethany is 18 and Olly’s eight. We have three toy poodles, who are the most adorable animals I’ve ever laid eyes on.

4The highlight of the last 12 months? Securing a role with a global company and being selected as a Miss Wales finalist.

5And the worst moment? Being made redundant by Thomas Cook Airlines and being stood down from my job with Virgin Atlantic due to the pandemic.

6If you could come back as any animal, what would you be and why? A bird. I’m a free spirit and love the idea of just deciding on a destination to call home for as long as you like until you’re ready for the next adventure.

7Your desert island single and what it means to you? I’m not really into music but I love a good podcast.

8If you could have one superpower what would it be? To be able to scan people’s minds to pinpoint who is suffering and help them fight the demons that cause them pain. As someone who has their own mental health struggles, it’s something I’d love someone to be able to do for me.

9Who is your all-time hero? My parents. My dad for proving that if the path you’re on isn’t making you happy, it’s never too late to make changes. And my mum is also my inspiration. If I turn out to be the woman my mum is, I’ll have succeeded in life.

10Any fears or phobias? My fear in life is not leaving an impression on 23-year-old Jess Downes from Towyn overcame mental health issues and anorexia – as well as losing her job as a fl ight attendant during the pandemic – to be shortlisted for the Miss Wales fi nal and secure an engineering apprenticeship with Toyota. Jess hopes to fl y the fl ag for both organisations while raising as much money as she can for the global charity Beauty With A Purpose.

the world. I want to write a book so people will have something to remember me by.

11What would be the fi rst thing you’d buy if you won the lottery? A new car!

12What would be your dream job (other than your own)? An ambassador for mental health, or an author so I could share my journey and let others know they’re not alone.

13If you were representing your country in the Olympics which sport would you choose? Running. I'm no Usain Bolt, but it’s a sport I can always count on to make me feel better.

14What is your favourite drink? Te soya milk and four sweeteners. a, made with 15If you had to take part in a reality TV show, which would

you have the best chance of

winning? Love Island. I have the best personality, which viewers would love – and who would pass up a free holiday!

16What is your guilty pleasure? Spa days and indulging in a full body massage.

17When did you last laugh uncontrollably? At the gym. My sister forgot the treadmill belt was running and went flying!

18You’re hosting a celebrity dinner party for four guests. Who’s on the list? Kate Middleton, Taylor Swift, Dean Thompson (from Aussie soap Home and Away) and author Marian Keyes.

Hoping for success

19Where is your favourite place in the world? My nan and grandad’s holiday cottage in Ceredigion. My parents could never afford going abroad so our family holidays were spent down on the west coast.

20What’s your proudest achievement? Passing my French GCSE with an A at 14 and being put forward for an Oxford summer school by my secondary school Emrys ap Iwan. And passing six intense weeks of training to fly. And my apprenticeship with Toyota!

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

6TH-14TH MAY

LIVE AT THE GLADSTONE

Highlights from a packed programme at the Port Sunlight venue. Book at gladstonetheatre.org.uk

Choice Grenfell, 15th May Hilarious songs and monologues. 2.30pm. Tickets £15.50.

Mercury – e Ultimate Queen Tribute,

20th May A choreographed stage show, with spectacular costumes and dramatic lighting e ects. 7.30pm. Tickets £21.

Voices of the Valley, 21st May Fron Male

DID YOU

Voice Choir and WNO KNOW? Howard Goodall who wrote TV’s Dibley theme did the Mr Bean soprano Camilla Roberts in theme too a concert that ranges from classical to pop classics. 7.30pm. £15.

Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps, 27th May e serial globe-trotter recounts tales from dangerous travel spots. 7.30pm. £21.50.

e Vicar of Dibley, 7th-11th June A hilarious adaptation of the TV comedy by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter. 7.30pm. £9.

COME DANCING! FUN &

Ballroom Blitz is Heswall Hall’s answer to Strictly – a very social tea dance. ere are no judges, just lots of fun. Not a dancer? Just enjoy the music. Come along on 4th May or 1st June at 1.30pm as a group or on your own, you’ll be among friends. ere’s a brilliant sprung dance oor and a brand new sound system. Tickets are £7, call 0151 342 2614 with any queries.

FRESH

Heswall Farmers’ Market at Heswall Hall provides a one-stop shop for locally grown and prepared produce. Wander round on 21st May & 18th June, pick up some goodies and support local producers. Stalls vary from month to month but there’s always something to tempt you – meat, sh, fruit and veg, cheeses, pies, jams and chutneys, cakes and other baked goods, pizza, ice cream and street food. 10am-2pm. Facebook @HeswallFarmersMarket

Walled gardens and wild owers

Poulton Hall’s beautiful grounds will be open on 28th & 29th May. e parkland near Bebington consists of a wild ower meadow enclosed by a nine-species hedgerow, four copses linked to form a wildlife corridor between two woods, plus a walled garden and sculptures, garden features and artwork. e garden is open 2-5pm, and tickets are £6, or £9.50 with cream tea. poultonhall.co.uk

Art for art’s sake

ere’s a great line-up of music at West Kirby Arts Centre: guitarist Gary Murphy on 7th May, singer-songwriter Rebecca Loebe on 20th May, bluegrass band e Often Herd on 10th June and singersongwriter Keith James on 25th June. e independent venue aims to encourage creativity through participation among the community. Tickets from £10-£15, times vary. westkirby

artscentre.org.uk

•6th May, Beach Boxing, New Brighton Learn real body combat skills with no contact, no high kicks and no clinch. Improve cardio, resilience, mindset, focus, balance and strength. Then afterward on to a real good co ee emporium! Free. 7am. Details via Facebook

@painpointcoach

•6th May, Sportsman’s Dinner,

The Bronze Club, Wallasey

Road, Wallasey A fantastic evening of entertainment with ex-Everton footballer Kevin Ratcli e, plus comedy impressionist Mark Langley. 7pm. Tickets £20. Call 0151 638 1119.

•7th-8th May, New Brighton

Secret WW2 Tunnels Ghost Hunt, Marine Promenade, New Brighton

Investigate the secret munitions tunnels and disused air raid shelter, with mediums and sensitives who will be with you all night. Sat 8.30pm- 2am Sun. £40.

hauntedrooms.co.uk

•9th May, Kieba MEET,

Property Networking Event, Crabwall Manor Hotel, Mollington

Brand-new to property investing, already on your journey or an experienced hand? Meet the right people to support you and get the correct strategies in place! 6:15pm. £20.

kiebamay.eventbrite.co.uk

•14th May, Cockapoo &

Cavapoo Party, Dogs Go,

Willowbrow Road, Raby An o -leash socialisation session for friendly cockapoos and cavapoos and their owners, enjoying 6 acres of enclosed doggy playground! Pawty bags and hot drinks. 1-2pm. £5 per dog, advance booking essential. Call 0333 444 1236 or email info@

dogsgo.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

21ST MAY-18TH JUNE

•21st May, 25th June, 16th July,

Patchwork Memory Blanket Making Course, The Barn,

Heswall In three sessions, learn to make a patchwork blanket to treasure from precious o cuts. Machines, equipment and refreshments provided, bring your own fabrics. 9.30-11.30am. £105. thebarnwirral.co.uk

•22nd May, Caldy Open Gardens, 1-5.30pm 12 superb gardens, some never before open to the public, plus a Children’s Delights garden with games, crafts and face painting. Plant sales, teas, bbq sausages, ice cream, ra e, live music and crafts from MerseyMade. 1-5.30pm. £8.50, under-16s free.

caldyopengardens.org.uk

•28th May, Managing Urban

Sites for Invertebrates, New Ferry Butterfl y Park, Bebington

This guided tour showcases the management of the park and discusses alternatives and problems. 10am-1pm. Free. Facebook

@NewFerryButterfl yPark

•Every Thursday, Mindful

Event, Thurstaston Common

A weekly evening social, with times when you can walk silently and sit in contemplation of the gifts of nature. £5. Facebook

@Wirral Forest: wellbeing

•17th June,

Adobe Photoshop Essentials, Egerton

House, Birkenhead A one-day course for complete beginners wishing to create and manipulate images for personal or work use. 9.30am-4.30pm. £295. squareonetraining.com

•18th June,

Father’s Day Market, St Andrews Church Hall, West Kirby

An authentic artisan indoor market featuring high-quality makers across a range of crafts. Plus Makers’ Cafe. 10am-3pm. Free entry and parking. Run by

merseysidemakersmarket.co.uk

Talent blossoms at the Floral Pavilion

e Ultimate Eagles, 6th May Performing live-show rarities as well as classic tracks, the evening delivers the ultimate in live Eagles experiences, presented by world-class musicians. 7.30pm. Tickets £27.75.

16th June, Johnny Cash Roadshow. Clive John and his fabulous Spirit Band deliver the hits and more, with Meghan omas starring as June Carter. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.75.

DID YOU

23rd June, e Blues Band – e Farewell Tour Dave Kelly, KNOW? The band made a live album in Bungay, Su olk – Bungay Jumpin’ Paul Jones, Tom McGuiness, Gary Fletcher and Rob Townsend are bowing out after 42 years, still as good as ever. 8pm. Tickets £39.25.

30th June, Birkenhead Sings with Charlie Landsborough. Choirs and community groups come together for what will be an amazing concert. 7pm. Tickets £15. oralpavilion.com

SCENIC SPRINT

Get your running shoes on! Race for Life is Cancer Research UK’s biggest series of fundraising events and the Wirral 10k on 22nd May takes a scenic route through Birkenhead Park, starting at 10.30am. Entry is £14.99 for adults, £10 for children. Register at raceforlife.

cancerresearchuk.org

Stock up and socialise

Wirral Farmers’ Market at New Ferry Village Hall has around 25 stalls where you can buy all of your fresh produce along with meat, poultry and ready meals for the freezer! e next dates are 14th May and 11th June. ere’s a café too, so why not arrange to meet up with friends?

wirralfarmersmarket.org.uk

A Green Flag award winner, Wirral Country Park was the rst designated country park in Britain. Enjoy magni cent views of migratory birds over the River Dee, explore urstaston Beach or picnic on the grass. e Wirral Way is a 12-mile stretch where you can walk or cycle. Visitor centre open 10am-4.45pm. Facebook @WirralCountryPark

Park life

IN A SPIN

Wirral Bikeathon on 26th June guarantees fun for all ages! e gure-of-eight course starts and nishes in Arrowe Country Park, Upton – you can sign up for the full 28 miles or just 14 miles, on mostly minor roads with some o -roading. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or just love cycling it’s a great day out, raising money for UTS Live Well Foundation (Hoylake) to help society’s most vulnerable. Details at wirralbikeathon.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

28TH APRIL-7TH MAY

•28th April-2nd May, Ludlow

May Fair Enjoy a traditional May fair with rides and amusements. It’s open until late, so make the most of the holiday weekend!

ludlow.org.uk

•29th April-30th May, Society of Equestrian Artists Exhibition, The Granary, Weston Park, near Shifnal

A chance to view some of the country’s best equestrian art. The society aims to promote the practice of equestrian painting and sculpture, and its appreciation. 11am-4pm. weston-park.com

•2nd May, Green Man Festival, Clun

Celebrate the return of spring. Watch as the Green Man and Snow Queen battle at midday in the grounds of Clun Castle, invoking folklore, myth and fairy tale at this traditional spring fair. 11am-5pm. £8 adult, £3 child. clungreenman.org

•5th May, Silent Earth, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Prof Dave Goulson presents a talk based on his book Silent Earth, highlighting work to help insects in Shropshire. It will be followed by a Q&A. Half of all proceeds go to Shropshire Wildlife Trust. 7pm. £10. shropshirewildlife

trust.org.uk

•6th & 7th May, Malpas Fabric Arts Group Exhibition, Whitchurch Civic Centre

Traditional and modern patchwork quilts in many styles will be on show, created using a range of textiles and techniques – some hand stitched, some machine sewn. 10am-4pm. £3). Email

info@whitchurchcouncil.uk

•6th-8th May, Wellington

Festival The community festival opens with an art exhibition on the theme ‘Wellington – Then or Now’ and continues with over 25 events and performances around town, most free. See

wellington-shropshire.gov.uk

BACK TO THE ’90s

Shrewsbury dives back through the decades on 3rd-4th June when e 90s Revival comes to the West Mid Showground, hosted by DJs Dave Prince and Paul Bennett. e local duo have extended the event following the success of their Mahoosive Nights Out last year, to create more of a family-friendly festival.

As well as all the ’90s favourites there will be a fair, family stage, interactive games, and food and drinks vendors. Camping is also available. Acts include a number of tributes, along with some massive names of the ’90s such as East 17, D-Ream, Baby D, Urban Cookie Collective and Dario G. Local bands will perform on both days.

Midday-11pm. Day ticket £39, child £16.50, weekend £78 (£33 child). Additional charges for parking and camping. the90srevival.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? E17 notched up an amazing 18 top 20 singles!

Out and about in Bishops Castle

Bishops Castle Walking Festival begins on 5th May, and o ers four days of fabulous walks around the best routes in south Shropshire. Walks vary from moderate to strenuous (see programme online). Evening activities are also planned, including refreshments and talks. Please note that due to livestock in elds, dogs are not welcome. From £3.50, advance booking advised.

bishopscastlewalkingfestival. co.uk

NEW POPPY RIDE

e British Legion Poppy Ride is new to Shropshire on 19th June, with three route options professionally designed for rst-timers and experienced enthusiasts alike. e routes vary in distance and climb but all take in the RAF Museum in Cosford, and start and end at the Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, a specialist recovery centre for Forces personnel. Entry £32, fundraising welcome. britishlegion.org.

uk/get-involved/things-to-do/events/poppy-ride

It’s May, it’s Motorfest!

Motorfest returns to Chetwynd Deer Park, near Newport on 1 May for a day of classic cars, food, live music and entertainment. ere’ll be hundreds of cars, vans, trucks and bikes to admire, as well as an interactive arena, autojumble traders and a variety of competitions and awards. Open 10am-4pm. Tickets £10, children free, book in advance or pay at the gate. Club groups welcome. classicmotorevents.com

Calling indie fans…

Idles, Cast, Happy Mondays and Black Grape headline the brand-new Utilita Creation Day Festival in Wolverhampton on 28th-29th May. e line-up has been curated by indie music mogul Alan McGee as part of the city council’s plan to boost the local economy. It will be the rst time Shaun Ryder’s two bands have played at one festival. Day tickets from £55, weekend £110.

creationdayfestival.com

Flying the Jubilee flag at RAF Cosford

DID YOU An action-packed day awaits at RAF Cosford Air Show on 12th June. Attractions

KNOW? include a six-hour ying display showcasing modern military and iconic vintage The fi rst o cial Red Arrows display was on May 6, 1965 aircraft, and plenty of hands-on activities in the STEM Hangar. ere’ll be a huge assortment of machinery on display, including a mock-up Chinook in the RAF Zone. Visitors will get the chance to go ‘behind the scenes’, nd out what life in the RAF is really like and maybe even meet the pilots. is year the popular Vintage Village becomes the Coronation Village – an all-day street party complete with re-enactors and musical entertainment. Advance booking is essential. Standard tickets cost £34, under-16s and parking free. cosfordairshow.co.uk

BRINGING THE HOME FRONT TO LIFE

Ironbridge Gorge is the stunning backdrop for the annual World War 2 Weekend, which returns on 28th-29th May. e authentic and immersive open-air re-enactment lets visitors experience life on the Home Front as well as the conditions in occupied Europe, thanks to an excellent team of civilian, Allied and Axis re-enactors. e event is an important fundraiser for military charities – this year’s nominated charity is Combat Stress. ironbridgeww2weekend.co.uk

A must for machine fans

ere’ll be vintage vehicles galore at Oswestry Showground on 18th-19th June when Clwyd Veteran & Vintage Machinery Society holds its annual show. ere’s also a model hall, trade stands and autojumble and fun dog show. £10 (child £5). cvvms.co.uk

Foodie fest for Father’s Day

Here’s a treat for Dad! Ellesmere Food & Drink Festival takes place on 18th-19th June, which coincides handily with Father’s Day. Showcasing cheeses and meat products, wines and beers, ice cream, homemade chocs and preserves along with fruit and veg, all from local and regional producers, suppliers and restaurants, it’s a must if you enjoy culinary delights and a drink or two! Market Hall, 10am-4pm.

ellesmere foodfestival. co.uk

Bank holiday racing

Enjoy the excitement of steeplechasing at Eyton on 2nd May – one of the UK’s leading point-to-point courses. Have a bet with the bookies, enjoy a picnic by your car or indulge in delicious produce from local vendors. It’s is a great day out for all the family, including dogs on leads. Gates open 11am, rst race 2pm, last race 5.40pm. Buy tickets online in advance at the discounted rate of £12.50 (£15 on the gate). Under-16s go free. eyton-races.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

7TH-22ND MAY

•7th May, Montgomery Canal Triathlon

The popular cross-border event starts in Wales and fi nishes in England, and is unusual in replacing swimming with canoeing. Families as well as seasoned fi tness enthusiasts are welcome. £30 (juniors £15), canoe hire extra. All places must be booked online.

themontgomerycanal.org.uk

•7th-8th May Shrewsbury

Regatta One of the oldest events in the rowing calendar, going since 1871. Enjoy this spectator-friendly sport in the beautiful Quarry Park as competitors race over both days. Catering and evening entertainment at the clubhouse.

pengwern-rowing.co.uk

•8th May, Putley Open Gardens

Explore seven gardens in idyllic Putley, near Ledbury, raising funds for the church and parish hall. The route is accessible on foot or by car. Refreshments and plants on sale. 10am-4pm. £5, under-15s free. putleygardens.org.uk

•13th-15th May, Whitchurch

Walking Festival In addition to this annual festival, Whitchurch Walkers o er two group walks per month as well as occasional mid-week walks for members. New members are always welcome. For more details visit

whitchurchwalkers.co.uk

•21st May, Paul Merton’s Impro Chums Theatre Severn,

Shrewsbury Paul and pals delight with a unique, entirely improvised audience experience. 7.30pm. £25 (age suggestion 14-plus due to adult themes. theatresevern.co.uk

•22nd May, Botanical Walk & Training Session, South Shropshire Hills Discovery

Centre, Craven Arms Join Mags Cousins from Shropshire Botanical Society to learn to identify the meadow, woodland and wetland species found here. 10am12.30pm. Free but must book in advance.

shropshire hills discoverycentre.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

22ND-29TH MAY

•22nd May, Funtopia Ellesmere Rangers FC, Ellesmere

Funday for the under-10s, with bouncy castles, Nerf wars, driving school, circus skills, crafts and more, and a designated area for under-5s. 11am-5pm. £23 for 2 adults, 2 children from eventbrite.co.uk Tickets also available on the gate from 10.30am.

•26th May, Macbeth, Hermon Arts Centre, Oswestry

Stage Five Theatre presents Shakespeare’s ‘Scottish play’, directed by Pam Johnson with music by Julian Cattley. The shortest of the playwright’s great tragedies, it is believed to have fi rst been performed in 1606. 7.30pm. From £6.

hermon-arts.org.uk

•26th May, Straight Line Crazy (12A), Kinokulture,

Oswestry See the live-streamed performance of this new play starring Ralph Fiennes, which tells the story of Robert Moses, an unassuming urban planner who became the most infl uential man in New York. Live from the Bridge Theatre in London. From £12. 7pm. kinokulture.org.uk

•27th May, Foody Fridays, Oswestry Indoor Market

Late-night opening of the indoor market with live music and plenty on o er to eat and drink, including street food, cocktails, delicious cakes and more. 4pm-10pm. Keep up to date on Facebook

@ThroughTheLookingGlassBar

•28th-29th May, Derwen Charity Summer Fete Weekend,

Oswestry Come along to Derwen College to enjoy local craft and food stalls, children’s infl atables, games and fun activities. On the Saturday there’s a friendly and accessible sponsored 6k and 10k walk/run to raise funds. 10am-4pm. See derwen.

ac.uk

COUNTY SHOW IS BACK IN THE RING FOR MAY

DID YOU KNOW? A cow’s horns curve above her head, a bull’s forwards

Shropshire County Agricultural Show returns to its traditional date in May after the disruption of recent years. e show, which is at the West Mid Showground on 28th May, has been running for well over a century, welcoming a wide range of visitors. At its heart are the livestock and horse showing classes, along with agricultural machinery exhibitions. Plenty of entertainment and music is planned on the main stage, as well as an impressive array of stallholders and food and drink vendors. e kids’ zone has a range of activities, most at no extra cost. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £6 for children, with concessions available. Parking on site is free. shropshirecountyshow.com

Good green fun

Not-for-pro t Rock and Bowl coincides with the Jubilee on 2nd-4th June, so Market Drayton revellers can enjoy three full days of festival fun with a focus on community and sustainability. Tickets (available online only) are from £30, under-12s free, concessions for teens.

rockandbowlfestival.com

The Merry month of May

Marbury Merry Days on 14th-15th May is a traditional country fair in aid of the village church. e main draw is a living history camp, presented by the American Civil War Society UK, with cannon ring on Sunday. Enjoy traditional games, stalls, teas, a fun dog show and a y-past from a Lancaster bomber. 12.30pm. £5. Facebook @marburymerrydays

Happy anniversary, Ludlow

Ludlow Fringe is celebrating 10 fabulous years with a bumper line-up for 2022. e fun kicks o on 18th June with a new Eco Carnival that promises to be a people and pedal-powered parade! A diverse programme of music, theatre, comedy and story-telling runs until 10th July in settings around town. Most events are free but see programme for details. ludlowfringe.co.uk

What’s next?

Whether your interest is holiday homes, caravans, camping, gardens, hot tubs, health and tness or food or drink, you can pick up on the latest trends at the Lifestyle 2022 Show on 6th-8th May. TV gardener David Domoney, designer Linda Barker and chef Rosemary Shrager are among the celebrities who will be at Telford International, sharing expert insights and advice. Tickets are £12.50 (£11.50 seniors, children free), with a discount if you book in advance.

thelifestyleshow.co.uk

LIVE AT THE QEII

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

28TH MAY-12TH JUNE

Tickets for summer’s dates are on sale now from gigantic.com and Tickets Telford on 01952 382 382.

Tears for Fears, 1st July e legendary synth-pop duo kick o their UK tour at Telford. e Tipping Point, their rst album in 17 years, reached #2 on the UK chart. With Alison Moyet and e Shires.

Tom Grennan, 2nd July e ‘Little Bit of Love’ singer, whose second album Evering Road topped the charts on release, showcases his new music. Ella Henderson guests.

DID YOU KNOW? Ella’s new album includes her hit duet with Tom

Bryan Adams, 3rd July e Canadian star performs music from across his proli c career as well as phenomenal new album So Happy It Hurts.

Party on down to the park FUN FOR

Imagine Shrewsbury’s Oktoberfest and a food fair rolled into one and that’s what’s on o er at Shropshire Party in the Park. e Quarry park hosts this fun event on 20th-21st May – expect live bands, great food, real ales and ciders, locally produced gin, a wine bar, Prosecco parlour and cocktails. Not to mention the silent disco! Day tickets start from £12.50 online, with VIP add-ons available. shropshirepartyatthepark.co.uk

FOODIES

Now in its ninth year, Shrewsbury Food Festival is back in its usual slot on the calendar, taking place on 25th-26th June. e Quarry will host more than 180 exhibitors and vendors, cookery demonstrations, chef schools and classes, plus live music, kids’ entertainers and much more. As well as sampling tasty treats, you can be sure you are supporting local producers. Entry is £17.50 (child £10) on the gate, or grab an early-bird discount online. shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

An evening with the Dogfather

Renowned master dog trainer Graeme Hall, star of Channel 5’s Dogs Behaving Badly, presents his live 90-minute show at e Place, Telford on 31st May. Graeme has a reputation for o ering quick-acting and longlasting solutions to almost any canine behavioural problem, so grab your chance to seek advice from an expert whose motto is “Any dog, any age, any problem.” Prepare for tricks, surprises and a Q&A. 7.30pm. Tickets from £30. theplacetelford.com

This way to Amarillo…

Legendary hit-maker Tony Christie is on tour and performing at Festival Drayton Centre on 14th May. Still with the same global appeal – and with a career spanning ve decades – you can expect all the greatest hits including ‘I Did What I Did For Maria’, ‘Walk Like A Panther’, ‘Las Vegas’, ‘Avenues and Alleyways’ and the iconic number one ‘(Is is e Way To) Amarillo’. 7.30pm. Tickets £27.50. festival

draytoncentre.com

•28th May5th June Wilderness Week, Hawsktone Park Follies, WestonunderRedcastle

Let o some steam during half-term with a visit to Hawkstone Park Follies, where Wilderness Week activities are included in standard admission prices. Save money by booking in advance online: £11.25 for adults, £7.75 for children.

hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk

•3rd-12th June, Much Wenlock

Festival This year’s festival welcomes stars from the West End, actress Eliza McClelland, Atlantic rower Di Carrington, a Little Mix tribute, Oddsocks performing Hamlet as never seen before – and more besides. Season ticket £139, or book for individual events. Full programme online at

muchwenlockfestival.org.uk

•10th June, Midnight Skyracer The Hive Shrewsbury.

The fi rst British act to be nominated for an award by the International Bluegrass Music Association, their debut was lauded. Expect an evening of hard-driven bluegrass and mountain balladry. 19.45pm. £14. hiveonline.org.uk

•11th June, Open Gardens & Market, Oteley Farm, Ellesmere

Visit this beautiful 10-acre garden by the Mere, sustainable producers of high-welfare beef and lamb. The market comprises local producers of edibles and crafts, and is free to enter. Access to garden £6 (kids free). 10am-5pm, last entry 3pm. oteley.com

•11th-12th June, Oswestry Antique & Collectors Fair,

Oswestry Showground A regular on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, browse 200 stalls run by experienced dealers from across the UK. Find antiques, vintage, collectables, architectural salvage, midcentury and decorative items. 8.30am-3.30pm. VIP weekend e-ticket £3.50.

jos-events. co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

14TH-25TH JUNE

•14th June, Shrewsbury Writers Lab, Shrewsbury

Library A lively group for local writers, with author talks, peer support and discussion of all things writing. A virtual link is available for anyone unable to attend in person. All welcome. 5.30pm. shropshire.gov.uk

•18th June, Made in Shropshire Artisan Fair, Much Wenlock

The fair is fully curated to ensure no duplication and only the best in locally produced cakes, bakes, pickles, pies, gin, juice and more, plus handmade items from artists, designers and jewellers. 9am-3pm. Free.

madeinshropshire.org

•19th June, Festival of the Forest, Mortimer Forest, near

Ludlow A day celebrating all the incredible things about the forest, with activities, displays of woodland crafts, art exhibits, trade stands and refreshments. 10am-4pm. £5, under-12s free.

friends-of-mortimer-forest. org.uk

•24th June, Historic House Tour, Stokesay Court, Onibury

Setting for the 2007 fi lm Atonement, this late Victorian mansion was the height of new technology when it was completed in 1892. Join a guided tour, complete with home-made refreshments, then explore the grounds at leisure. 2.30-5.30pm. £18.50. stokesaycourt.com

•25th June, Hadley Orpheus Male Voice Choir, The

Place Theatre, Telford Kath Stanczyszyn of BBC Radio WM comperes an evening of traditional and contemporary arrangements, in aid of Hope House Children’s Hospices. 7pm. £12.50. theplacetelford.com

ALL ABOUT WELLNESS

DID YOU KNOW?

‘Excite, inspire, engage’ is the message of the Wellbeing Festival taking place in Quarry Marcus secretly loves a peanut butter and jam sandwich Park, Shrewsbury on 11th-12th June. e event comprises wellbeing, tness, nutrition and children’s health areas, along with a yoga and mindfulness zone.

Locally and nationally acclaimed specialists who will be speaking and demonstrating throughout the weekend, including TV personality and runner Nell McAndrew and Shropshire’s own celebrity chef Marcus Bean. Child-friendly cookery demos, live chats and tness sessions are planned for the kids’ zone, with the aim of inspiring healthy lifestyle choices. And there’s a chance for a little retail therapy in the shopping village! Entry is £12.50, under-15s free accompanied by a paying adult. wellbeingfestival.co.uk

New York, Sydney, Paris, London… and Whittington

International tenor Mark Padmore will sing Schubert and Vaughan Williams to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Whittington Music Festival on 19th-22nd May. A varied programme includes jazz from MOBO-winning pianist Zoe Rahman, the delightful tale of Ferdinand the Bull in the family concert, a new work from composer-in-residence Jeremy Sams and chamber music by Brahms, Debussy, Ravel and de Falla. e theme is ‘Transcending Borders’. Pete Seeger famously said, “Songs are sneaky things; they can slip across borders.” e festival will demonstrate the same is true of classical music!

For full details visit whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk

MUD, GLORIOUS MUD

Join Cancer UK’s ‘Pretty Muddy’ 5k Race for Life at Weston Park on 21st May. You don’t have to be sporty to take part. You don’t need to train or compete against anyone else. All you need to do is sign up, have fun raising money, then enjoy the muddy obstacle course set in beautiful grounds. Races start from 10.30am, and entry is £19.99 for adults, £10 for children. raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Go krazy!

Enjoy the brilliant spectator sport that is Shrewsbury Krazy Races on 29th May in Quarry Park. Cheer on the wacky soapbox stars as they launch themselves in their hand-crafted karts, hoping to avoid the icy waters of the Severn! Amateurs compete to be best dressed and fastest, powered only by gravity and luck. 10am. krazyraces.co.uk

AIRSHOW TAKES OFF

Enjoy an action-packed visit to Weston Park Airshow on 17th-19th June. ere’ll be model and full-sized aircraft displays, o -road and circuit model car racing, as well as model helicopters and model boats. Saturday ends with pyrotechnics and reworks. Advance tickets £15 (child £6). weston-park.com