The Weekender

Separating the cultural wheat from the chaff

FILM

Mamma Mia
There's no escaping the film-by-numbers spectacle that is Mamma Mia! this weekend at the cinema. The critics may already have dug the knife in - mostly about Pierce Brosnan's horrendous attempt at 'SOS' - but with Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Colin Firth and Brosnan taking the leads in the adaptation of the smash hit musical, this one's sure to see them queuing round the block for a bit of a sing-a-long if nothing else.

MUSIC

T in the Park
Scotland's largest music festival takes the lion's share of the action this weekend, with acts such as the Verve, the Fratellis, Sharleen Spiteri, REM, Kaiser Chiefs and Primal Scream lined up to entertain the wellied masses. T has stuck to its decidedly 'white rock' agenda this year, forsaking many a more interesting act. But if it's bang-for-your-buck, punch your fist in the air and rock out musical action that floats your boat, then this is the one for you. Highlights run on BBC2 from tonight throughout the summer.

Blue Nile
Elsewhere the Blue Nile continue their three night residency at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, tonight and tomorrow night. Four albums in 27 years doesn't make their career the most frenzied, but that doesn't stop them still sitting up there in the hall of fame when it comes to great Scottish bands.

The Concert Hall is busy this weekend, with Sunday night witnessing the return of Pentangle, in its original form of Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Jacqui McShee, Danny Thompson and Terry Cox.

OUT AND ABOUT

Braemar Junior Highland Games
If you're looking for a way of entertaining the little people in your life this weekend, there are plenty of options now that summer is (technically) here. Braemar Junior Highland Games (ages 5-17 years) takes place tomorrow from noon. So if little Jimmy or Jeanie wants to start practising their caber tossing or general ability to look like an athlete while in a kilt, then take them along.

Deep Sea World
It's carnival weekend at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry, Saturday, from 10am, with sea-related games and competitions as well as educational tours.

Elie Fair Day
Finally, the beautiful little Fife coast village of Elie holds its Fair Day tomorrow. Burgers on the beach, strolls along to the lighthouse, or just soaking up the atmosphere, you're guaranteed to be charmed by the place.