Have you ever wanted to try your hands at some super fun circus tricks? Or perhaps you've always…read morewanted to learn to fly (who says you cant?!)...well you need to head to CircusMASH. CircusMASH have a dedicated circus space at All Saints Community Centre in King's Heath. It's the hub for all things fun - from swinging on a trapeze, climbing the silks, or spin around in levitating hoop. There is a very warm welcome which creates a great atmosphere for a complete beginner or seasoned expert. I've only been to one of the free workshops but all the teachers are really friendly and very patient. They are also very encouraging and keep you pumped throughout the workshop. There are a range of classes on offer so you will be sure to find something to fit your skills. If you are looking for something a bit different and quirky to do but also want to get a good work out I would definitely recommend checking out this cool circus hub in Kings Heath. I can't wait to go back soon. Note to self - grab a group of gals and head here for an adult birthday party...how much fun would that be?!

Wow, what a great venue. I was suitably impressed when I entered Ana Rocha last week. It is such an…read moreincredible place. Firstly the décor - As it is also a gallery, there's a lot of art on display. There is also a great selection of vintage furniture, props and other items scattered around the space.. As we entered we were told that everything that you see is available to buy. There is so much to see in this place it would be hard to get bored. Next, the bar - The staff on the bar are incredible. They obviously knew what they were doing - they are friendly, professional and the cocktails taste amazing. Finally, the food - Again, simply incredible. I don't think I have ever had Chorizo like the meat that they serve here (it just melted in my mouth). I don't think that this was the most authentic tapas that I have tasted, and it has more of a cultured feel, but it was great all the same. Overall, I absolutely loved this place and can't wait to go back.

Hidden Jewellery Quarter treasure alert......I have a new spot for drinks when I am in the area…read more I was initially put off by the bouncer on the door of this place as to me it gives a bit of a stuck up vibe but when you actually take the time to go up and have a chat you realise why....this place has some seriously beautiful art, watches and antiques everywhere from the minute you walk in. You also realise the bouncer is SO nice and helpful!! This is a classic case of dont judge a book by its cover.....my bad.... At first you walk down a corridor of artwork then through a reception room filled floor to cealing with beautiful items. You go through one more door to the bar and resturant space which has a higher ceiling bit is still filled with beautiful goods, some of which are for sale of you have the $$. We went to the bar at the back of the space and chatted with both the bar man and the owner of the place....again two lovely people that were more than happy to chat us through the idea of the venue and the ideas they have for its use moving forward. Drinks wise there are a lot of spirits and cocktails to choose from . As I was with LIv from Licor 43 we went for a signature serve with pineapple and 43. It was really smooth and balanced I would definately recommend it. We didnt have the food other than a cracker with some pate to sample (free of charge....very nice of them) but the menu is tapas....expect a review soon! If you havent been here yet.....do it....asap. Its a really beautiful and welcoming place with a lot to offer the area. You can be a lover of good drink, art or just bars in the area to appreciate somewhere of this quality :D Obviously.....5*

Been to The Patrick Centre before to watch my daughter do a Street Dance performance when she…read moredanced at Dance Xchange. That must of been about 6- 7 years ago now. So it really was a delight to have the opportunity to go back this week. I was lucky enough to win a ticket to see Mark Bruce's #Dracula on Thursday 16th October 14. Planned on taking a few pictures but the ususal rules applied re flash photography. Tucked inside the grandure of Birmingham Hippodrome shairing the same welcoming reception area and bar space the excitement before the show builds. When its time to take your seats you walk into a theatre that is inviting in the sense that actually do feel part of the performance because of the size of the studio. I decided to sit on the front row. Less than 5 minutes into the performance I began hiding my face in my scarf as Dracula emerged on stage looking hauntingly devilish under the darkness and very dim lighting. (I had to self talk myself into - this is a show Shaz, its not real hahaa) oh the power of the mind! I was gripped! The music, the choreography, the make up, the story line, the acting and the singing was wonderful. The scenes where the vampires feasted on the necks of their victim was really done well as 'fake' blood dripped from their mouths and chests and splashed all over the stage (front row bonus). The dancers/actors were all at arms length, I really felt part of the story. As mentioned above the studio is a lovely size, the access to the facilities of Birmingham Hippodrome and the link through to Dance Exchange makes this a unique establishment sited in the midst of the bustlin Hurst Street.

So I must admit that I haven't yet watched a performance at Dance Xchange - which I will rectify -…read morebut I attend a ballet class there every week and I love it! I did ballet for about 13 years, so, after 6 year break, I attend the improvers class. At £6 for 1 hr 15, which often runs over, it is very good value for money. The teacher Andrea is just amazing. She points out such simple little changes in my dancing that make a world of difference, and I have never done better pirouettes! There are also teenage, beginners and advanced classes, so anyone can give it a go. Above all, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, so it is the perfect un-intimidating place to try something new!

Yes! I love planetariums! The night sky is a damn beautiful thing, and planetariums are a great…read moreplace to learn a little more. Pay £1.50 for the privilege for adults, I'm not sure how much for children, sorry, and queue up on the third floor. The seats are comfy, filling from the middle where the best view is. The show isn't too long, and gives you an idea of the night sky on the night that you watch the show, visible planets, constellations and where to look for them, with the zodiacs marked in red. The voice is clear, but there are a couple of stumbles that they were too lazy to re-record, come on, think tank! There's also a nice section on the ISS with Tim peak too. Two things: One, there are a couple of dizzy bits, not too bad, but something to think about if you suffer badly. Two, please, for everyone's sake, control your kids, it's not fair if they're kicking off, running around and talking, and you will get ejected for it.

Many of us I'm sure remember visits to the Planetariums of yester-year where a big ball of light in…read morethe centre shone a pattern of stars above and all around. Well things have certainly moved on, as my recent visits to the Thinktank Planetarium or, 'Fulldome' (to use the up-to-date name) have confirmed. The old star-ball that I remember being in the middle of Planetarium domes has disappeared and been replaced with state-of-the-art digital projectors and computers. So instead of sitting and watching a fixed pattern of stars in the night sky I held onto my seat as I orbited the moon, flew past constellations, across entire galaxies and was still back home for tea time! Gone seem to be the days when all you would see at a Planetarium were Astronomy and Space films, as a quick visit to the Thinktank's Planetarium web site told me. I found the best place to check out all the latest events was the Thinktank Planetarium's own Facebook page. With interesting and buzzing contributions from over 3,000 followers I found it well worth visiting and re-visiting. When night time comes the Thinktank Planetarium are throwing open their doors open to put on shows featuring a new breed of Fulldome films now being made by creative people locally and world-wide. I have now been to a couple of these night time shows and can say without a doubt they are something special. The hosts are likeable and enthusiastic with a passion for what they are doing and this really adds to the experience. In the interval we had a drink in the IMAX, 'I-Bar'. The Millennium point complex also houses a full-on giant screen IMAX cinema which made me think of combining a visit to the Planetarium Fulldome with an IMAX visit to see the latest 3D blockbuster like Pirates 4! The experience of watching these new films I found quite difficult to explain to my freinds. Whether it's the music of Pink Floyd set to amazing visuals or any of the other prize-winning Fulldome films now being shown, I was transported somewhere new and exiting. The experience can be very immersive and that's why after my first visit to a Thinktank Fulldome show I never quite viewed a normal cinema film screening in the same way - not even the IMAX! As Morpheus said to Neo in the Martix, " No one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself" The same can be said about the Thinktank Planetarium Fulldome. So why not, "Take the red pill" and give it a try, you won't be disappointed!

Absolutely brilliant massage and healing therapy with Helena Jane , felt the tingling sensation as…read morethe stress and tension was leaving my body!

I have suffered with tension in my neck and shoulders for many years and I have tried several…read moretreatments over the years. Jayne has helped me greatly and is very knowledgeable about other therapies. I would highly recommend her.

I attended this event as a plus one, thanks to my trusty friend Harvey. The event was held on the…read morenotorious Fort Dunlop rooftop (which I was told it was the largest rooftop in Europe) We were given two FREE tokens each on arrival which allowed us to swamp them for two funky blue lagoon cocktails, went down a treat of course. There was a DJ providing the event with great house bangers which kept the atmosphere very upbeat. We spent most of the evening socialising with Vicky and the mighty elites, they were very welcoming and it was a great chance to network. The night then consisted of a private hot tub for two, watching the sunset and a cult classic - J A W S! The staff were very welcoming and decorations were an added treat with blow up sharks! I absolutely loved this event and would strongly recommend everyone to try it! A great experience, feeling very grateful thanks to Vicky and Harvey x

When I first heard about Super Spa Cinema, I knew it would be a great event. An evening on a…read morerooftop (apparently the largest roof terrace in Europe), with a surf simulator, a bar, hot tubs and films... This was right up my street. After I had missed Hot Tub Cinema in Digbeth, I just knew I had to go to this one. £25 buys you a seat in a hot tub, one drink token, top notch DJ's and a film. If you want a more personal experience with friends or a great date, you could book a private hot tub for 5 (for £125) or a deluxe hot tub for 2 with 4 drinks for £100. We arrived bang on doors opening at 6:30 (the film wasn't going to be screened until 8pm), so we could soak up the rooftop ambiance and enjoy a couple of drinks before the main event. One drinks token was £5, but we decided to cash in our 5 tokens as a group for a bottle of prosecco to get the night started. The rooftop was set up to give a proper Ibiza vibe. Comfy beanbags, the surf simulator, beach decorations, a bar (with themed cocktails) and DJ's playing from a hot tub with the sun setting over the Fort; this was a perfect way to start our evening. After Yelper Jack C. had broken the record on the surf simulator and we had bought more drinks tokens (all whilst having a groove), we were ushered to the hot tubs around 8:30pm. The film ended up being screened a little later (due to the sun setting later than advertised), but it was lovely getting into the warm water as the night got cooler. There were upstairs changing rooms, but these were a bit blustery and made it nearly impossible to get changed. The toilets inside the Fort were a much easier option for getting changed before getting in. The screening was fantastic. The sound was good, the picture was clear and the audience was calm and watched the film with only the lightest bit of chatter in the background. You could order drinks to the tub, so you didn't need to get out unless you needed to use the facilities (which was a cold run in the evening breeze). We left straight after the filming, but enjoyed a night of great company, themed fun and many drinks. The team at the Fort are hoping to host another round in August... I will be on it like a car bonnet and I recommend you get a ticket too for a night of hot tub fun!

I spent a day here as part of a recruitment fair and it's a great place to have an event. Firstly…read moreit's so easy to get to by train, bus or even car as it's part of the library building, which is right next to Touchwood shopping centre, there is easy parking. Even more importantly, there is coffee shop - not a great one but very handy when you're exhibiting and you cannot leave your stand for long! Remarkably as it's council run they even have a coffee loyalty card and there is array of hot and cold snacks and of course cakes and biscuits. I didn't choose to have the event there but I will definitely recommend it, particularly if you want to attract the general public which the library does anyway.

If it was not so far from where I live I would trek to this venue weekly. I remember I wanted to…read moresee a Charlie Boorman's talk there before and as I didn't get the tickets I just popped by to check the complex itself. The galleries are quite interesting and there are plenty of contemporary art to catch up with there. Solihull Arts has Theatre, music, films, talks, literature, arts and all kind of entertainment events and workshops to attend to. I just love the fact we can check some art also in its cafe bar and the complex facilities are quite modern and easy to find. Solihull Arts Complex is on the Library Square, in the city centre. There is a car parking nearby it on Homer Road and it's just 5 minutes walking from the Solihull station.

I used to come here as a kid to study Karate. Karate is a martial art and is not a form of dance,…read morebut it was happily taught by a trained instructor within the walls of this old building. These days they specialise in more cutting edge dance styles like Capoera and street dance. I am not sure if I have the energy or the time to study dance any more so I am not going to enroll on a course just yet. More recently my girlfriend decided that she would like some more lessons in Ballet, after studying it for some years as a child. I called the dance centre to help her in her ongoing enquires. There was no one on the other end of the phone when I called, and when I tried to call in person I was greeted by a locked door in what seemed to be a fairly dilapidated building. I never remember this place looking like it had closed down but I was assured that they have dance classes and put on music nights here. I am yet to come back, but from my past knowledge I remember enjoying coming for classes in this big old building. I hope in the future that they have some more money given to them so they can focus on bringing in the crowds like it used to.

I used to dance a lot as a kid. Moseley Dance Centre allows me to relive those fond memories by…read moreproviding classes from Hip-Hop, Tap-dance to Belly-dancing (not that I've tried that one). Its a real hub for dancers in the area and has a café area at the front so that you can ensure you a fuelled up on cupcakes before you hit the dance-floor, or it's a nice place to lounge and recover after grooving away for an hour. It's a really nice scene. If you're into your dancing, well here's a really nice dance centre for you to practice your finest move in the company of fellow dancers.