With the summer holidays nearly over its likely you've run out of ideas to keep the family entertained. Check out our top pick of things going on in Gloucestershire this weekend.

1# Get creative at Taurus Crafts 

On the last weekend of the summer holidays, Taurus Crafts has an activity programme the whole family can enjoy together. Highlights include: slime making, stone carving, mini dens, cupcakes, bug hotels, magic shows, creature wings, pot throwing, gold panning, reptile encounters, and puppets.

The programme began on July 24, and continues right through until Sunday, September 1.

Tom Haverly, marketing & events manager at Taurus Crafts, said: "We have put together our biggest programme of activities ever. Some activities are even free, including our Gnome Trail which is a new feature this summer.

"Visitors to the area and locals will find something of interest as it's such a great variety of drop-in workshops, activities and performances."

Keep an eye out for one of the activity leaflets, as with it you can claim a free lucky dip surprise with any purchase from the centre's toy and stationery shop.

The visitor centre's shops and café are operated by mixed ability teams, providing work placements and supported employment for people with learning and other disabilities. Customer's support is helping to ensure these opportunities can continue.

For more information, visit Taurus Crafts' website at www.tauruscrafts.co.uk and its Facebook page www.facebook.com/TaurusCrafts/ to discover all the creative opportunities on offer this summer or follow on twitter @tauruscrafts

2# Discover Berkeley Castle's secrets 

This September Berkeley Castle offers an intimate insight into the stories and artefacts that form part of the remarkable history of the Castle.

Lovers of history, castles, fashion, gardens, art, and intrigue will be captivated with talks, garden tours and exhibitions, with access to rarely seen exhibits and spaces.

Enter the very cell where King Edward II spent his final days before his notorious murder in 1327, and discover what Mrs Berkeley wore to Charles & Diana's wedding in 1981.

You'll also be granted access to areas that are normally out of bounds to the public. The delightful dahlia-filled Keep Garden is a colourful contrast to the sinister history connected to Kind Edward II's cell. Both the garden and the cell will be opened up for the first time in many years.

Also on show throughout September is an exhibition of Mrs Berkeley's dresses. Spanning three decades, the display showcases her wedding dress from 1967. It also features a stunning Dior ballgown and a number of vintage Givenchy dresses.

The Berkeley Castle Uncovered exhibition runs from Sunday, September 1, to Wednesday, September 29. Entry to the exhibition is included in the admission fee for the Castle.

The full programme of talks can be found at www.berkeley-castle.com where you can also book entry tickets.

3# Laugh and giggle at The Ramblers Club 

It's all happening at The Ramblers Club at Podsmead, Gloucester, this weekend as their series of summer events draws to a close.

The final event of the month at The Ramblers Club is a Comedy Night on Saturday, August 31.

For over-18s only, this promises to be a night packed of fun and laughter, guaranteed to leave you with your sides splitting. With five comedians throughout the night, it's one not to be missed.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets are on sale online at https://dazzledust.co.uk/events/ or at The Ramblers Club, Podsmead Community Centre.

4# Teenager plans charity concert showcasing young musicians

Big-hearted Cheltenham student April Perrott, aged 19, has planned a special charity concert that will see some of the county's finest young musicians singing classics from popular operas and musicals.

Taking place this Sunday, September 1, at Christ Church Cheltenham, the September Serenade will feature local musicians and West End stars performing well-loved numbers from the West End and Broadway.

These will include Tonight from West Side Story, favourites from Les Miserables, Queen of the Night aria, songs from The Sound of Music and jazz standards.

April has called upon some of her talented young musical friends to perform, including conductor and répétiteur Will Sharma, British baritone Peter Edge and special West End guest Olivia Bereton - who has starred as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, both on UK tour and on the West End, and is soon to be joining the UK tour of Les Miserables.

April herself will also take to the stage to perform pieces that have been part of her musical journey and career in Cheltenham - with songs from Carousel to Ghost The Musical and even a bit of jazz!

"Sue Ryder is close to so many people's hearts in Cheltenham," said April. "I admire the work of everybody there and felt the charity is so deserving of any help possible. I wanted to do anything I could to support the extraordinary work they do."

September Serenade takes place this Sunday, September 1, at 3pm at Christ Church Cheltenham, Malvern Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2JH.

Tickets are £10 for adults, concessions £8, under 14s free and on the door £12. Tickets are available in advance from https://bit.ly/2XAjqSW or email April at septemberserenade@gmail.com.

5# Meet your local firefighters at open days 

Open days are being held at Gloucestershire's fire stations so the public can meet the crews and watch some exciting demonstrations.

The free family-friendly events are being held at the following Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue stations:

• Coleford Community Fire Station - Saturday 31 August, 11am-3pm

• Stroud Community Fire Station - Sunday 1 September, 12pm-4pm

• Cheltenham Community Fire Station (Keynsham Road) - Sunday 15 September, 12pm-4.30pm

• Nailsworth Community Fire Station - Sunday 22 September, 9am-3pm

• Gloucester South Community Fire Station & SkillZONE community open day - Sunday 29 September, 11am-3pm

• Tewkesbury Community Fire Station - Saturday 5 October, 10am-4pm

You can come along to watch operational demonstrations by firefighters, find out information on how to keep you and your family safe in the home and outdoors, see the equipment and appliances used by the crews and your children could even climb aboard a fire engine to have their picture taken.

If you would like to join your local fire station as an on-call firefighter, there will also be a chance to speak to the team and find out more information.

The open day at Gloucester South Community Fire Station is being combined with an open day at the safety education centre SkillZONE, which offers prevention and safety education for all ages. The centre in Tuffley has an interactive, life-size indoor village with home, community, road and cyber zones.

Visit https://skillzone.glosfire.gov.uk for information about booking a group session for schools and community groups.