Not much to do this weekend? Here are five recommendations from us to you

Great British Life: RHS Malvern Spring Festival runs from May 8-11RHS Malvern Spring Festival runs from May 8-11 (Image: Archant)

May is National Smile Month, and we’ve found plenty to smile about in the Cotswolds this weekend (May 10-11). If you’re looking for something to do, here are five suggestions to make Saturday and Sunday a little special...

Fancy a garden festival?

• The RHS Malvern Spring Festival

May 8 - 11

Spring brings with it fresh flowers and green leaves, rejuvinating the landscape after winter; so what better time to turn your attention to the garden? The RHS Malvern Spring Festival celebrates the seasonal bloom this week, showcasing medal-winning show gardens, spectacular floral displays, celebrity talks, cookery demos and delicious food and drink.

This time round, the annual festival provides an opportunity to meet celebrity gardeners Carol Klein, Chris Beardshaw and James Alexander-Sinclair, as well as chefs James Martin and Rachel Allen. There are also 5,500 square metres of plant treasures from 80 top nurseries, with Plant Pavilions and seed suppliers dotted around, and much more to see and do.

For more information, visit: www.threecounties.co.uk/rhsmalvernTo book tickets, call the Ticket Hotline on 01684 584924 or e-mail: info@threecounties.co.uk

Fancy a supercar this Sunday?

• Supercar Sunday at The Almanack, Kenilworth, in aid of Macmillan

May 11

The Almanack is once again playing host to the annual Supercar Sunday when it rolls into Kenilworth. This year, the event features more than 25 different types of classic and sports cars packed into Market Square. Visitors have the chance to admire the line-up of supercars, classic and vintage vehicles including Jaguars, Bentleys and Aston Martins, on display at Abbey End.

Those who want to see the cars in action have the chance to buy a ticket for between £12.50 and £20 to go for a six mile trip around town and the surrounding country lanes, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Organiser Tom Commander said: “We’ve got an amazing collection of cars coming along on the day and are expecting it to be our biggest and best Supercar Sunday yet. As well as classic, vintage cars we’ll also have some rare makes that only enjoy an outing on very special occasions.

“Supercar Sunday is a brilliant chance to see some top super cars and have a ride in a car of your dreams, whilst you help Macmillan and enjoy The Almanack at the same time.”

Attendees can refuel with food and beer from The Almanack. Almanack manager Nick Braxton-Abery said: “We’ll be laying on hot dogs, coffee and ice-cold drinks all day long, so everyone can keep themselves fully charged. There’ll be delicious street food as well as our usual cracking Sunday roasts, making the pub the perfect pit-stop on the day. Do come along and give your support to a very good cause as you have a great day out.”

The Almanack, Abbey End North, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ

9.30am - 3.30pm on Sunday May 11.

For more information, call 01926 35 36 37 or visit: www.thealmanack-kenilworth.co.ukFancy celebrating the written word?

• Chipping Campden Literature Festival

May 6 - 11

This week is the annual Chipping Campden Literature Festival. This being its fifth year, the event is relatively young compared to other similar festivals across the region, but still boasts plenty for bookworms to see and do.

This weekend, there’s a poetry workshop, readings from Paul Henry, Chris Jory and Owen Sheers, a discussion exploring the legacy of World War 1 in literature and a look at the war poetry of Wilfred Owen.

For more information, visit: www.campdenlitfest.co.ukFancy a boat race?

• The Gloucester Docks Dragon Boat Regatta

May 11

This is the 17th year of the Dragon Boat Regatta in Gloucester, which sees teams of rowers clad in fancy dress racing across the waters of Gloucester Docks in decorated dragon boats, all to the rhythmic beating of drums and the cheers of the spectators lining the dockside in their hundreds.

2014’s event is in aid of children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. CLIC Sargent was formed by a merger between Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood (CLIC) and Sargent Cancer Care for Children.

Aside from the spectacle on the water, there will be a funfair, live music and stalls for visitors to enjoy.

For those with sturdy sea legs who fancy their chances in the water, CLIC Sargent are looking for teams of between 11 and 17 people to take part in the regatta. No experience is required. The entrance fee is £25 per person, and those interested should contact Steve Markham on (01452) 724144 for an information pack.

Fancy a cup of char and a slice of history?

• 1940s-themed Tea Party at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

May 10

The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is celebrating the 69th anniversary of Victory in Europe with a distinctly-1940s tea party, outdoor military vehicle display, childrens activities and uniforms to try on.

Ticket includes museum entry, tea and cake, and 1940’s dress is encouraged.

Tickets:

Adults/Concessions £5

Children £3.50 (under 5s free - does not include tea and cake)

For more information, visit: www.glosters.org.uk/events