I can immediately report that the sun is definitely shining over Hestercombe this morning....I can see it out of my office picture window including a view to the Plant Centre with a smiling Helen Barsby who is glad she will not get soaking wet today! This is bound to last 'til December so please get booking for our two major outdoor events coming up - Folksy Theatre's 'Much Ado About Nothing' on Sunday 19th August from 7p.m. - bring along your picnic blankets and folding chairs to enjoy this wonderful production - set in 1820s Spain, it is filled with vibrant colours, music, laughter and passion. Booking is essential www.folksytheatre.co.uk or phone us today 01823 413923. The other huge evening event - and I am sure you will have heard about it - is Illumina which takes place over 6 nights - 7th, 8th, 9th and 14th, 15th 16th September. World renowned light artist, Ulf Pedersen is putting on a solo light show through the landscape and formal gardens. Past collaborations include Power Plant which took place in Hong Kong, Sydney and Hobart. His other lighting events were in the botanical gardens in Oxford, Edinburgh and Durham. Ulf will be creating something unique for Hestercombe with both subtle lighting and spectacular displays. Do book your tickets as soon as possible on our own website www.hestercombe.com/events. Sorry to keep harping on about it - but to see the sun today is simply INVIGORATING!