Sziget Festival, Budapest. We keep hearing amazing things about this week-long music festival in Budapest, that has won all sorts of awards in the last few years. We haven’t been and we won’t be going this year but we’re thinking about 2013. http://www.sziget.hu/festival_english#.T8Os-XlYuI0

Abergavenny Food Festival. Not the biggest food festival in Britain but one of our favourites; friendly, compact and in a great location. 15-16 September. http://www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com/

Paul Heaton’s The 8th. A New Soul Opera. Britain’s biggest pop/folk hero ( the man behind the Housemartins and Beautiful South) premiered this in Manchester this year. He describes The 8th as ‘the longest pop song ever written’. He’s touring it this summer along with some old favourites to keep the faithful happy. We’ve booked. Tickets from the usual sources.

Festival Number 6. A new festival in Portmeirion (a wonderful place). The line up looks good (New Order, Primal Scream, Spiritualised). We know some people involved and they tell us it’s going to be fabulous and original. Worth a look http://www.festivalnumber6.com/

The Angel’s Share. Ken Loach’s latest film won the Palme D’Or at Cannes. A comedy that touches on serious themes; we all laughed out loud at the trailer.

Gulliver’s Travels. Edinburgh Festival from August 17th. This production by visionary theatre maker Silviu Purcărete with an original score by Irish composer Shaun Davey looks wonderful. Book now at http://eif.co.uk/gulliver

2008:Macbeth. Edinburgh Festival from August 11th. Steal yourself for this. A shocking and violent new play that looks sensational. http://edinburghfestival.list.co.uk/event/246780-2008-macbeth/

Dexys. Touring again. We saw Dexys (the Midnight Runners bit has been dropped) play their new album in its entirety followed by a few old faves at Shepherds Bush Empire this month. It was astonishing; raucous three minute standing ovations followed each section of the show. Now the band are touring the show. The Barbican in London sold out in hours but tickets for other venues are still available. Go! Tickets from usual sources.

Ardingly Antiques Fair. Followers of our blog will know that we keep urging people who love vintage to give this a go. The next show is 17-19th July. http://www.iacf.co.uk/ardingly/

Small Publishers Fair. This is a lovely fair on a Friday and Saturday in London. Find out more at http://www.rgap.co.uk/spf.php

Patti Smith Band. Touring the UK, yet again. We’ve booked our tickets. No two Patti Smith shows are the same and this fearless, original and supremely energetic artist always offers up something remarkable. Tickets from the usual sources.

John Banville in conversation. At Daunt Books, Chelsea, 7pm on 4th July. Banville is one of Ireland’s greatest writers and this is a rare chance to hear him talk. http://www.dauntbooks.co.uk/events.asp?TAG=&CID=

Richard Hawley. Touring the Uk in June and September. We’ve booked our tickets If you haven’t yet seen harley live then now is the time. The music has evolved but we’re pretty sure -going by previous experiences- that this will be great. Tickets from the usual sources.

DVD. Marley. Out on August 7th. If you haven’t seen this in the cinema, well, you must order the CD. One of the best documentaries we have seen for years.