The structure is described by its creators as a restless animal – rooted to the spot but poised for movement

The structure is described by its creators as “a restless animal – rooted to the spot, but poised for movement”. This year’s programme has a fantastic line up including, Beth Orton, Doves, Queens of the Stone Age, Super Furry Animals, The Mars Volta (above) and Bloc Party. Evenings offer cool entertainment for grown-ups, with a series of courtyard pop concerts. Somerset House Series and Summer Screen London WC2,5-13 JULYAND 6-20 AUGUST The elegant courtyard of Somerset House has become one of London’s most successful cultural venues in recent years, thanks to its innovative programme of interactive entertainment for all ages, throughout the year.

Glasgow Jazz FestivalGlasgow,17-26 JUNE Hey, Edinburgh – we?re over here! It would be easy to believe that, on the summer festival front, only one Scottish city has something big to offer But that’s not so. Before the entertainment kicks off in Edinburgh at the end of July, get into the cultural vibe at Glasgow’s annual Jazz Festival, which fills the city with truly fabulous sounds – traditional, soulful, post-modern and experimental – at venues ranging from the Big Stage and Spiegeltent in George Square, to Clyde Auditorium and numerous fringe spots. Now 18 years young, it’s firmly established on the European jazz circuit and draws award-winning acts. This year’s big draw is Van Morrison, whose concert opens the festival. Women have an equally strong presence this year: renowned jazz vocalist Carol Kidd will appear, as will Clare Teal, supported by Kyle “son of Clint” Eastwood. The legendary singer Dionne Warwick (above) will appear here for the third time and the closing-night star is double Grammy-award winner Jack Jones, in his only European appearance of 2005. Central to the festival is Snape Maltings Concert Hall, a former 19th-century malthouse converted into a superb concert hall.

The programme is always eclectic and challenging: Oliver Knussen conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Stravinsky’s Fireworks; the South Bank Gamelan Players present the classic Hindu tale Ramayana (above) in collaboration with costumed Javanese dancers; Suffolk poet and biographer Neil Powell talks about Britten and his greatest opera, Peter Grimes. Music widows can join in country walks, enjoy film screenings and open-air beach events. Some of Britten’s greatest works were inspired by and premiered here, bringing leading musicians from all over the world to various small venues around this coastal beauty spot. But it’s not only English foodstuffs you?ll find at Sherborne, because producers from more than 20 countries are converging on the little town, bringing a continental air to the place.

Head south-west to enjoy the Blue Vinney cheese with traditional Dorset Knob biscuits, then sample some of the many French cheeses on offer. Travelling from further afield will be food producers from Eastern Europe. Aldeburgh Festival of music & the artsSuffolk,TO 26 JUNE Why shouldn’t the classical music world enjoy summer by the seaside like the rest of us? A fortnight of cultural entertainment in a Suffolk fishing town was the brainwave of the composer Benjamin Britten, who co-founded Aldeburgh Festival in 1948. Lovers of seafood can enjoy crab and grey mullet, Welsh lamb is plentiful, and on the green front, asparagus, lettuce, peas and courgettes are in season. June, after all, is when England comes to fruition: there’s a glut of strawberries, redcurrants, blueberries and gooseberries, which is great news for makers of jam and preserves, ice cream and cordials. You’ll meet plenty of his fellow foodies in Sherborne for this month’s annual food festival.

Sherborne International Food FestivalDorset,24-26 JUNE The West Country is one of the finest foodproducing regions in Britain – just ask Dorset’s resident gourmet, River CottageTV star and food writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. “My injury was just another of those obstacles which are put in your way sometimes and which you have got to try to overcome.”. Gasquet added: “It was great beating Federer but this was a final and it is historic so it means even more to me.” Doubles specialist Mirnyi refused to blame his injury for the defeat admitting: “Richard has played a good match and he deserved to win today. This year he has stepped up a level, even beating world number one Roger Federer on the Monte Carlo clay. Gasquet rounded off his fine victory and was then presented with a birthday cake and regaled with a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ by Mirnyi during the trophy ceremony. But Gasquet added: “I will not be celebrating my birthday until I have left Wimbledon and and am back in Paris.