DATES FOR THE DIARY

April 13 - Nottingham Puppet Festival, Various city locations

So long as the weather holds, this is an ideal day out for families. Every corner of the city will be stuffed with shows, talks, film screenings, workshops and free outdoor events.

At Listergate at 11am, you can watch Gods and Demons, an updating of an ancient Hindu epic.

Shanti, a young girl who is fascinated with the tales told by her parents and grandparents, imagines a battle between Hanuman and Ravana.

The struggle between good and evil is embodied by towering 12ft puppets, drawing audiences into a spellbinding saga of bravery and darkness.

See nottinghampuppetfestival. co.uk/whats-on

April 14 - Johnny Marr, Rock City

Marking a decade as a solo artist, Johnny Marr has released Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr, showcasing tracks from his four acclaimed solo albums, alongside two new tracks.

With nods to his illustrious past as guitarist in The Smiths, and a bold vision for the future, Marr’s musical journey continues to captivate audiences Tickets cost £39.25 from www.alttickets.com and doors open at 6.30pm.

April 15 - Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair, Albert Hall

Explore a curated collection of fashion, accessories, homeware, and collectibles from a diverse array of sellers.

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic ambiance with live performances by songstress Ruth Washington, indulge in delectable tea and cakes served on exquisite vintage china by the Secret Cake Club, and treat yourself to a vintage makeover experience by appointment. From 10am-4pm.

April 15-20 - Life of Pi, Theatre Royal and Concert Hall

This hit show brings Yann Martel’s philosophical fantasy to life on stage.

After a storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger.

The show’s incredible visuals and world-class puppetry have earned five Olivier Awards, including Best New Play.

Tickets cost £22 to £55 at www.trch.co.uk. Doors open 7.30pm, There is also a 2pm performance on April 18.

April 16 - UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Motorpoint Arena

The Hits Tour is celebrating the biggest songs from the UK’S most successful reggae band of all-time.

Beginning in Birmingham circa 1978, the band has had a string of top 40 hits and sold more than 70 million records over the last four decades.

Tickets are from £47.93 from www. tickets.motorpointarenanottingham. Doors open at 6.30pm.

April 17 - Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard concert plus signing, Rough Trade, 5 Broad Street

The Cardiff band celebrates the release of thrilling new album Skinwalker, released via Communion.

With a sound that blends a love of glam rock and a hark back to the 1970s, they’re well known for their live prowess.

Rough Trade regularly hosts gigs and signings at its Broad Street store. Check out their website for more information on who’s coming up.

Tickets are £27.50, including a signing after the gig and a copy of Skinwalker.

April 17 - Wolfpack Projects LGBT+ Huddle, Broadway Cinema

The Wolfpack Projects holds groups and events for LGBT+ young people aged 16 to 35 in Nottinghamshire.

The venue is the Broadway Cinema, typically in the Mezz Bar upstairs.

Admission is free, with a soft drink included , but the cinema will be open until late if you would like to buy more drinks or snacks. Someone from the team will be around until 7pm, but feel free to stay longer if you want to they sometimes host a friendly quiz night on Wednesdays.

The event starts at 5.30pm.

April 18 - BBC Concert Orchestra Beyond the Console, Theatre Royal

Described as “digital epics live in concert”, Robert Ames and the BBC Concert Orchestra will be tempting gamers away from their consoles when they perform classic gaming scores, from Final Fantasy to Battlefield 2042.

Fans of Kingdom Hearts, The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros - and plenty more - will certainly not want to miss this. The concert will be presented by Elle Osili-wood, from BBC Radio 3’s Sound of Gaming, and recorded for a future episode of Sound of Gaming on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds.

See www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/bbcco-beyond-the-console/

Tickets cost £16 to £32.