Latest news with #TheBluebirdBelles
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
West Midlands May Day weekend from morris dancers to tiger cubs
Morris dancing, markets and Sumatran tiger cubs are among the attractions drawing visitors to the West Midlands this Nadirah and Naresh were born at West Midlands Safari Park in January and can be seen on selected dates in May, including Bank Holiday Shrewsbury Morris Dancers celebrated May Day on 1 May, according to tradition, and on Monday will hold a "dance out" in the bank holiday also sees the start of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day, which continue throughout the week. Bev Langton, leader of Shrewsbury Morris Dancers, said the team would be in the Dingle at the Quarry on group is getting ready for its 50th anniversary celebrations next year as well as a free day of dance in The Square on 5 July, and Ms Langton said the tradition was "growing apace"."More and more teams are springing up all over the country," she said. "There are older dancers and younger people coming along."It's good exercise. It keeps tradition alive. It's also very good fun. There's camaraderie and friendship - everyone works as a team." At West Midlands Safari Park, keepers described the birth of the three "adorable" cubs as a "milestone in tiger conservation" and significant Tiger Takeover is being held on weekends from 3 to 18 May, including the Bank Holiday, and daily from 24 May to 1 will be able to glimpse the playful cubs through peepholes and take part in activities including a trail, performances, crafts and a photo contest. Parties are starting for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marks the ending of the European phase of World War Two with the unconditional surrender of all Nazi German forces to the Allies on 8 May 1945.A family celebration at Wolverhampton's Bantock House will have live music from The Bluebird Belles, crafts and afternoon Hill House Museum and Park in Cradley Heath, Sandwell, is celebrating the anniversary at its annual Fabulous 40s day with historic vehicles, live music and replica objects from World War Two. Other Bank Holiday listings include a family fun day at Warwick Racecourse, with not just horse racing, but also a silent disco, craft tent and circus FAB food fest at the Hopton Court Estate, near Kidderminster, will have artisan traders, tribute acts and local Burton-upon-Trent, a three-day floating market has been organised, with traders selling art, crafts, food, artisan goods and gifts from their boats, on the canals at Shobnall Fields. Back in Shropshire, Blists Hill Victorian Town is holding a Victorian Spring include a tug of war, sack race and spud and spoon race, and a chance to try country engagement manager Ross Davidson said it was "a British tradition to celebrate the beginning of spring in early May", and children and adults would be able to take part in events Victorian families would have enjoyed. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Wolverhampton theatre celebrates memory cafe opening
A theatre has celebrated the opening of its second memory cafe for people affected by dementia. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre launched the cafe at The Institute in Tettenhall Wood earlier this month to provide entertainment in a supportive environment, helping reduce isolation. Vintage singer Miss Beth Belle from the trio The Bluebird Belles put a smile on everyone's faces as she performed at the event to celebrate the opening. The theatre said it was "thrilled" to expand the free cafe service and open a second venue within Wolverhampton. It provides a range of entertainment between the two cafes including playing the best of soul, reggae and Bollywood music. Memory cafes will be held at The Institute once a month throughout the summer with performances from Darcie Edwards and Miss Beth Belle. Places can be booked by contacting Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
