Northern delights

LEEDS IS NOW one of the top five cities for eating out in the UK, and chef James Martin (above) reveals why it’s an inspired choice for foodies: "It’s leading the way in terms of inspiration, food and restaurants that utilise the best local produce." Martin, along with other high-profile chefs such as Raymond Blanc and Brian Turner will be demonstrating the best the North has to offer at the Leeds Food and Drink Festival, (www.leedsfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk), on 8-12 August. Martin is delighted to be participating: "I am particularly proud as a Yorkshire man to be able to showcase and the region’s growers, producers and suppliers." During the show he will present Yorkshire Day, cooking up food using produce from Leeds Kirkgate Market. Once the show is over more treats are in store, as Michelinstarred chef Blanc will be opening his restaurant, Brasserie Blanc, in the city at the end of the month.

Hole in one

HAVE YOU ALWAYS dreamt of striding onto a green at the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles (below) and teeing off? Well, now’s your chance ­ and you don’t have to face the elements or stump up the green fee, as Jack Nicklaus’ beautifully designed course is just one of 50 of the world’s leading examples featured in the virtual indoor golf complex at The Clubhouse, Edinburgh (www.clubhouse.co.uk). It’s just like the real thing, as the full swing system means you’ll get all the satisfaction of taking that perfect shot and the accurate ball tracking system will ensure that you’ll always know where your ball landed ­ unfortunately that does include the rough. If you’d rather take in the scenery and get some fresh air though, then there are various clubs within an hour of Edinburgh that welcome visitors. If you want to stroll in the footsteps of the American golfing legend Tommy Armour, head on over to Braids Hills (www.edinburghleisure.co.uk). For a more aristocratic experience, Musselburgh Links (www.musselburghholdlinks.co.uk) is the oldest playing golf course in the world ­ Mary Queen of Scots is said to have played a round here in 1567. Finally, the beautiful coastal course of Craigielaw, (www.craigielawgolfclub.com) will offer you a blast of sea air and the perfect scenic round.

City of fun

WHEN YOU NEXT take a spin on a Ferris wheel or you’re laughing at your favourite improvised comedy, spare a thought for Chicago, as they were both invented here. So it’s appropriate that the Windy City has developed a summer programme dedicated to The Art of Play (www.cityofchicago.org). The highlight of the events is an exhibition at the Garfield Park Conservatory by internationally renowned artist, Niki de Saint Phalle. Her enormous, brightly coloured sculptures "represent the theme of play so beautifully [and] are perfect for touching, climbing and exploration," reveals Lois Weisberg, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Once you’ve had a chance to play, enjoy one of the other events that are going on this month. Settle back and relax to one of your favourite sport-themed films at the outdoor film festival. Catch Keira Knightley’s first energetic lead role in Bend it Like Beckham or Christian Slater’s skateboarding action film, Gleaming the Cube. If you’d rather learn to play with your food instead, various food artists will be on hand on 26 August, to demonstrate how you can turn your vegetables into works of art.

Step back in time

TAKE A TRIP back to the Middle Ages with the Moors and Christians Festival in Alicante (www.alicante.es). On various dates in August, locals and tourists recreate the historic clash between these two cultures over the rule of Spain. Starting in the wee hours of the morning, both armies march into the city accompanied by the beats of drums and whistles of chirmias (blowing pipes), each trying to outshine the other with their elaborate handmade costumes. The fighting culminates with the final embajadas (meeting of the envoys) in the castle where each side attempts to convince the other to surrender. Once negotiations prove unsuccessful, the climatic mock battle ensues urged on by the crowd with the sounds of gunpowder explosions heard in the background. Take to the streets and find out who triumphs in this dramatic moment of history ­ although, to give the game away, the Christians emerge victorious every time.

Jolly hockey sticks

FOR THE FIRST time ever, England will host the championships of one of the world’s most ancient sports. Hockey dates back to the earliest civilisations; its earliest incarnation in England was in the 19th century, possibly as a winter variation of cricket. The Euro Nations Hockey Championships (www.eurohockeymanchester2007.com) will be held in Manchester, 18-26 August. The England’s women’s team captain, Kate Walsh is delighted it’s coming to our shores: "It will be a fantastic feeling being able to go out and challenge some of the best teams in the world on home soil." While the women’s team have tasted success before when they beat Germany in 1991, the men are still chasing the elusive title; their captain Glenn Kirkham is positive about a good result though: "The morale in the dressing room is very high." Whatever happens it’s going to be quite a spectacle, so cheer on your team.

WIN TICKETS

The Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) returns to Birmingham’s NEC this October with a spectacular programme of events. voyager has five pairs of tickets for the opening day, 3 October. The first prize is VIP Gold tickets (which includes a backstage tour) and four runners-up will win a pair of Gold tickets. (Gold tickets cover both the daytime and evening performances.)

To win tickets to the HOYS, simply answer the following question: Q. What is the HOYS’s website address? Send your answer, together with your name, address and telephone number to: bmi Competition, Grandstand Media Ltd, 7 Waterside, Station Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 4US to arrive no later than 5 September* Horse of the Year Show 2007 takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 3- 7 October. For tickets call 08700 101052 or visit the official website at www.hoys.co.uk

The first correct answer/s drawn from the bag will win the prize. The judge’s decision is final. Open to UK residents only, excludes employees and their families of Grandstand Group, Ink Publishing, bmi and associated agencies. Prizes are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. No prize alternative available.

*Please indicate on your entry if you’d like to receive further information about the HOYS