Here's what you can get up to in Scotland next week...
1.Dabbers at the ready, party people: Glasgow’s coolest event space does it again with a return of the brilliant Bongo’s Bingo. A wildly diverse bunch of the hippest and most happening folk gather for some nostalgic fun, with flagrantly camp clothing, false calls and fantastic singalongs. Of course it’s at SWG3 on Thursday and Friday from 7.30-11.30pm and all the deets and tickets can be found on their website at www.bongosbingo.co.uk
2. Looking for a day with a difference? How about hanging about with an alpaca? The team at Bowhill House have a fun day with these gentle playful and inquisitive animals. They are the perfect animal to meet the kids. Take the alpacas for a walk, help feed them and get to know your pet for the day. Available on Wednesday and booking is absolutely essential. The price is £20 for one person and one alpaca, family and friend can hang with for an extra £5 each. For bookings please call 01750 22204.
3. Perth says hello to a band that used to be a firm favourite of mine. I may well schmooze along and check out Ocean Colour Scene again. Once the epitome of the rock mod revivalist movement, they wowed us all with the mighty Moseley Shoals album and blew us all away at Oasis’s Knebworth spectacular. At the Perth Concert Hall on Wednesday. Tickets available online at www.oceancolourscene.com
4. Pokey hats and ice lollies ... recent hot weather has made us enjoy nostalgic memories of the summers of our youth. A day at Burntisland Summer Fair is perfect for the seaside vibe. All the fun of the fair and more rides than you can shake a toffee apple stick at. Burntisland Links. Free.
5. The festival season continues next weekend with the wonderful Tartan Heart Festival at Belladrum from Thursday until Saturday. The great line-up includes Scotland’s very own Chvrches, Lewis Capaldi and Glasvegas, alongside the likes of Jess Glynne and, fresh from his showstopping performance with The Killers at Glastonbury, Johnny Marr.
6. There is no better concert venue than the Glasgow Bandstand. FACT. Especially in this gorgeous weather (the bandstand also has food trucks including an ice cream van!) On Wednesday it’s the turn of the archetypal art school fops Suede to show the young’uns how to swagger like we did back then. A few tickets still available at www.suede.twickets.live from £30.
7. Last but not least it’s time for Tay in the Park. Dundee’s festival hits its fifth birthday and it’s going from strength to strength with DJs and food trucks, gin bars, a prosecco palace, craft beers and loads to do for the wee small people. Bouncy castles, face painting, mini DJ sessions and all for the very cheap indeed £6 tickets. Taypark House on Saturday from noon. Further info available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tayparkhouse/267054
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