This week's new events

Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival And Rally Remembering the harsh sentences handed out to early trade unionists, as well as their importance in galvanising 19th-century workers, this festival has equal measures of education and entertainment. The Tasmanian Grass Roots Union Choir offers up a folk opera based upon the life of one of the martyrs deported to Australia and there are historical walks and lectures for those who wish to learn more. Music over the weekend includes that of Billy Bragg and Robb Johnson, while there is also comedy from Josie Long. Children are not left out, with the martyrs' story told by finger puppets in part of a packed programme that also has free running, circus skills and five-a-side football. Various venues, Dorset, Fri to 17 Jul Iain Aitch Soundwaves , Brighton Soundwaves festival is suited perfectly to its free-spirited Brighton home – organisers promise a four-day riot of "sumptuous experimentalism". Events take place in venues across the city and are categorised by day under the banners of Comment!, Move!, Sing! (including Gazelle Twin, pictured) and Listen! Highlights include an installation in Brighton's old police cells; "silent performances" by local artists; a musical collaboration with Wire magazine at Lighthouse; and a concert from Björk protege Mikhail Karikis. The festival closes in style with an audio-visual extravaganza from Derek Jarman and Bryan Ferry's favourite musical innovator, Scanner. Various venues, Thu to 17 Jul Clare Considine Tewkesbury Medieval Festival Those tired of modern life can swap their laptops for longbows as Europe's largest free medieval battle re-enactment charges back 540 years to recreate the Battle of Tewkesbury, the final showdown in the War of the Roses. Marvel as cannons are fired, abbeys are stormed, and Lancastrians tried and beheaded – all on (part of) the original 1471 battle site. For the less bloodthirsty, there'll be falconry displays, archery contests, cookery demos (15th-century gingerbread, anyone?) and "fantasy-inspired folk rock" from Blackmore's Night, with ex-Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. So expect the middle-aged as well as the Middle Ages. Lincoln Green Lane, Sat & Sun Colette Bernhardt Out & about Pop Up Festival Of Stories , London, Sat & Sun With a poetry arena, drawing classes and more including Rastamouse and hip-hopper Charlie Dark. The Brunswick and Coram's Fields Fringe In The Fen , Fenstanton, Sat to 16 Jul Free musical and artistic events, plus a carnival day. Various venues Hebridean Celtic Festival , Stornoway, Wed to 16 Jul Celtic music at a family-friendly festival also taking in street art and shinty sessions. Stornoway, Outer Hebrides Brazilica , Liverpool, Fri to 17 Jul The city centre transforms into a Rio-style fiesta, with samba and carnival action. Various venues Fringe , Llangollen, Fri to 17 Jul A dramatic interpretation of Dylan Thomas's death plus John Hegley, ska tunes and more. Various venues Seafest , Scarborough, Fri to 17 Jul A mecca for lovers of all things maritime – music, art and seafood aplenty. Various venues