Weekend Picks: What's on this weekend in the Midlands

Bloodstock 2016: Thurs 11th - Sun 14th Aug (Catton Park, Derbyshire)

Bloodstock Open Air is the UK’s biggest independent METAL festival and it’s taking place at the picturesque location of Walton on Trent in Derbyshire this weekend.

The event features more than a hundred international rock and metal acts across four stages, as well as other attractions including a huge international metal market, late night entertainment and fairground rides.

There’ll also be a signing tent where you can meet your favourite bands.

For times, prices and more information visit: http://www.bloodstock.uk.com/

Sandwell Arts Festival: Sat 13th - Sun 14th Aug (Various locations, Sandwell & West Bromwich)

West Bromwich town centre will come alive this weekend with performances, cinema, photography and giant Bumble bees.

Creative Black Country, in partnership with Sandwell Council and West Bromwich BID, have put together a programme of events for the Sandwell Arts Festival to transform the town.

As part of the project, more than 500 people from community groups across the region have helped the artistic team to make a stunning ceramic garden of over 1,000 flowers.

Birmingham’s Flatpack heads to the Black Country with a day of films at the Odeon and Town Hall.

For times, listings and more information visit: www.creativeblackcountry.co.uk

Pie Fest: Sat 13th - Sun 14th Aug (Melton Mowbray Cattle Market, Leicestershire)

A pie festival will take place in Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire this weekend.

Organisers are claiming it’s the first event of it’s kind and will feature around 40 exhibitors, evenly split between award-winning pie makers and local produce.

At this unique celebration of pies, visitors will be able to sample, buy, eat and even learn how to make their own pies. Gluten free pies will also be available.

PieFest will also include talks, tastings, demonstrations, workshops and a Pie Clinic where visitors can put their pie and pastry woes and queries to an expert panel of cooks and pie makers.

For times and more information visit: www.ukpiefest.co.uk

Countryside Show & Food Festival: Sat 13th - Sun 14th Aug (Far Forest Society Pavilion, Worcestershire)

After a successful event in 2015, attracting around 10,000 visitors, the organisers of Far Forest Countryside Show and Food Festival are holding another event this weekend.

The countryside show and food festival will include a food festival marquee for live demonstrations, a homecraft & hobbies marquee and an art exhibition.

As well as the stages and tents, there will be live entertainment throughout the day in the Main Arena.

For times, prices and more information visit: http://www.farforestcountrysideshow.btck.co.uk/

Food & Drink Festival: Sat 13th - Sun 14th Aug (Wollaton Park, Nottingham)

Nottingham food and drink festival is back again for a second year this weekend.

The event will take place at Wollaton Park and organisers say it's going to be bigger and better than it's debut year.

Visitors will get the chance to browse, sample and buy a variety of food and drink produce, both from the local region and from the international community, as well as enjoying live music all weekend.

There’ll also be a Real Ale Marquee, crafts corner, chainsaw carving and plenty of children's entertainment.

For times and more information visit: http://livingheritagefoodfestivals.co.uk/nottingham/