With the hot weather showing no signs of stopping, here is our top pick of things to do in the sun this weekend in and around the county.

1# Twist and shuffle to the sounds of world-class rhythm and blues in Gloucester 

The Gloucester Rhythm and Blues Festival (Saturday 21 - Sunday 29 July) takes over the city for a jam-packed festival of live music with nearly 70 live performances in the city's pubs and cafes over nine days.

The long-running festival opens with a special preview night (9pm Friday) at the Dick Whittington with the D. B. Smith Band. Then on Saturday, the festival kicks into overdrive with seven gigs including a performance from Blues supergroup Hipkiss, fronted by the 2012 British Blues Award-winning saxophonist, Patsy Gamble, and Muddy Manninen (ex-Wishbone Ash).

On Wednesday 25 July, The Cross Keys Inn hosts the official Blues Festival Open Mic hosted by Mark Cole. Expect a few surprise guests popping in to play with the Sons of the Delta front man. On the closing weekend, both the Dick Whittington and Café Rene will have outdoor stages.

The venues involved are:

• Angie's Bar - Bull Lane

• Café René - Southgate Street

• Cross Keys Inn - Cross Keys Lane

Dick Whittington - Westgate Street

• The Fountain Inn - Westgate Street

• Gloucester Brewery - Gloucester Docks

• The Old Bell - Southgate Street

• Peppers Café - Bull Lane

• The Tall Ship - Southgate Street

• Tank - Gloucester Docks

The full schedule can be found here  or visit the Facebook Page. 

2# Take the kids on an adventure at Rococo Gardens, Painswick 

 Young adventurers will set out on a journey around the Garden of Lost Things to help Snowdrop Bunny find all the items her friends have lost around the garden.

Along the way, children will learn some fascinating facts about the animals that call Rococo Garden home.

There's some puzzling to be done and a prize to be won. On top of this, the maze is looking gorgeous and the recently-expanded rustic play area is great fun for all ages.

With free parking, freshly-ground coffee and delicious homemade cakes in the cafe, a visit to the garden is a treat for the whole family. And its dog-friendly throughout - so everyone can join in the fun!

Free sticker trail, standard admission fees apply July 21 to September 2.

The garden is open daily from 10.30am - 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm. For more information please visit www.rococogarden.org.uk 

3# Browse the creative talent of the Forest of Dean and Wye at Taurus Crafts, Lydney

 The weekend features a pop-up art exhibition, 13 onsite artisan businesses and a specialist art market dedicated to local independent artists and makers on Sunday, July 22.

Kicking off the weekend of art will be the pop-up art exhibition by Emily Johnson whose country inspired art and animal portraits will be adorning the walls of their function room.

Emily says she has "always being torn between sitting in with a paint set and the call of the countryside, it's not a surprise that I have ended up combining these interests."

The weekend of art culminates in The Art Market, which offers visitors the chance to discover the wealth of talent the local area has to offer, with stalls, activities, food, drink and live music.

The Art Market is free to enter and is open from 11am until 4pm on Sunday, July 22.

Visit www.tauruscrafts.co.uk  and social media pages for more information and updates.

4# Discover a whole host of local skills, crafts, and produce at The Stroud Show, Stratford Park, Stroud 

The Stroud District Horticultural & Agricultural Show (the Stroud Show), which is steeped in local tradition, takes place this weekend.

Started in Victorian times, the show demonstrates local skills, crafts, and produce from across the region, from farming, pets, flowers and fruits to handicrafts, photography and art.

Visitors should head for the top field in Stratford Park for a great day out.

If you enjoy seeing and handling pets and other animals, looking at numerous stalls, finding out about local organisations, or just want to enjoy food and drink and entertain your children on fairground rides, this is the show for you!

There will also be classic and vintage vehicles on show as well as live music of all sorts, for listeners and performers.

5# Chuckle away to outdoor comedy at Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Cheltenham 

 An open-air production of Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost takes place this Sunday (July 22) at the Tuckwell Amphitheatre in Cheltenham.

Folksy Theatre are bringing one of the Bard's best-loved comedies to town as part of their UK tour.

The King of Navarre and his lords swear off food, women, and sleep in order to study for three years. No sooner have they made their oath, when the Princess of France arrives on business, with her ladies-in-waiting. How will the King and his Lords resolve hold up?

This wonderful Shakespeare comedy is filled with Folksy's touch of live music, audience interaction and downright silliness.

Bring along your picnics, blankets, folding chairs and friends and family to enjoy this wonderful open-air production.