5 things to do in the West Midlands this weekend

NOT sure what to get up to this weekend? We’ve compiled a list of activities and events to try and enjoy within the West Midlands over the next few days.

1. Strictly Come Dancing
Date: Friday January 20 – Sunday January 22
Location: Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

The Strictly Come Dancing live tour is returning to Birmingham this weekend, bringing along winner Ore Oduba, former shadow chancellor Ed Balls and actress Lesley Joseph. They’ll be joining Louise Redknapp, model Daisy Lowe and actor Danny Mac, who will be retracing their dance steps with their professional partners.

Completing the line-up for group numbers and professional dances are six of this series’ professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Janette Manrara, AJ Pritchard and Chloe Hewitt, Oksana Platero and Neil Jones. Tour judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Karen Hardy will also appear at the event, along with 2017 tour host, Anita Rani.

2. Burns night celebration
Date: Saturday January 21
Location: Moor Hotel & Spa, Sutton Coldfield

Celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s best loved bard with an evening of haggis, traditional Scottish music, dancing and a four course dinner. With a traditional piper and an authentic ceilidh band, and special offers for those who want to stay the night at the hotel, this Burns Night celebration is set to be a night not to be missed.

From the producers of last year’s pantomime, Peter Pan, Qdos Entertainment present Aladdin. Starring X-Factor winner Joe McElderry as Aladdin, Lisa Riley as the Slave Of The Ring, CBeebies’ Mr Bloom as the Chief of Peking Police, soprano Lucy Kay as the Princess, the show will be Wolverhampton’s biggest pantomime to date!

4. Just the Tonic comedy night
Date: Saturday January 21
Location: Comedy Loft, Broad Street, Birmingham

This weekend the Comedy Loft will be bringing together the best of high street comedy for an evening of laughter, drinks and tasty food. Four different acts are set to perform this Saturday including Rhys James, Troy Hawke, The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue and one guest comedian. From 7pm guests can wine and dine at the venue, before being entertained and finally, enjoying an after-show party.

5. Made in the Middle
Date: Until Sunday February 19
Location: Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry

Made in the Middle is a recurring touring exhibition highlighting some of the best contemporary craft and applied art from the Midlands. Featuring both recent graduates and makers with established reputations, there is a wealth of innovative creativity on display, including ceramics, jewellery, metalwork and textiles.

Selected by an expert panel through open entry, the exhibition reflects the latest developments and trends in craft. The eighth in the series, the exhibition provides a great opportunity to purchase and commission work from some of the best makers in the region.