Entertainment News

Scores of family-friendly events to celebrate the Black Country Festival are being held at Sandwell Libraries throughout July. Staff in borough libraries are organising activities from songs and storytelling to tasting traditional Black Country food – and are even hosting a variety show to mark the festival.

As CGAP celebrates ten years of successfully highlighting exceptional photography from amateurs and professionals from around the world, its 2015 annual Photo Contest is now open for entries.

Funded through the Film Audience Network, a ground-breaking initiative developed by the British Film Institute to enable organisations and film experts in the independent cultural exhibition sector to work in partnership to boost film audiences across the UK, particularly in the areas of specialised and independent British film.

The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is opening its doors on Friday, July 10 for a special 'After Dark' adults-only evening event to celebrate the brand new LEGO® CITY Deep Sea collection. Encounter extraordinary marine life and enjoy refreshing cocktails after hours whilst spotting the hidden LEGO models making a special appearance over summer - there's no cooler ticket in town. 

Music will be in the air in the United States Virgin Islands this summer. On the heels of the St. John Festival carnival celebration to be held over the July 4th holiday weekend, its sister island St. Thomas will take its turn to host America's Paradise USVI Music Festival featuring top tier musicians and entertainers from July 16 to 19.

As fans wait to see what musical direction he will take as a solo artist, the word is about that former One Direction star, Zayn Malik, might be opting for a surprising switch in gear with claims that he could be eyeing up a career as a rapper.

The US touring spectacle, ‘Carnival Of Madness’ is set to make its debut appearance on UK shores in 2016, sponsored by Monster Energy.  Established in 2010, the tour has seen an array of hard rock talent join the parade in years prior, including Alter Bridge, Papa Roach, Evanescence and In This Moment over in the US, but now it’s the UK’s turn in the spotlight with a fresh batch of bands!

Property specialist Leaders is running a film competition, Love Living in, which shines a spotlight on what it is that makes the place people call home special. Leaders’ marketing manager, Alison Guyton, says: “Every town, city, village and suburb is different; made up of a unique assortment of people, streets, buildings, landscapes, amenities, traditions and things to see and do."

Volunteers are needed to help out this summer at Sandwell Arts Festival 2015. Organisers are looking for help for family-friendly community celebrations taking place on 15, 16 and 22August, in West Bromwich, as well as at other events across the borough.

As the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) says goodbye to its Music Director Andris Nelsons, PwC has announced its support of the Orchestra over the next few years.

One of the most influential Hip Hop groups of all time, Public Enemy, will now be headlining the Friday night of this years Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul as a replacement for Sugarhill Gang & Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Scorpio who are no longer able to perform.

Shazia Mirza is back with a bang at The Drum Arts/Theatre Centre, in Birmingham,  for one night only! Renowned as the UK's most modern comedienne with her unique style, quick fire with and hilarious routine one not to miss this Saturday July 20.

One of the country’s leading large scale contemporary circus shows has been announced for this year's City of Wolverhampton Show – adding to the two-day event’s new festival vibe.  NofitState Circus, which combines live music and dance with traditional circus skills, is part of a packed line-up that also features the two-day Wolvestock country music festival. 

Pitches for popular country music festival Wolvestock are selling fast say event organisers, who have already had to double the anticipated number of caravans at the event. The two-day music festival is back on the city’s calendar of events and is proving popular amongst country music lovers and line dancers.