INTERNATIONAL NETBALL TEST SERIES

England’s netballers will have an opportunity to test their progress against the world’s current top two nations, New Zealand and Australia, in an international test series at home in May 2007. This series provides a key competitive opportunity for all three nations ahead of the World Netball Championships, which have been shifted to New Zealand in November 2007, following the recent military coup in Fiji.

England, ranked fourth in the world, placed third at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March 2006, and will be looking to build on this success at the World Netball Championships in New Zealand in November. Meanwhile, English fans will have an opportunity to see one of the great match ups in world sport – New Zealand vs Australia at The NIA.

This series provides a key competitive opportunity for England, New Zealand and Australia ahead of the World Netball Championships in New Zealand in November 2007. English fans will have an opportunity to see one of the great match ups in world sport – New Zealand vs Australia here at The NIA.

Go along and support on Tuesday 15 May at The NIA Centre, Birmingham. 5.30pm: England v England at 7.45pm: New Zealand vs Australia. Info: 0870 730 0196.

Fri 27 Apr – July
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
A national tour of the guy who dances like Michael Jackson, whilst Jackson was trying his best to look like the guy! Venues: 27 Apr at Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield; (30 Apr) Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle; (3 May) SECC, Glasgow; (8 & 9 May) NIA Birmingham; (14&15 May) MEN, Manchester; (4-7 July) Arena, London. £30 - £55. Info: 0871 230 4422.

Mon 7 May
JOAN ARMATRADING
Joan’s sound ranges from soul to stylish pop as her rich, warm and remarkable voice has been making music for over 30 years. She will be performing all her hits, including Love and Affection. Venue: Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon. 8pm. Adm: £25, conc. £22.50. Info: 0208 688 9291.

Sat 12 May
TYRESE
One of r&b’s biggest names performs in a one-off gig. Don’t miss it. Venue: Carling Academy, 211 Stockwell Rd, Brixton, London SW9. Info: 0870 771 2000.

Thurs 17 May
THE DRIFTERS
The ever-popular Drifters will be performing all their classic hits, form the doo wop days of the 50s through the sweet soul of the 60s, right up to present day. Relive the golden days of soul music as they sing the songs that helped shape musical history. Venue: Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon. 7.45pm. Adm: £18.50, conc. £17.50. Info: 0208 688 9291.

Fri 18 May
JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA WITH GILSON LAVIS AND RUBY TURNER
He’s performed with everyone from Robbie Williams to Dionne Warwick and millions have seen him on his BBC 2 show ‘Later … with Jools Holland’. Now the Uk’s most popular pianist and band leader returns to the stage. Venue: Concert Hall, Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon. 8pm. Adm: £27.50, conc. £26. Info: 0208 688 9291.

Tues 22 May
NAS
New York-born star has an exclusive date in London. Be there! Venue: Hammersmith Apollo, Queen Caroline Street, London W6. Adm: £30, plus booking fee. Info: 0870 174 814.

Mon 21 May – 13 Jun
SIMON WEBBE
Ex-Blue singer Simon sings a bit of pop but we get the feeling he’s really a soulful guy. Go to the shows and see for yourself during this nation-wide tour. Venues: 21 May, Corn Exchange, Cambridge; (22 May) Oasis, Swindon; (24 May) CIA, Cardiff; (25 May) UEA, Norwich; (27 May) NIA, Birmingham; (28 May) Royal Centre, Nottingham; (29 May) Pavillions, Plymouth; (Fri 1 Jun) Brighton Centre; (2 Jun) Cliffs Pavillion; (4 Jun) Regent, Ipswich; (5 Jun) Harrogate Centre; (7 Jun) Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow; (8 Jun) City Hall, Newcastle; (12 Jun) De Montfort Hall, Leicester; (13 Jun) Carling Hammersmith Apollo. Info: 0871 230 4422.