By Helen SmithJune 26th 2015

Cullivoe Party on the Pier (4th to 6th July) is a great community event - last time I went I experienced the best barbecue EVER! It might be a long way to go for a BBQ, but I guarantee it's worth it. After you've sampled what Cullivoe has to offer you can head further north and experience UnstFest - a festival like no other.

The Shetland Nature Festival runs from 4th to 10th July (more about that later) or there's the Wild West Fest! The Skeld Regatta is on hold for this year... but, don't worry, the local boating club will be hosting the "Wild West Fest" on the usual weekend on 24th - 26th July so you won't miss out on another great weekend in Skeld. If you're thinking of heading out with a caravan you should book a pitch at the campsite soon. The Sandwick Family Fun Day does exactlly what it says on the tin! With lots of stalls, pony rides and another quality barbecue it's definately fun for al the family.

Lerwick's Shopping Week runs from 11th to 17th. Commercial Street in Lerwick is home to some lovely independent retailers and shoppers will have the opportunity to pop along to "Meet the Maker". You can settle down and listen to live music at Harrison Square, or take part in the sand castle and pavement art competitions, seek out new geo-caches or take an Instagram tour of Lerwick's town centre.

The Shetland music scene is alive and kicking! I'm really looking forward to seeing some of Shetland's most talented Singers & Songwriters at Mareel on 12th July at the second in a series of concerts; this time singers will swap songs and perform a song written by another Shetland songwriter. Between Islands is on 18th July - it's a musical collaboration between Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles with artisits who have come together to write new material, inspired by their shared islands heritage.

And finally, I recommend you visit Islesburgh Photographic Club's "Oot an Aboot" exhibition, which opens on 25th July in the Shetland Museum and Archives.