Express & Star

Top 10 things to do in the Midlands this weekend

Stuck for something to do this weekend? Here's our round-up of the best activities and events.

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Ludlow Arts Festival, Ludlow Castle

The annual Ludlow Arts Festival kicks off on Friday and is packed with all sorts of events. On Saturday 70s favourites 10cc - known for their hits Dreadlock Holiday and I'm Not in Love - will be playing, while Sunday has a Last Night of the Proms theme with fireworks and the English National Philharmonic Orchestra performing popular classics and patriotic anthems to get those flags waving. For more information see ludlowartsfestival.co.uk.

Victorian Garden Party at Witley Court

Enjoy a mid-summers weekend with a garden party fit for a Queen. Discover what life was really like for those at work and play, meeting characters from times gone by and wandering around the gardens of Witley Court. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a bit of music, dancing, games, a trail and plenty of activities into the evening. Perfect for some quality time with the family. See english-heritage.org.uk for more details.

Flash and Mayfield well dressing, Staffordshire

This ancient custom, mainly found in the Peak District area, is the art of decorating springs and wells with pictures made from natural materials. In Flash, one well has been dressed for the past five years and coincides with the Flash Church Flower Festival. In Mayfield, three wells are dressed and the village makes a real celebration of the event. Both wells are on display until this weekend – definitely something different to go and see. For details of where they are see and search for the events.

Lichfield Folk Festival, King Edward VI Leisure Centre

A whole weekend of music, song and dance displays throughout the city. There will be dance and music workshops, and display teams showing off costumes and different types of dance. Why not have a go at the silent auction? lichfieldfolkfestival.co.uk has all the details.

Blitz hill, Ironbridge

Blists Hill Victorian Town travels four decades into the future to celebrate the 40th anniversary with an evening of World War II entertainment, music and activities with this brand new event. Guests are encouraged to arrive in period civilian costume and join in with the town's 1940s theme. Residents will be raising morale on the Home Front combining nostalgic entertainment and brilliant re-enactments, and visitors will be issued with an identity card which will be stamped on collection of a rationed ounce of Kali. There's more information at ironbridge.org.uk.

Uttoxeter Food and Drink Festival, Uttoxeter Racecourse

Who doesn't want to celebrate food and drink from a host of different suppliers from around the country? This two day festival is full of entertainment and fun for all the family. Browse through food stalls and farmers markets enjoying delights that exhibitors have to offer. If you get a bit thirsty on the way round the real ale tent is the one to head for, there are a selection of local breweries serving up their very own real ales.

More details at uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk.

An Evening of Burlesque at the Regent Theatre

Direct from London's West End is Britain's biggest burlesque show. Why not dress up and watch a wickedly witty, delightfully choreographed cabaret spectacular. The themes come as fast as the exotic costume changes. Expect variety, couture and a bit of humour thrown in. This is purely for adults, however isn't seedy – go on let your hair down and have a night of utter glamour. For details see atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre.

Living history weekend, Black Country Museum

Forget all that technology hiding in your pockets and go back to a much simpler time at the Black Country Living Museum. Friends of the museum will be demonstrating what life was really like at the turn of the century, performing tasks like cooking, cleaning and washing without the aid of any tech – well none with a computer chip anyways. Details are available at bclm.co.uk.

Oswestry Military Vehicle Show, Park Hall farm

Park Hall farm plays host to Oswestry's second Military Vehicle Show. There is a wide range of military motors and RAF helicopters flying on both days. Also re-enactments on site from different ages, a shooting range, vintage and army surplus stores with something for everyone. All proceeds from the event go to the South Atlantic Medal Association (1982). For more information see parkhallfarm.co.uk.

Supermoon

If you don't fancy going out why not sit in the comfort of your own home and watch the 'supermoon' phenomenon. Following May's 'mega' moon, the full moon on June 23 will appear even more impressive, being the largest and closest of 2013. On this occasion, the moon will be just 221,824 miles away, 14% larger and 30% brighter than normal. So look out for it as it won't happen until August 2014 and why not capture the moment with a few pictures. It is expected to happen around 9.30-9.45pm on the 23 June and will be visible all night low to the southern horizon.

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