text: Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Piano, Tenor Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet 1 and Trumpet 2
  2018 sees us moving to a new home at The Pleasance, coming back under one roof, a desire expressed by many of our supporters. Following feedback we have made a few changes this year, simplified ticketing being the major one. The Pleasance café and bar will be available all day and into the evening, and there is more space for ad hoc tunes, should you wish. What has not changed is a quality weekend, run and organised by dedicated volunteers, a friendly place to meet and enjoy good music, be it listening, playing or performing.
  The Pleasance cafe and bar is available all day and into the evening throughout the weekend. It will be open from Friday evening for pre-concert drinks and food.
  The cafe and bar will be our ‘Festival Hub’ on Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 am providing food and drink, and stalls (closing at 5.00pm), sessions, and the odd special event. Our information desk, merchandising stall and of course, the ever present CD stall, are also in this area. Sunday repeats the Saturday activities excluding the Festival Club.
  There will be led sessions in the Pentland room, on both Saturday and Sunday, with breaks between for informal tunes. Our day time programme runs from 10.30am until 5pm, and finishes on Sunday at the Final Stramash - 5.30pm in the Quaker Hall. There is also an informal session in the Pentland Room on Saturday night, 11pm until 1.00 am. All sessions are free to attend as is the Festival Hub on all days - pop in and join us.
  The Pleasance Cabaret Bar will host the Festival Club following the evening concerts on Friday and Saturday, and runs from 11pm until 1am. It is not ticketed, and entry is by donation at the door, suggested donation being £3.00. Enjoy local and concert artists in special informal, unbilled appearances.
  For accessibility please email us and we will be happy to help with any questions. Further information can be found here: Euan’s Guide
  Copp�lia may be an old-school classic but what's not to like about that? Picture: Gibson Kochanek Studio
  STEPPING back on to the street after watching Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Coppélia, it’s almost surprising to see cars whizzing by.
  For the previous two hours, we could easily have been living in the late 19th century, when the ballet was first performed. Yes, advances in set design, costume and make-up give the work a higher production value than could have been dreamt of in 1870, but in every other way this is a traditional, classical ballet to its core.
  It’s something Birmingham Royal Ballet does extremely well. More than most narrative ballets, Coppélia relies heavily on clear storytelling, comic timing and strong characterisation – all of which this company has in ample supply.
  Eccentric doll-maker Dr Coppélius is a peach of a role for an older dancer, with his delusional hope of bringing one of his creations to life. Franz, a young man with a wandering eye, offers male dancers a chance to display wit, charm and powerful technique, while his long-suffering girlfriend, Swanilda, not only presents a technical challenge to any ballerina taking her on, but a feisty, playful heroine to get their teeth into.
  Despite creative input by three different choreographers over the years – Marius Petipa, Enrico Cecchetti and, latterly, Sir Peter Wright – Coppélia is a seamless, old-school classic that still has much to offer.
  With big ensemble scenes blending upbeat folk dance with exquisite pointe work, opulent sets, gorgeous costumes and lighter than air delivery, it’s a clear case of what’s not to like?
  On a dramatic night with both sides missing a penalty, Robert Lewandowski put Bayern back ahead 2-1 on the night and levelled the tie 2-2 on aggregate.
  But they could not find a second as Diego Simeone’s side progressed on away goals to face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in Milan at the end of the month.
  Atletico led courtesy of Saul Niguez’s solo goal at the Vicente Calderon last week but Bayern had won their last 11 Champions League games in Munich. The Spaniards’ game plan was clear when goalkeeper Jan Oblak was warned about time-wasting with barely 25 minutes played.
  Atletico’s defence was breached when David Alaba was tripped on the edge of the area in the 31st minute. Alonso drilled his free-kick hard and low and it took a big deflection off Jose Maria Gimenez on its way into the net.
  Moments later Gimenez tugged back Javi Martinez to give away a spot-kick, however Oblak read Muller’s side-footed penalty correctly, diving to his right to make a fine save.
  Gimenez redeemed himself shortly before half-time with some last-ditch defending to block Muller’s cross with Lewandowski poised to apply the finish.
  Bayern now needed two goals to progress, and they got one when Lewandowski pounced from close range from Arturo Vidal’s header back across goal.
  However, Atletico were awarded a controversial penalty when Torres, seemingly just outside the area, was tripped by Martinez only for the striker to see his spot-kick palmed away by Neuer. Bayern piled forward but could not find a way through in a frantic finish..
  The only one of the Starwood haciendas to have a city location, the rest are remote -advantage of restaurant, bars and cultural attractions on your doorstep - why not hacienda hop for the ultimate Yucatan experience
  The Yucatán Peninsula is hot and humid. The best time to visit is typically during the drier, slightly milder months between November and April. The ‘rainy’ season begins in the south around June and runs until November. Although it can be hotter and more humid at this time of year, usually it only rains for a couple of hours before the weather clears. The wettest months tend to be September and October.
  A stay at Hacienda Puerta Campeche is a unique experience. It is in a great location just inside the old city walls of the Centro district. The few minutes walk to the city center is wonderful with the brightly painted houses.
  Stroll through the hotel’s luxurious gardens, with a stunning array of vibrant colors set against old stone walls. Take a wander through Campeche to see some fine examples of beautifully restored colonial architecture and visit some of the museums, handicraft markets and the shady main plaza overlooked by the historic cathedral. After the sun has set, head to a romantic rooftop setting and indulge in the finest traditional cuisine while overlooking cool tones of blues reflected by the midnight sky at the hacienda's La Guardia Restaurant.
  Our guest rooms and suites are located in the fully restored, original buildings that have been adapted to today's needs. Most of our guest rooms feature 18-foot ceilings with exposed beams and rafters, 10-foot wooden double doors, comfortable beds, dark, tropical hardwood cabinets, and cool tile floors. Additionally, large, bulbous pegs in the stonewalls hold woven cotton hammocks, for which Yucatan is famous, allowing you to sleep in the Mayan style.
  Children are welcome to come and stay at Hacienda Puerta Campeche. However, there are no specific children's facilities or activities available at the hotel. Babysitting can easily be arranged upon request.
  Hacienda Puerta Campeche has gorgeous gardens set around the pool, with exposed stone walls and hammocks suspended above the water. There is also a cosy library, a solarium, a selection of bar areas and La Guardia restaurant, where traditional Yucatecan cuisine is served overlooking the gardens.
  Hacienda Puerta Campeche is a great base for exploring the beautifully preserved city of Campeche, with its historic forts, interesting museums and cobbled streets lined with brightly covered facades. Further afield one can take a trip to the lesser visited Mayan site of Edzná or to the Celestun nature reserve. When not out exploring guests at Hacienda Puerta Campeche can enjoy relaxing by the pool or indulging in a relaxing massage.
  It was such a novelty swimming in a pool with doorways, during my stay at Hacienda Puerta Campeche! This Hacienda might be located within the walled city of Campeche but it is no less charismatic than those which are more remote.
  Each of its 15 rooms and suites are different but do not stray from the typical high quality hacienda style. Hacienda Puerta Campeche is just a short and scenic walk from the center of the city, ideal for visiting a local restaurant of an evening.
  This Mexican resort on the UNESCO World Heritage city of Campeche is steeped in an earlier era, with its hotel rooms set in restored 17th century houses and awash in a rich texture of deep yellows.
  Originally a colonial building on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, stone walls surrounding this Spanish establishment were then built to ward off pirate attacks. Looking beautifully rustic, they form alongside the resort, giving an old-world feel.
  Alcoves surround the indoor pool, allowing a view of the outdoors, and the hotel's 15 guestrooms and suites are housed in these original buildings.
  The resort feel extends to the woven cotton hammocks in the rooms, allowing you to sleep Mayan style - a popular practice in Campeche. The hammocks are also strung casually all around the resort.
  The resort is complete with modern facilities and spa services, and its main restaurant, La Guardia overlooks the resort, a viewing pleasure while tucking into a blend of regional and international cuisine.
  Stay in the walled city of Campeche or visit for the day and explore its intriguing and colorful streets and the stories and history they hold.
  Hacienda Puerta Campeche is located within Campeche historic district. Located on the edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche was founded by Spanish conquistadores in 1540 and fortified against pirates in the 17th century. It still has the appearance of a fortress and boasts many historical monuments and buildings.