Omega Sektor is basically a giant gaming centre equiped with hitech gear for the ultimate gaming…read moreexperience. It is based in the old Virgin megastore building in Birmingham city centre at the top nearly of Corporation Street. I was lucky enough to visit the day before opening of this place along with the press, and got to try out pretty much everything there, consequently I have returned a couple of times and its fantastic. There are different themed rooms, all with state of the art systems loaded with all the latest games. There is also a familly room downstairs, a VIP area, a beanbag and movie area and a bar. Also as an added bonus the chairs are so comfy. Its free to join, and its £5 each time you go but you can stay as long as you want and theres loads of things from Wiis, Xbox to PS3 and of course the computers. Its definatly a gamers heaven, although not for me.

I'm not a gamer myself, and hearing about Omega Sektor I had to check it out. I can honestly say…read morethat I've never seen anything the size/scale of this when it comes to gaming, it really is a cyber paradise, the gamer's dream come true. The budget must have been astonomical, and i cannot understand how they have spent so much money on this place. It opened in teh summer of 2007, and it provides a 21st Century arcade style gaming, providing a casual yet high-tech social experience for all ages and abilities. You pay £5 membership which is a one-off fee, and then can roam the club, and play consoles, buying time on a particlar station at your leisure. There are many chill out areas and cafes to relax in between games. I heard of a week night 18+ gaming night that they were doing, where you can have a few drinks and play a few shoot-em up games with mates, sounds great to me, with the academy just round the corner for after...well worth checking out i think! I can see something like this taking off, as there's nothing on the same scale in Brum, and with its prime location just 2 mins away from teh Bull Ring, i wish them the best of luck, and encourage you guys to check it out!

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!

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?!

I did not expect this to be such a great and well organised event....plus there was A LOT of free…read moresamples all over the place to keep us all more than entertained. From rum, to reggae reggae and from sparkling wine to scratchings it really was all covered here! I must have had every flavour of the scratching going.... special shouts to the guy that was selling those they were AMAZING. The only slight downside of this event was the £3 charge to take money out of the cash machines. If this had been less I probably would have walked away with more food but i'm not paying £3 for money....no way. 1.65 annoys me.....£3 is out of the question. Apart from the cash machine gripe....amazing atmosphere, good selection of traders, friendly people and lovely food. This is a winning event and one i will definitely be attending next year.

I had seen a lot about the Foodies festival coming to Birmingham before the fact, but I didn't…read morequite know what it would be like. Having visited the Birmingham Good Food Show, Birmingham Independent Food Fair and lots of other events - I have been to my fair share of festivals, but these guys were an unknown quantity. First, a little bit of information. The Foodies Festival has a great website where you can get a taste of the vendors on offer and the talks that run throughout the day. They were offering guided alcohol tastings, cooking demonstrations and a mix of local and international brands included in the ticket price (many of the demos were bookable before the day) and a choice of ticket package. Basic (including a show guide, entry and a chance to book tastings/talks) to VIP (which offered many other benefits including some freebies and a special VIP area only accessible with the wristband). Tickets varied in price, but seemed very reasonable for the range of things they were offering. The festival ran from Friday until Sunday in Birmingham's own Cannon Hill Park. We decided to head down on Saturday to see what it was all about. Parking (as per usual with Cannon Hill on a weekend) was mental and somewhat exasperated with the increase in the number of people heading there for the festival. As a top tip, grab a bus or a cab. If you want to make the most of the tastings and stalls, driving wouldn't be recommended anyway. As we only had an hour and a half (and a wedding to go to in the afternoon), we drove up just after 11am and manage to sneakily pop in a space near the nature centre. After getting through the gates, we were pleasantly surprised with the scale of the festival and the variety on offer. With recognisable Birmingham brands in attendance (such as Pip's hot sauce, Mrs Mills Cakes and Tan Rosie) and larger brands (such as Tabasco and Deliveroo), there was a fair amount of choice of stands to wander around. In terms of street food, you could choose from a vast choice of healthy, vegetarian, meaty and junky stands which were priced reasonably (considering the event). In terms of drinks, again, a good choice of local and international brands had a stall. You could have gin cocktails from an art deco jazz tent, cocktails served from a horse box, Pimms from a giant teapot and Captain Morgans from a pirate ship (amongst others). Apparently the processco and champagne stand was a hit, but we couldn't have too much as we had a busy day ahead. I opted for a gin cocktail from Langley's and a half pint from the local boys (Two Towers) as well as a delicious burger from Gone Burger (who we had previously tried at UK Burger Battle). We didn't catch any of the talks over the day, but it seemed like these went down well and were very popular. If this festival comes back next year, I would thoroughly recommend a visit. Food, sunshine, drinks and a great crowd. I was mightily impressed with my first "Foodies Festival" experience and wish we could have had longer to enjoy it.

Winterbourne is a great place for a sunny day. £5 gives you access to the Arts and Crafts house and…read moregardens, both of which are lovely. Behind the more formal gardens are woodland trails (you might even see a beech tree I helped to coppice as a student many years ago) and Edgbaston reservoir, a calm expanse of water populated by ducks, moorhens and crested grebes. There are beautiful waterside rock gardens with stepping stones, which I love. The whole place feels like a sanctuary from the city and is conveniently located close to the Barber Institute and the university campus if you want to make more of a day of it. There's a tea room which sells serviceable scones (with that really aerated cream rather than proper whipped or clotted cream though) and also sandwiches, soup and potatoes etc. You can get plants and gifts at the shop- and if you go during the week you may be able to get some advice from the gardeners, too.

Beautiful House and garden just 5 minutes away from Birmingham University. Amazing greenhouses…read morefilled with various flowers, cacti, plants. Such a lovely place to visit on a summer day especially if you check out their tearoom by the terrace!

Continuing on a theme of art in unusual spaces (see Birmingham Opera Company), I'm constantly…read morepleased at the ingenious work of one of Birmingham's most courageous and innovative theatre companies; The Other Way Works. Frequently performing for an audience of one, they create shows that tend to focus on a very interactive experience for the audience. Now, this might not be your cup of tea if you're the kind of person who wants to sit back and sleep off your dinner whilst in the theatre but a) they're not necessarily going to be found in theatres anyway and b) its always done sympathetically and in a way that doesn't make you feel like you've been put on the spot. Their latest offering, Avon Calling, is a production that takes place in people's houses, for example. It's also had great reviews from the likes of the Guardian and the Independent. Again, it's great to see Birmingham-based arts organisations winning acclaim from typically London-centric press, and The Other Way Works are fast developing a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking, creative theatre companies - not just in Birmingham and the region, but in the UK and beyond.

Free museum in Birmingham city centre focusing on contemporary art. It's in a very grand building,…read moreso I thought the museum would be big too, but it wasn't. Well there is a lot of empty space, and not that much to see. Few different rotating exhibitions, I saw some on the rave scene in the 80s and also racial violence from the 60-90s. On the way out I accidentally insulted one of the artists, but he just brushed it off.

We visited this museum yesterday and we really liked it. Both the exterior and interior of the…read morebuilding are beautiful. The museum has a terrific selection of paintings from the 15th, 16th & 17th centuries and a particularly good selection of Pre-Raphaelites. There's a *gorgeous*/large Edwardian tea room and also a separate café (the latter is small and attractive). The gift shop isn't very large, but it had some nice items. Also, I had a wonderful conversation with one of the guards; she was very friendly and kind-hearted.

Went there for an evening - you deffo dont wanna go in ya best clothes - chairs are made in Africa…read more- good for the ppl who made em - but not for your best skirt - get caught on a nails. Car park wasnt good for your best shoes either - suggest jeans trainers and tee shirt. Reading the reviews - it seemed a great place to go - but they are dated 2012 - its now 2019. My friend googled their food cleanse things and was horrified to see zero rated. Summer 2019. ive just checked and its not changed. Go enjoy the garden centre - great plants and stuff.

I first went to Akamba in April this year. I'd found it online a few weeks earlier, whilst looking…read morefor tribute nights locally, and then a friend mentioned she had a voucher for a meal there, so we gave it a go. Let's be honest, eating dinner at a garden centre usually sounds like the sort of things your parents or grandparents (depending on your age!) would do, however, this little slice of African themed heaven is a far cry from what you'd normal expect of such a place! I've not made it to Africa, though have traveled widely in Asia, and the outside felt totally authentic, being similar to bars and restaurants I've eaten in abroad. Even outside, you are sheltered from the rain, and inside, where the buffet is served, it's warm and cosy, with live music of an evening, and the most amazing spread of food. I've been a number of times since that first dinner, having returned in the day with my dog, as it's dog friendly if you're happy to sit outside - they even bring a bowl of water for our four legged friends! I've had lunch there, and the most fabulous afternoon cream tea, and cake, whilst the choice is limited, what they offer is very tasty (and I'm a fan of cake!) I loved it that much the first night, that I've refused to go there for a meal again, as I'm going for my 40th, which happens to fall on a Thursday, and looking forward to sharing the experience with close friends. The service is always friendly. It's not always super fast, as it runs on Kenyan time, so this isn't the place to go in a rush. Indeed, why would you? It's such a delightful experience that it deserves to be cherished. Oh, and the shop is pretty fab too! So yes, dog friendly, fab food, great shop and friendly service!

Can't think of anywhere to take the kids over the summer holidays? But you still want to have a…read moregood time yourself? Then CoCoMAD Festival is definitely for you; And best of all, it's free (subject to donations for the bands and organisation). This yearly music festival takes place in Cotteridge park every July, and it's a very popular destination for families alike, who can lap up the sun while listening to some great local music. Well known Brummie band Misty's Big Adventure usually perform here (but I don't think they are this year), as well as returners Tempting Rosie, and other unmissable Birmingham talents. The general public are also invited every year to take part in the acoustic open mic tent, so the experience really does incorporate the whole community. There are also tonnes of activities for children to get involved in. such as folk instrument making, tree climbing, and a range of other events. CoCoMAD also houses several different arts and crafts stalls for kids and grown-ups alike, such as wood carvings, face painting and dark age jewellery. And of course, no festival would be complete without organic food stalls, from the likes of Soul Food Project and other local food specialists. I highly recommend the hog roast that can be purchased from the festival. It's truly delicious! CoCoMAD really does provide the perfect summery vibe, and it's always buzzing with people and vibrancy every year. The highlight of CoCoMAD is of course the float, which marks the beginning of the festival by circling roads surrounding the park. Children can get involved by help designing a float too!

This is one of my favourite annual events. It's an outdoor community festival set in the lovely…read moresurroundings of Cotteridge Park and it really does have something for everyone. The focal point is a main stage providing live music that ranges from local bands to church choirs, plus the occasional dance troupe or drumming act, which most of the visitors settle down in front of on rugs and with picnics. Around the outside of the park there are tens of stalls selling all kinds of different and interesting food, and also plenty of activity for the kids - face-painting, magic shows, balloons, etc. If the weather is nice this year when it's held in July I would heartily recommend spending an afternoon here. Great fun.

treasure island is similar to wacky warehouse. It isnt…read morelinked to a pub but you are able to get snacks and drinks there. the under 5s area is great for my under 1,but probably less entertaining for 4 and 5 year olds who like to run riot and end up in the older one anyway, the over 5s is fantastic and provides hours of fun for the kids. the whole place has a happy feel about it, and the staff are fantastic and helpfull. the prices are around average for what you get. but my kids love it and it provides cheap fun.

This is an indoor play area for kids very similar to wacky warehouse, but not linked to a pub,…read morewhich may be a good or a bad thing depending on your point of view. It is fairly small and the under fives area is fairly boring but ableit accessible if your an over anxious first time mum/ parent who likes to constantly be watching your child. Food and drink is ok, i would recommend the nachos but with the amount of cheese on them you may as well spread them on your thighs immediately cause thats where they're gonna end up anyway. The over fives area is compact but looks good fun, wouldnt mind having a go myself! The kids get an excellent workout and you get a an hour or so reading a mag or relaxing. They also do parties and have a party room complete with birthday throne and a big furry mascot who comes out to unintentionally scare the kids. Parking is limited but you can park easily in the shopping centre carpark and if you take your ticket with you they will refund you two hours parking. Overall very reasonable place and makes a change from the wacky!