Book it
STAR Wars actor John Boyega plays a young pilot of a giant Jaeger robot trying to protect the world from a new generation of giant monsters who threaten humanity. He also has to face a Jaeger that has gone rogue. This special effects-driven sci-fi action sequel is set ten years after Guillermo del Toro’s 2013 original and also stars Scott Eastwood. supremely enjoyable story whisk you up, up and away. Last Letter Home – Rachel Hore, Simon & Schuster – out Thursday HISTORIAN Briony’s discovery of faded love letters introduces this tender and thoughtful tale, told across two timelines. Ranging from Second World War Italy to present day Norfolk, the romantic plot gathers satisfying momentum as past mysteries are revealed. Million Love Songs – Carole Matthews, Sphere – out Thursday THE title is a clue to a major theme of this sparkling romp – Take That. They provide the soundtrack for the adventures of newly divorced Ruby as she navigates single life. Her Gary Barlow-obsessed best friend is on hand to help. Light hearted, laugh packed fun. Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt, Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Somerset (Mar 24 - Apr 8) THE Easter bunny’s been busy, preparing a trail of magical glowing eggs in the mysterious chambers of the West Country landmark. Kids will have a cracking time tracking them down. See www.cheddargorge.co.uk Allelujah!, Bridge Theatre, London (July 11 - Sept 28) Alan Bennett may hate being called a National Treasure, but there’s no doubt that a new play from the 83-year-old maestro will cause rejoicing. Nicholas Hytner directs the comedy set in a crisis-hit hospital on the edge of the Pennines. Check out Bridgetheatre.co.uk. Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, Exeter Castle (May 5 - 7) FROM world champion cheeses to gourmet marshmallows, artisan ciders and craft gin, the grounds of the castle will be groaning with the best of the West. Cookery demonstrations, live music and kid’s entertainment all feature. More information at exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk. Tramlines, Hillsborough Park, Sheffield, (July 20 - 22) CELEBRATING its tenth birthday in a new home – Sheffield’s inner city music festival is a mixture of home-grown talent and top headliners, including Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, the Stereophonics and Craig David’s TS5. See tramlines.org.uk for more details. Raiders of the Lost Ark In Concert, touring (Apr 5 - Sept 26) ONE of Spielberg’s finest films stars Harrison Ford as the unforgettable swashbuckling archaeologist Indiana Jones. Now enjoy the action on a giant screen, with John Williams’s rousing score played live by the Czech National Symphony Sym Orchestra. See ticketmaster.co.uk. ticketmaster