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Visitors to Birmingham over the summer won’t believe their eyes as a cruise ship is launched right in the city centre. The team at the Bullring has created a unique Britannia Cruise Ship that can host up to 200 people for a series of ‘naughtical but nice events, including a fashion show, karaoke competition and raft of free public events throughout the summer. Check out www.bullring.co.uk for info.

The Emirates Beach opens in July for ten weeks. With free admission it’s a chance to relax and watch the world go by whilst sipping fruit cocktails. There will be a series of events around themed weeks and beach volleyball destinations and regular lunchtime keep fit sessions. Keep an eye on www.birmingham.gov.uk for more details.

You can send your holiday postcard from Ikon Eastside. This gallery space is open during the summer months and is home to Soi Project’s Island installation. This 3- dimensional island is an imaginary land mass created using images from Google Earth. Visitors are encouraged to influence the landscape and ‘occupy’ the island by attaching templates of pools, buildings and beach umbrellas. Ikon Eastside is Fazeley Studios, 185 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SE. For more information visit www.ikon-gallery.co.uk

During the summer Ikon will also be beaching a giant life-sized blue whale made of cashmere somewhere in the city. An attraction especially designed for small children. Keep an eye on Ikon’s website for more information. www.ikon-gallery.co.uk

Cool down with a sundae at Morelli’s Gelato, the heavenly ice cream parlour in Selfridges. With over 60 flavours, 20 made each day on the premises there is something for everyone. www.morellis.co.uk

Continue your nautical theme with an overnight say in nitenite whose rooms are fashioned on a luxury yacht cabin. The only one of its kind in the world at present and with rooms from only £44.95 per night you can’t afford not to. www.nitenite.com

Jazz Festival
It’s that time of year again when toes start tapping and fingers drumming and the sound of live Jazz fills the air in Birmingham! Venues across the city will be taking part in the 24th Annual Jazz Festival, showcasing live bands and generally getting into the spirit of things! Most of which are free. The festival kicks off on Friday 4th July and over 10 jazz-packed summer days an nights Birmingham will become Jazz City UK, with more jazz per square metre than has New Orleans. For more festival details, visit the official website www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

Spotted!
Olof Mellberg of Juventus spotted eating in the luxurious Italian San Carlo restaurant in Temple Street.

Gok Wan was seen spending his lunchtime checking out some of the hundreds of shops in the Bullring then quoted as saying “Birmingham has lots of style. And it is even better now, just look at the Bullring.”

Ex-Spice Girl Mel C was having her hair done at Nicky Clarke’s salon in The Mailbox.

Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud was spotted leaving The Mailbox in Bham, closely followed by the others member of the group.

Uber-brand Rock Couture has chosen The Mailbox as home to its first UK full price store.  The store, selling premium denim brands, including Rock & Republic, Seven Jeans, Diesel and Iceberg is sure to be a hit in the hometown of British rock. www.mailboxlife.com

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