STILL FLOWERING

Hothouse Flowers' Fiachna Ó Braonáin is pretty sure the band have played Coventry before.

“I seem to remember that our beloved lead singer may have ended up on stage wearing nothing but an acoustic guitar at one point during our last appearance. But my memory is very hazy. You'll have to ask him!”

Sadly, lead singer Liam Ó Maonlaí isn’t here for What’s On to ask, but the anecdote highlights how anything seems possible once the fired-up Hothouse Flowers get on a stage. Formed by school pals Fiachna and Liam in the mid-1980s, the band cut their teeth as buskers on Dublin's streets. Quickly gaining a reputation for their electrifying mix of Irish folk/roots, rock, soul, gospel and blues, they released their debut single, Love Don’t Work This Way, on U2's Mother label after being spotted by Bono on TV.

However, arguably their biggest break came when Ireland hosted the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest. It was the year an unknown Celine Dion won (representing Switzerland) and the UK came second (thanks to Scott Fitzgerald). Hothouse Flowers made a storming interval appearance.

“There's no doubt that Eurovision brought our music to a huge audience overnight," says Fiachna. "Making the video was a wonderful experience in itself... travelling to a host of European countries in a very short space of time... it was very exciting, and we were very honoured that Don't Go was seen as a timeless song - even before it was released.”

The single gave the band their first UK hit and charted the world over. Further hits followed, including I'm Sorry, Give It Up, and a cover of Johnny Nash's I Can See Clearly Now. But while their recordings undoubtedly capture something of Hothouse Flowers’ appeal, it's arguably live where the band really shine.

“I think the live stage is certainly our natural habitat!” agrees Fiachna. “We've enjoyed all of our times in the studio, and we've spent many hours in rehearsal rooms over the years creating and reaching for what the next song might be. But there's nothing like getting up in front of a live audience and filling that shared space with a feeling that is elevating and transporting. It's what we live for!”

While 'The Flowers' continue to tour, their last LP was 2016's Let's Do This Thing - only their second studio album in 20 years. But currently out on the road again, the prospect of new music is very possible.

“Hopefully getting back on tour, we'll get the creative juices flowing again,” says Fiachna. “We often write during soundchecks when we improvise for one another, and that almost-sacred time very often brings forth new song ideas.

“Things seem to take a little longer as we all have our separate lives as well, but certainly by spending time together my hope would be that seeds for a new album would be sown!”

For Fiachna, his 'separate life' includes a family, solo career, and a regular show on Ireland's RTÉ Radio 1.

“My wife and I have two young children, so that keeps us going pretty constantly. And presenting my radio programme is a constant source of joy and exploration and community. I feel very privileged to have developed that over the past decade.

“I'm hoping to write and record some new songs myself, maybe for a solo album. I'm also working on some new music with my great friend Tom Dunn of the Irish band Something Happens - we've been doing some shows together, along with Alan Connor, and there are more in the pipeline. And I recently presented the RTE television programme, The Tradfest Sessions, which will be screened here in Ireland in the summer and worldwide in the coming year.”

Alongside those commitments, the busy Fiachna has also branched out into acting, appearing in the long-running Irish soap Ros na Rún.

Recalling how he landed the role of Luke in the popular Irish-language drama, which screens on the TG4 channel, he says: “I was asked to audition during the first lockdown, in 2020, so I acted out a scene, which I filmed on my phone, and sent it to them!

“I couldn't believe it when they called me to say I’d got the part!

“I found the experience very nerve-wracking at first, but got used to it as time went by. It was an incredible experience being dropped into something so new, especially when Covid rules were being strictly enforced throughout the production - social distancing and mask wearing was enforced on the set at all times, except for when we were going for the take - but in a weird way it brought the cast and the crew closer together ultimately.

“I've done two seasons, and they've asked me to be in the next season, and I've agreed!” While Fiachna's own multifaceted career continues to grow, Hothouse Flowers nonetheless remain a constant force, the musicians united by a decade-spanning connection.

“The main thing that has kept Hothouse Flowers together for almost 40 years is mutual love and affection,” Fiachna says with pride. “There's nothing like the feeling of being in a band of brothers, where we have each other's backs musically while we're on stage - and that only exists because of the deep friendship that we share, which goes back to our much younger years.

“We've seen a lot of life go by, and we've shared a lot of highs and lows during that time, and to still have the opportunity and the desire to make music together is a wonderful thing!”

Events previews from around the region Events

Spring Diesel Festival

Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, nr Kidderminster, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 May

A variety of classes and traction types will be roaring through the Shropshire and Worcestershire countryside this month as part of the Spring Diesel Festival. Attendees can ride behind the best of the diesel home fleet alongside a number of special guests. These include: a Class 58 No 58023, a Class 56, Class 57/3 (pictured), Class 47 47712, and a set of push-pull DBSO coaches. Visitors can swap trains whenever they wish and stop off at a variety of stations along the way.

Bringing together makers, creators, artists and hobbyists from across the world, Makers Central returns to the NEC this month.

The 2023 edition of the show features live demonstrations, talks, an exhibitor zone displaying machinery, hand tools and software, and appearances by YouTube stars and influencers from the makers community (including UK inventor & maker Colin Furze). Hands-on workshops in pyrography, drone-making and engraving also feature.

Peppa Pig’s Aquarium Adventure

National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, until Fri 2 June

This brand-new event sees Peppa Pig diving into a SEA LIFE Centre adventure and making friends with some of the venue’s 2,000 underwater creatures. Families can take part in a fun interactive trail around the aquarium - along the way spotting seahorses, counting starfish and finding out how fast sharks can swim. A variety of fun activities also feature, including bracelet and jigsaw-making.

From the producers of some of the world’s most famous circuses comes the all-new Circus Extreme.

Presented by an ensemble of wellestablished circus artists, the show brings together clown escapades and hair-raising stunts, many of which have never before been seen in the UK. Performers include Guinness World Recordholding highwire act Ayala Troupe, the Extreme freestyle motocross team, internationally renowned aerial performer Laura Miller and the critically acclaimed Henry the Prince of Clowns.

Events

Events previews from around the region

1940s Week

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands, Cosford, Sat 27 May - Thurs 1 June

Step back in time to the 1940s this May half term, as the RAF Museum celebrates the launch of its brand-new Bomber Command exhibition.

Visitors can try their hand at ‘make do and mend’ crafts, learn the secrets of ration cooking and enjoy a classic war film.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 May

Taking the theme of ‘gardening for everyone’, this month’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival features a brand-new Tips & Tricks Area, where visitors can learn how to creatively upcycle or re-use items for their outdoor space.

Other attractions at the show include the Bloom & Grow Area - a great place to pick up handy hints and tips from gardening experts - and the Fire & Feast Theatre - hosting live demonstrations by talented chefs and local

Birmingham Pride

food producers.

The Festival Theatre, meanwhile, is the place to head if you want to catch up with TV gardening personalities and leading horticulturalists - including BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill.

New for 2023 is The Potting Shed Theatre, where a number of green-fingered professionals will share their specialist gardening knowledge in a series of sure-tobe-enlightening sessions.

Weston’s Spring Fling

Weston Park, Staffordshire, Sun 28 & Mon 29 May

Enjoy a day (or even a weekend) at Weston Park this Whitsun bank holiday, courtesy of the venue’s Spring Fling event. Visitors can explore and enjoy the whole estate throughout the two days, engaging in a selection of family-friendly activities along the way - from taking walks around the parkland and relaxing in the formal gardens, to running wild in the Woodland Adventure Playground and journeying around Temple Wood on the miniature railway. The event’s line-up of attractions also features local artisan food producers, unique crafts, street food and fairground rides. Live music comes from the Dirty Rockin Scoundrels.

Birmingham Gay Village & Smithfield, Birmingham, Sat 27 & Sun 28 May

Celebrating the Midlands’ LGBTQIA+ community, Birmingham Pride once again gets the city partying this month. It’s expected that more than 40,000 revellers will attend the event across the weekend, with an impressive 75,000-plus people either participating in or watching the annual Pride parade through the city’s streets. The festival’s Smithfield site is the centre of the action, featuring a main stage, the Conrad Guest Cabaret Stage and a dance arena. Headline acts include Sugababes, Gabrielle and B*Witched.

The Pride ‘street party’ - taking place in the heart of the Gay Village - and the quieter, family-friendly Community Village Green also return.

Shropshire County Show

West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury, Sat 27 May

With a history dating back to the mid-19th century, the Shropshire County Show attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Main-arena entertainment for the 2023 edition of the event includes death-defying aerial stunts by the Bulldog Lings motorcycle display team and the ever-popular Shropshire Young Farmers float parade. Visitors can also wander around the shopping court, sample food in the Taste Of The Shires area, and enjoy live music at the Village Green bandstand. There’s plenty to keep younger visitors engaged too, with a number of children’s activities inspired by the show’s theme of Science & Nature.

The Realm Of Zog Warwick

Following on from its roaring success in 2022, The Realm Of Zog makes a welcome return to Warwick Castle.

Castle, Sat 27 May - Fri 29 September

As well as checking out the available-allyear-round Zog Playland - the world’s first Zog playground - summertime visitors can also sample the interactive Zog And The Quest For The Golden Star trail and Zog Live Show, both of which are included in the

The Baby Show

The Baby Show offers parents and parentsto-be the chance to check out a wide range of products and services.

Visitors can try, compare and buy products whilst also enjoying exclusive ‘show deals’ from over 300 brands, including well-known names such as Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, MAM, price of a day ticket. For families who simply can’t get enough of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s muchloved dragon, there’s also the Zog Storytime Break. The experience includes a meet & greet with Zog and an overnight stay in one of the castle’s woodland lodges or medieval glamping tents.

Gaydon Land Rover Show

British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, Sun 7 & Mon 8 May

Marking the 75th anniversary of the Land Rover, this year’s get-together at the British Motor Museum features hundreds of cars, including Defenders Series 1-3, Discoverys, Range Rovers, and the number-one preproduction Land Rover, HUE 166, from 1948. Jaguar Land Rover Experience will also be at the show, offering Land Rover drivers the chance to put their vehicle through its paces.

A popular feature of the show is the Live Talks stage, which hosts panel discussions and celebrity Q&As covering all manner of parenting and baby subjects, from birth prep to life-saving first-aid skills.

Coronation events from around the region Events

King’s Coronation Party

Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham, Sat 6 - Mon 8 May

Legoland Discovery Centre is hosting some royally good fun over the bank holiday weekend.

Little princes and princesses (accompanied by an adult) can celebrate the King’s coronation by taking part in themed building challenges, trying to spot the royal family hidden in the attraction’s Miniland, and taking advantage of a royal photo opportunity.

Coronation With The Characters

National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton upon Trent, Sat 6 - Mon 8 May

Royal Cheer

The Black Country Living Museum is this month raising a royal cheer to past royal celebrations - from Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee all the way through to the coronation of King Charles III. Visitors will find out how Black Country folk celebrated kings and queens across the years, learn about the royal souvenirs that were made in the region, and discover the truth about King Edward VIII - the king who never had a coronation. They can also give a helping hand to numerous historic characters - including Mr Singh, the pub landlady and the bossy street-party organiser - before taking part in some royal celebrations. And don’t forget to come suitably dressed for the occasion!

Favourite children’s characters will be out in force at National Forest Adventure Farm as the popular venue celebrates the coronation. Highlights include meet & greets, coronation party games, a royal disco and the chance for youngsters to make a crown. The farm’s indoor and outdoor play areas will be open across the weekend, as will the animal barn and outdoor paddocks.

Coronation Street Party

Drayton Manor Resort, Tamworth, Fri 5 - Mon 8 May

Drayton Manor is pulling out all the stops for its coronation celebrations and extending its opening hours to 9pm.

Visitors over the bank holiday weekend will not only be able to enjoy the venue’s plethora of rides but also check out street-party entertainment throughout the day, including mascot Rory’s very own coronation show. A line-up of tribute acts and DJs will provide a soundtrack to the celebrations, after which there’ll be a fireworks finale to round off proceedings with a great big bang.

A Coronation Celebration

Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire, Mon 8 May

Hartlebury’s Coronation event includes an opportunity to learn about the numerous royal visitors who’ve stopped off at the castle across the centuries.

Reproductions of clothing worn by King George III and Queen Charlotte - who paid a visit in 1788 - will be on display, while for younger visitors there’s the chance to be ‘crowned like a monarch’ in the Great Hall. Falconry displays in the castle’s carriage circle also feature in the venue’s programme of bank holiday attractions.