The UK entertainment scene is on fire this week, with a sizzling hot mix of cinema releases, live music events, and art exhibitions that'll leave you breathless! Kicking off the action-packed lineup is the long-awaited Toy Story 5, where Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear make their iconic return. But this time around, our beloved toys face a modern-day nemesis in LilyPad, a nifty new tablet voiced by Greta Lee that's got everyone talking! It's a cinematic event that'll have original fans sharing the magic with their mini-mes, proving once again why this timeless franchise remains the stuff of dreams.
The UK's cinema screens are also bursting with excitement, showcasing an eclectic range of films to suit all tastes. Get ready for a rare treat with Effi o Blaenau, a Welsh-language drama that brings Gary Owen's play Iphigenia in Splott to life on the big screen, starring Leisa Gwenllian as the lead. Adult audiences will be treated to the offbeat charm of Lesbian Space Princess, an animated Aussie comedy that follows Princess Saira's daring mission to rescue her abducted ex from 'Straight White Maliens'. Meanwhile, the Barbican Cinema in London continues its Pride series with 'Queer 60s: LGBTQ+ Cinema in the Decade Before Stonewall', running until 7 July and featuring a fascinating lineup of films from Ingmar Bergman to documentaries on legendary drag artists.
Music fans are in for a treat, with Manchester's Heaton Park hosting the two-day extravaganza that is Parklife festival on 20 and 21 June! The star-studded line-up boasts top acts like Calvin Harris, Skepta, and Zara Larsson, alongside fresh talent like Nia Archives and Shy FX – it's going to be a dance-pop fiesta for the ages! Swedish sensation Robyn embarks on her biggest solo UK arena tour from 24 June to 3 July, promising a thrilling mix of new material from her album Sexistential and classic hits like 'Dancing on My Own'. And if that's not enough, the innovative UK jazz-rock band Led Bib will be touring, with dates including The Lighthouse near Deal on 24 June and Canterbury on 25 June – their evolving sound is sure to blow minds!
The art world isn't lagging behind either! The Tate Modern in London gets set to host 'Frida: The Making of an Icon' from 25 June to 3 January, an unmissable exhibition that delves into the incredible journey of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as she rose to become one of modern art's most recognisable figures. And if that's not enough, MK Gallery in Milton Keynes presents a Jacques Henri Lartigue exhibition from 20 June to 4 October, focusing on his pioneering colour photography experiments that predated modern street photography. For something truly interactive, head to Focal Point Gallery in Southend-on-Sea for Rosie Ridgway's debut solo exhibition opening 24 June – it transforms the gallery into a rehearsal space where you can get hands-on and live out your teenage indie band fantasies!