With the weather set to improve, why not make the most of it with our top pick of things to do in and around the county.

1# Celebrate all things gin 

Gin lovers are in for a treat tonight (Friday) when the Queens Head at Longford presents the Longford Gin Festival.

The evening will be a celebration of all things gin and will feature pop up gin bars, food stalls and live music. A full bar will also be available.

Queens Head chefs will be cooking up a feast on the BBQ, whilst the amazing Julie Kent on the sax will provide entertainment with some jazz and a DJ later on.

This is a ticket-only event and tickets cost £25 and include four taster G&Ts, a gin goblet to take home, plus a free G&T the next time you dine at the Queens Head.

Doors open from 6pm and expect a late finish. Call 01452 301882 for more details.

The Queens Head is situated on the A38 between Gloucester and Tewkesbury.

2# Go back to the 60 for Cathedral Party 

Gloucester Cathedral is hosting a 1960s themed party as a congregational community summer social event

Everyone is welcome to the party which will feature food, live entertainment, and plenty of time to socialise.

There will also be a prize for the 'best 1960s outfit', but you are welcome to just come as you are.

A Cathedral spokeswoman said: "It's a fun evening and is just about getting people to join in with the Cathedral community."

Tickets are £5 and can be purchased by emailing susannamorris@yahoo.co.uk

3# Watch a theatre production, 'Al fresco' - come 'Rain or Shine' 

Professional Gloucester-based theatre company Rain or Shine, are set to delight family audiences once again this summer with their 21st anniversary production of Shakespeare's 'perfect pastoral comedy' As You Like It.

Join one of The Bard's most famous heroines, Rosalind, as she makes her way in a world full of power, jealousy and tyranny.

With songs galore, hand-to-hand wrestling, idiotic shepherds and the infamous melancholic Jaques, this comedy is sure to delight family audiences from six to 96.

So pack your picnic, rugs and chairs, pop open some beer or bubbly and sit back and relax in the summer sunshine, while we whisk you off to the Forest of Arden where anything can happen.

Rain or Shine aim is to bring classical theatre into the heart of local communities as they travel across the country during June July and August.

Full details of the tour and venues can be found on the Rain or Shine website and tickets can be purchased from each venue, through Ticketweb via www.rainorshine.uk or by ringing 0330 660 0541.

4# Hit the high notes at Taurus Crafts 

The vocal talents of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean will be on display for all to hear at Taurus Crafts' 'Midsummer Song' event on Sunday, June 23.

Now in its third year, the event features a diverse range of local choirs and singing groups. The scene is set to entertain the crowds in style with a covered seating area, local ice creams, chilled prosecco, Pimms, delicious cream teas and a summer barbecue.

Singing on the day will be Chepstow Singing Club, The Chatelaines, Forest Singers, Mathern Ladies Choir, Newnham George Choir, and Springfield Singers.

Joining the established local choirs will be the upcoming singing stars of the future as Lydney C of E School's Glee Club start the event off at 11am performing a range of songs the 7 to 11-year-olds have honed to perfection for the national competition Young Voices.

Visitors keen to test out their own vocal talents can join in one of the free taster workshops. In these sessions, professionals will help you sing effectively and learn techniques to improve your repertoire. No experience is necessary and all are welcome.

Entry to Midsummer Song is free and for more information, visit www.tauruscrafts.co.uk

5# Get a fascinating insight into the craft of bookbinding 

A fascinating insight into the craft of bookbinding will be given at an exhibition at Painswick Church Rooms from June 15-23.

Bookbinder Anne Weare has exhibited, taught and demonstrated the craft of bookbinding throughout Gloucestershire for many years.

This is likely to be Anne's last major exhibition, and she will be reducing her time spent binding in 2020.

During the June exhibition Anne is happy to discuss binding options on any project you are working on, and give advice on repair bindings.

There will also be photographs of many bindings Anne has worked on over the years and examples of repair bindings to look at.