Making musical memories

Northwich Memorial Court brings you some truly unforgettable acts. Book at www.brioleisure.org

The King of Pop, starring Navi & Jennifer Batten, 27th May The world’s leading Michael Jackson tribute – Navi was picked by MJ as his official body-double – is joined on stage by guitarist Jennifer Batten, who played on his Bad, Dangerous and History world tours. 7.30pm. Tickets £23.

Rock the forest!

Forest Live is a major live music series managed by Forestry England, and this summer Delamere Forest in the heart of Cheshire hosts some huge names, including Tom Grennan on 16th June (tickets £49.95), Jack Savoretti on 17th (tickets

Looking Up

Join Chester Cathedral’s foreman stonemason for a tour of the cathedral exterior on 3rd May or 7th June. Learn about the development of cathedral architecture over the course of 900 years and the changing methods of construction, and explore the differences between the original medieval design and the Victorian restoration. This limited edition tour is not to be missed! Tours leave at midday and tickets are just £10. Book at www.chestercathedral.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Je Lynne of ELO was an ‘honorary Beatle’ and produced ‘Free as a Bird’

The ELO Encounter – Blue Sky Tour, 9th June This all-live show features soaring strings, striking harmonies and stunning special effects. 7.30pm. Tickets £23.

The Drifters, 10th June With hits including ‘Under the Boardwalk’, this legendary group are listed among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. 7.30pm. Tickets £28.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

26TH MAY - 17TH JUNE

•26th May, Pottery Painting Evening, Cheshire Craft Workshop, Blakemere Village, Northwich A relaxing, sociable evening of pottery painting. Bring some nibbles and drinks (and glasses!) and relax in your own creativity. Leave your pottery to be glazed and fired and they’ll let you know when it’s ready to collect. 6.30pm. £10.

•30th & 31st May, Butterfly Art, Lion Salt Works, Marston, Northwich As we step into summer, create a lovely butterfly art piece to decorate your home or garden. Drop in between noon3pm. Free, donations welcome.

£49.95) and Richard Ashcroft on 18th (tickets £55.45). Coach travel is available from £27 return from pick-up points throughout the region. With everything you could wish for from a great night out, these concerts are renowned for their relaxed atmosphere and spectacular forest backdrops. Book via www.forestryengland.uk

Full steam ahead

Kelsall Steam & Vintage Rally hosts one of the largest displays of commercial vehicles in the country, including classic, vintage and modern trucks. The packed weekend at Churches View Farm, Ashton on 24th-25th June has something for everyone, including lawn-mower racing in the arena and a falconry display. Gates open at 9.30am, and entry is £15 (child £2.50, under-5s free). There’s ample free parking and dogs on leads are welcome. www.kelsallsteamrally.co.uk.

We’ll meet again…

•1st June, A Di erent Thread, Ebenezer’s, Crewe This transatlantic band pull from their joint roots as they weave together 1970s folk revival, country and Appalachian Blues into a timeless blend of Americana. 8pm. £10.

Step back in time at Tatton Park’s 1940s Vintage & Victory Weekend at the Farm on 10th11th June. Meet the Home Guard and Churchill himself! Make do and mend with the Land Army girls, and learn about Tatton’s vitally important role in Britain’s wartime years. With fantastic music for all ages, why not come in your best 1940s outfits? Open from 11am, tickets are £14 (child £8, family from £25). Be sure to book in advance at www.tattonpark.org.uk

•11th June, Summer Wreathmaking Workshop, Delamere Flower Farm, Norley Starting with a short tour, you’ll use the best seasonal flowers to create a half floral summer wreath on a homegrown hand-woven willow base, designed to dry beautifully on your door. Includes all tuition, materials and tea/co ee and homemade cake. 1.30pm. £65.

•17th June, Wine Tasting at The White Lion, Weston Sample wines from around the world, with sharing cheeseboards creating the perfect finishing touch, followed by live singing! 4pm. £25.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

17TH-25TH JUNE

•17th-18th June, Castle Race Series 2023, Cholmondeley While competitors battle with openwater swimming and triathlon events, spectators can enjoy a fun-packed festival village featuring live music, shopping, food and drink, children’s entertainment, yoga and more. Registration fees depend on age and discipline.

•23rd June, Macramé Making, New Images Youth & Community Centre, Winsford Learn how to create a stunning piece of macramé, using this ancient form of textile making. Refreshments provided. 7pm. £22.50.

Making waves

All Aboard: A Murder Mystery Cruise, 20th May Join Captain Mendoza and his not-so-delightful crew of misfits below deck in this comedy murder mystery, featuring a range of tricks, music and special effects. 7.30pm. Tickets £24.

How to be Fearless: an Evening with Louise Minchin, 25th May Louise talks about her new book Fearless: Adventures with Extraordinary Women – a celebration of the trailblazers who have broken

Start your engines

•24th June, The Ellesmere Port Pride Festival, Civic Hall, Ellesmere Port Live music, face painting, food and drink, and kids’ activities, with this year’s theme of Mardi Gras. 11am. Ticket prices vary.

barriers, smashed records and challenged stereotypes. 7.30pm. Tickets £29.50.

DID YOU KNOW?

Louise is an expert water-skier and used to teach the sport www.storyhouse.com

Ronnie Scott’s All Stars present The Ronnie Scott’s Story, 10th June Combining world-class live jazz, narration and rare archive footage, life at Ronnie’s is evocatively reimagined through tales of the club’s past visitors – from pop stars, film stars and politicians to comedians and royalty, and above all the musicians. 7.30pm. Tickets £22.50.

Right Royal Day Out

•25th June, Bunker Bike Meet, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, nr Nantwich Open to all! Reduced admission to museum for bikers. Food and drink available. Lots of free parking – grass and hardstanding. Anyone wanting to bring a stall or some bits to sell also welcome. 11am. Entry £13.80 (child £7).

Capesthorne Hall, near Macclesfield plays host to the RH Specialist Insurance Cheshire Classic Car & Motorcycle Show on 28th-29th May, with a range of vintage, classic and modern cars and bikes. Sunday’s theme is presented by the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club, and on Monday its the turn of the Mercedes Benz Owners’ Club. The show includes autojumble, dealerships and refreshments. Entry £10.40 (child £4). www.classicshows.org

GUESS WHO…

A celebration of the countryside, farming and food, the Royal Cheshire County Show marks its 185th year on 20th-21st June. Attractions include horse and sheep shows, food hall and theatre, extreme biking, Atkinson action horses, farmers’ market and a live concert on 20th with Odyssey, Katrina and Brother Beyond. From £25 (child £12). www.royalcheshireshow.org

All revved up

•25th June, The Skids, Alexander’s Live, Chester This iconic band will be playing their new album Destination Düsseldorf, which follows in the footsteps of Days In Europa as a celebration of friendship

A dastardly murder at a private event brings two detectives into a world of lies, misdirection and confusion as they question six suspects, each with a dark motive and an agenda of their own. Written and directed by Andy Fox-Hutchings, Contradiction follows the duo as they compare contrasting accounts of how the night unfolded in order to determine the guilty party. The play runs 2nd-6th May at Chester Little Theatre. Curtain up 7.30pm, tickets £10. www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk

Cholmondeley Castle is the beautiful setting for the Festival of 1,000 Classic Cars including the Northwest Classic Motorcycle Show on 14th May. The event features a full judging and awards ceremony overseen by a leading commentator and vehicle enthusiast.

Awards will be presented for a range of vehicle age groups, culminating in Club of the Show, Pride of Ownership, and Car of the Show awards. Tickets cost £10.50 (child £4, under-7s free). Book in advance at www.classicshows.org

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

•1st May, Eyton Races, Eytonon-Severn Racing at Eyton is a great day out for all the family. Pick your favourites and cheer them to the finish line, enjoy a picnic or delicious o erings from local food vendors. Gates open 11am, first race 1pm, last race 4.40pm. £15 (under-16s free). Cash only on the gate.

•5th-8th May, Nature Crowns for the Coronation, Attingham Park Celebrate the coronation by creating your own crown with nature’s jewels foraged on your walk around the park. 9am-4pm. Standard admission applies, plus £1.50 per crown.

•7th May, Afternoon Tea, Davenport House, nr Bridgnorth Toast the King in the finest tradition, in the spectacular surroundings of this Grade I listed country house. £60. Advanced booking only.

•9th May-24th June, Borderlands Visual Arts & Open Studios, The Willows Gallery, Oswestry