THE August bank holiday weekend always promises a feast of entertainment around the region, and this year is no exception. Here are just a few ideas for you and your family over the weekend.

Teddy bears’ picnic

IF you go down to Dunham’s Wood, March on Sunday there will be the annual teddy bears’ picnic from 2-5pm. There’s lots of marvellous things to eat and wonderful games to play, in addition to train rides & woodland explorations.

Admission: Adult �2, Child 50p. Bring your teddies and cuddly toys!

Music

THE City of Ely Band is bringing to a close March’s summer season of live performances at West End Park bandstand on Sunday from 2-4pm.

Bring a deckchair and listen to the military band perform anything from classical to pop, marches and waltzes to the latest film and show scores.

For something a little rockier, Thorney Live Charity Music Festival is celebrating its 15th year with eight bands, including tributes to David Bowie and The Police. Held in the grounds of Bedford Hall, admission is �5, free for under-16s, all in aid of various charities.

Jane Austen exhibition

THIS weekend is the last chance to see the ‘Austen Attired’ exhibition at Peckover House and Garden, Wisbech.

See some of the character costumes from film and TV productions of Jane Austen novels including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park, before exploring the Georgian property and its exquisite gardens as seen in the film Dean Spanley.

Open 1-4pm, normal National Trust admissions apply.

Wildlife

WELNEY Wetland Centre is open until 8pm on Saturday. Enjoy a relaxing summer evening stroll at the WWT reserve, with plenty of wildlife to spot.

Normal admission applies; last admission 7pm

Also on Saturday, RSPB Fen Drayton is holding an evening walk at 7pm to watch little egrets arrive at their roost site, followed by bat detecting. Bring a torch!

Admission: adults �4, members �2.

Beer Festival

BLIND tastings, a cook-off and welly wangling are just a few of the attractions on offer at a beer festival with a difference being held in Keyston.

The Pheasant’s Bank Holiday Beer Festival is taking place on Sunday from 2pm. It will showcase some of the best ales and beers available in the area and neighbouring counties.

There will be blind tastings held throughout the day and festival-goers can enjoy live music, a barbecue, hog roast and browse stalls. There will be a Ready Steady Cook-style competition against the Pheasant’s chefs.

To keep the children amused there will be face painting, an animal petting farm, a coconut shy and a bouncy castle.

A percentage of profits will go to CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palette Association).

INFORMATION: To find out more phone the Pheasant on 01832 710241 or visit www.thepheasant-keyston.co.uk

Medieval reconstructions

A TASTE of the middle ages will be coming to the Fens this weekend.

A Medieval Feast & Fighting is being re-enacted at the historical Castle in Castle Rising by Buckingham’s Retinue on Sunday and Monday.

Admission: �7 adult, �6 concession, �4 child, �20 family ticket, (EH members 50% discount).

Meanwhile, a Medieval Life event will be held at the Denny Abbey Farmland Museum near Waterbeach, also on Sunday and Monday. Learn about aspects of the middle ages before exploring the historic abbey and rural museum.

It is open from 10.30am-5pm. Admission: adults �5, concessions �4, children over five �3.

Hunt for a Bargain

BARGAIN hunters will be given an insight into the world of antiques when an expert auctioneer gives a talk in St Ives.

Bedford-born David Fletcher, who is a regular on the BBC’s Flog It!, will be attending an antiques fair at the Burgess Hall on Monday.

A senior auctioneer at W&H Peacock and a presenter on BBC Three Counties Radio, David will give a talk followed by a walk around the fair to look at the antiques.

Tickets for the talk and walk will be limited to 30, and are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

The fair is being held on Sunday and Monday from 10am-4pm.

Items for sale will include children’s toys, maps, china, glass clocks, jewellery and furniture.

A spokesman for Day Out Events, organiser of the fair, said: “With over 40 dealers, all of whom are experts in their field and happy to share their knowledge, this fair really does have everything you need for a great day out.”

INFORMATION: Admission to the fair is �2 for adults, �1.50 for senior citizens and free for children under the age of 16.

Thomas rides again

THOMAS the Tank Engine will be busy hauling trains from Wansford to Yarwell on the Nene Valley Railway near Peterborough throughout the weekend. Look out for their friendly ghost as you travel through the haunted tunnel!

Trains run from 10.30am all days, usual ticket prices apply.

Spiritual

MEDIUM and author Tony Stockwell is presenting an evening of spiritual communication at Holiday Inn, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, in which he will attempt to communicate with the other side with the assistance of two other able mediums.

All profits from the event go to Peterborough Baby Care Unit. Admission: �12.50. Aged 18+.

Open Garden

WILLOW Holt, Willow Hall Lane, Thorney, will be open on Sunday from 10am-4pm. There are hundreds of plants hiding sculpted creatures alongside meandering paths. Teas, coffee and biscuits are also available and plants for sale.

There is a �3 admission charge.

FUN PACKED CHARITY WEEKEND

Dents Farm Shop and Garden Centre at West Fen, Steels Drove Hilgay, are holding an open weekend raising cash for Muscular Dystrophy. On Saturday a special food and drinks marquee will off the chance to try delicious food and drinks.

Activities on Sunday include a car boot sale, crafte marquee. Professional fishing coaches will be on hand on Monday. Places cost �6 and can be booked telephoning 01366 385661.