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Events calendar

If at the mere mention of the word 'football' you experience a sudden rise in blood pressure and an uncontrollable urge to hide the remote control, it’s possible you could be in for a challenging summer. The 2006 World Cup is nearly upon us and for the uninitiated this means an awful lot of football. But don’t worry, there are alternatives.

Should you happen to find ‘the beautiful game’ anything but, then take a look at our alternative guide to the World Cup and discover some of the things you could be doing while everyone else is getting hot and bothered and shouting at a screen in the pub.

Click on the event titles below to find out more about our alternatives to the World Cup...

Stamford Shakespeare Festival – Stamford, Lincolnshire 5th June – 2nd September

The Stamford Shakespeare Company presents an annual season of plays in June, July, August and the first week of September at Rutland Open Air Theatre in the grounds of historic Tolethorpe Hall.

Durham Regatta – River Wear, Durham 9th – 11th June

The premier rowing event in the north of England, with up to 600 crews from all over the country taking place. The regatta attracts up to 12,000 people and has many events including the annual classic car rally which is rapidly becoming a major attraction in its own right.

Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts – Aldeburgh, Suffolk 9th – 25th June

The Aldeburgh Festival was founded in 1948 by Benjamin Britten. World-class orchestras, quartets, poets, conjurors, novelists and a host of films and lectures make up this inspiring festival by the sea.

Beverley & East Riding Folk Festival - Yorkshire 16th – 18th June

This year's festival promises to be a great weekend full of concerts, dances, workshops, children's events and lots more - all set in the beautiful market town of Beverley in East Yorkshire.

Ladies Days at the Races - Yorkshire June – July

Racing and high fashion combine to create highlights of the social calendar. They are the perfect excuse to buy a new outfit, put on the glad rags and rub shoulders with the fashion set. Dates: Thu (eve) 1 June at Wetherby; Thu 22 June at Ripon; Mon 3 July at Pontefract; Tue 4 (eve) July at Thirsk.

Peterborough Festival – Cambridgeshire 24th June – 2nd July

This year’s festival has an exciting line up of events and entertainments. Look out for a performance by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra; Shakespeare in the City (outdoor plays); the ‘Band of the Year’ competition; and a Caribbean Carnival Experience.

Wimbledon Tennis Championships – London 26th June – 9th July

Tickets sell out pretty fast for this most English of sporting events, so failing that you can always pack a picnic and soak up the atmosphere from Henman Hill (no doubt soon to be renamed Mount Murray).

Hampton Court Flower Show – London 6th – 9th July

The world's largest horticultural show features gardens created by some of the best designers bursting with inspirational ideas for your garden, as well as spectacular ranges of flowers, plants and gardening accessories from over 700 top exhibitors.

Find out more at: www.enjoyengland.com