Swan Lake; The Guangdong Acrobatic Troupe of China

Just two hours ago, the Birmingham Mail reported that 65,000 travellers will be jetting off from Birmingham Airport during the big bank holiday weekend getaway, but for those of us who aren’t flying off to warmer climates, that figure could seem a bit depressing.

Well to add to your misery, the article also informed readers that those of us wishing to get away on the trains this weekend will have to put up with engineering work and bus replacements on some routes out of the city.

Oh and it’s going to rain as well, with temperatures predicted of around 16 degrees.

 So to put a smile back on your faces, the Core team have come up with a few suggestions of things to do if you’re staying in and around Birmingham:

Swan Lake, Birmingham Hippodrome – 27^th August

OK so ballet isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but this is ballet with a twist. The Guangdong Acrobatic Troupe of China presents a visual sensation with ‘frogs’ who can complete an entire routine whilst doing a handstand!

Atsuko Tanaka, Ikon Gallery – All weekend

The Ikon Gallery presents the first UK retrospective of work by acclaimed Japanese artist Atsuko Tanaka – a display that includes paper and fabric collages alongside iconic installations such as her Electric Dress.

1980’s weekend, Coventry Transport Museum – All weekend

Organised with BBC Hands on History, this event includes a ‘bad’ fashion show and a host of 1980’s games challenges.

Watch films and drink cocktails, Electric Cinema – All weekend

With cowboys, aliens and apes hitting the big screens this weekend, the Electric Cinema offers a quirky location and a perfect ‘text waiter service’ (butterscotch and orange homemade ice cream, a glass of absinthe and lemon drizzle cake are all available – yummy!)

Last weekend of the summer sales – Mailbox, Bullring, New Street etc.

Before we are all forced to wear boots, scarves and thick woolly tights, this weekend is the last chance to make the most of those summer trends.

So with just ten minutes to go, it’s time to wish everyone a very happy bank holiday weekend, enjoy!