ALL WEEK

* Ignite. An exhibition by students from Palmerston North Girls High School. Venue: Square Edge, The Square, Palmerston North Time: 5pm.

* Martin Carryer: Bird Sculptures. This month Zimmerman is delighted to feature a series of bird sculptures by Palmerston North sculptor Martin Carryer. Fashioned from kauri and metal, Carryer's sculptures capture characteristics of our beloved New Zealand birds, while also alluding to the influence of humans on the birds' natural habitat. Venue: Zimmerman Contemporary Art Gallery. Time: 10am.

* New Zealand International Film Festival. Runs from today till September 2. Venue: Downtown Cinemas. Time: 10am. Admission: Students/Film Soc (sessions after 4.30pm weekdays and all weekend), $13.90; Senior Citizens 65+ (sessions after 4.30pm weekdays and all weekend),  $11.90; Children 15 & under (sessions after 4.30pm weekdays and all weekend), $9.90; Full price (sessions before 4.30pm weekdays), $12.90; Students/Film Soc (sessions before 4.30pm weekdays), $12.90; Senior Citizens 65+ (sessions before 4.30pm weekdays), $10.40; Children 15 & under (sessions before 4.30pm weekdays), $9.40; Full price (sessions after 4.30pm weekdays and all weekend), $15.90.

Fridaym, August 17

* Feilding Farmers Market. Venue: Manchester Square. Time: 9am.

* Soup Luncheon. St Brigid's Church hosts a soup luncheon with guest speaker Pastor Hince, and his review of his recent visit to Thailand, Macau, India and Bangladesh. Organised by the combined Churches Woman's Committee. Phone 323 6936 for more information. Venue: St Brigid's Catholic Church. Time: 11am.
* Kiwiana Quiz Night. Run by Hiwinui School. Major prizes. An auction and supper will be held half way through the evening. Teams of four at $40 a team. Tickets limited. Venue: Hiwinui School. Time: 7pm. Admission: GA, $40.

* Chess: The Musical. Today, Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday. This leading-edge presentation incorporates the original stage production of Chess with a 21st century lighting spectacular. Venue: Regent on Broadway. Time: 7.30pm. Admission: Adult, $55; Senior, $49; Student, $49; Member, $49; Child (12 years and under), $49.

* A Kiss on the Bottom. Today, and Saturday. A bittersweet comedy, written by Welsh playwright Frank Vickery and directed by Carl Terry, about three women and the uncertainties faced while undergoing treatment for cancer. The different backgrounds and personalities of each character brings many moments of joy, pathos and comedy to this story of hope. Proceeds to NZ Cancer Society Horowhenua. Tickets from United Travel, Queen St West, Levin and Property Brokers, Foxton. Venue: Foxton Little Theatre, Main St, Foxton. Time: 8pm. Admission: Show only, $18, Dinner & show (Saturdays only) - $35.

* The Postures North Island Tour 2012. The raucous three piece return to the live arena this August with friends and allies Sweater. Venue: Square Edge. Time: 9pm. Admission: Entry, $5.

Saturday, August 18

* Manawatu Saddle Up Winter Woollies Show. Venue: Manfeild. Time: 8am.

* Manawatu Car Club Road and Track Day. For more information visit motorsportmanawatu.org.nz/events/roadtrack. Venue: Manfeild. Time: 8.30am.

* Pro Active Drive. Venue: Manfeild. Time: 8.30am.

* Groove Method Fitness Class. Today and Wednesday. Develop functional strength, increase cardiovascular endurance, improve flexibility, balance and coordination and reduce stress (all while dancing). It involves really simple steps which you then move in your own way. No dance experience or ability required. Venue: Square Edge. Time: 10.30am. Admission: Koha/donation. Concession card, 10 classes, $80; Concession card, five classes, $45; Casual rate, $10. Class on Wednesday held at St David's Presbyterian Church, 3 Rainforth St, PN at 7.45pm.

* National Camellia Show. Registrants from all over NZ will enter their camellias in the show for judging. The show will be open to the public from noon to 5pm. All welcome to visit. Venue: Convention Centre. Time: 12.05pm. Admission: General admission, $4; Children free.

* Feilding High School Ball. The senior high school ball. Venue: Rangitikei Club, Feilding. Time: 7pm.

* Swiss - Mr Slow Wind EP Release Party. Featuring Swiss and full live band plus support acts. Venue: Feilding Civic Centre. Time: 7pm. Admission: General admission, $20.

* Horror Story Album Release. Venue: The Royal. Time: 9pm. Admission: General admission, $10.

* The Blue Grizzly Band. Winner of the Murphy's Law Jim Beam Battle of the Bands 2012. Venue: Murphy's Law. Time: 11pm.

Sunday, August 19

* 2012 Term 3 Grasshoppers Tournament Tri Series. Held by Tennis Manawatu. Contact Jared Kemsley, Tennis Development Officer, Tennis Manawatu on jared@tennismanawatu.org.nz; 350 2966 or 021 499 155 for any general enquires. For entry forms go to the Tennis Manawatu website and go to the Grasshoppers tab. Venue: Manawatu Lawn Tennis Club. Time: 11am.

* Feilding Classic Car Club Car Show and Mystery Cruise. Car show followed by either a mystery run, pokerrun, shed raid. Open to all American, Austrian and English classic, customs hot rods and muscle cars. Phone 323 8354 for more information. Venue: Manchester Square. Time: 12pm. Admission: Entry, $5.

* Feilding Country Line Dancers Hoedown. Dances for all levels, bring a plate to share. Phone 323 3829 for more information. Venue: Caledonian Hall, Feilding. Time: 1pm. Admission: Entry plus a plate, $8.

* Manawatu Tattoo 2012. Celtic Spirit and Manawatu Scottish Pipe Bands presents Manawatu Tattoo 2012. Featuring the NZ Army Band, internationally recognised as the best military brass band in the world. Their dynamic marching display embodies the highly trained determination and innovation of a Kiwi soldier. Around 200 local performers from the Manawatu/Wellington area will join the NZ Army Band for the Tattoo 2012. Venue: Manfeild. Time: 2pm. Admission: Adult, $30.

* Manawatu Ukulele Group (MUG). MUG Pro... for adults (16+). A friendly gathering of players led by Jennifer Moss. In these sessions we continue to broaden our knowledge of ukulele chords, strums and finger picking to consolidate and extend our playing. You will receive practical help with your playing, and experience the joy of playing with a large group. Venue: Youth Space. Time: 3.30pm. Admission: Term fee, $35.

* One Eighty. An energetic evening service for the whole community.  Come, praise and learn more about God. Phone Pastor Allen Hince on 323 5063 for more information. Coffee and cake to follow. Venue: Feilding Baptist Church. Time: 6pm.

Monday, August 20

* Art classes - Mixed media, Collage & Texture. Tutor: Kylie Wardlaw. Introducing the concept of mixed media using examples by various artists. Students will create two different compositions an canvas boards by drawing and gluing different papers and materials. One will be a more spontaneous effort, the other based on an object or a drawing of a specific subject. Some materials are provided, but students need to bring an assortment of papers (tissue, magazine pages), card and other collage materials, four tubes of acrylic paint, and an inspiring image that can be simplified into a design. Six Monday nights. For more information or the full course programme, phone 355 8045, ochreartschool@gmail.com or visit our Ochre Art Supplies website or store. Venue: Ochre Art School. Time: 7pm. Admission: General admission, $150.

* Manawatu Community Choir. The Manawatu Community Choir aims to provide all people, whatever their background or ability, with an opportunity to sing together and celebrate the warmth and vitality generated through music making. Anyone can come and sing in the choir at any time; there are no auditions, no requirement to read music and no complicated membership formalities. The choir is guided by talented vocal leaders Jennifer Moss and Jill Brider. Venue: Youth Space. Time: 7pm. Admission: Casual rate, $5.

* Movie Premiere - Hope Springs. Arohanui Hospice and Downtown Cinemas are hosting an exclusive movie premiere. Starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell, this hilarious comedy is bound to have you in stitches as well as give you tips to spice up your marriage. Tickets include a glass of wine and something sweet to eat. Purchase tickets at the website. Tickets also available from Downtown Cinemas, Hospice Shops in PN and Feilding, and from Arohanui Hospice Reception, 1 Heretaunga St, PN. Venue: Downtown Cinemas. Time: 7pm. Admission: GA, $25.

Tuesday, August 21

* 400kw Holden V8 Race Drive Experience. Experience the thrill of driving a fully modified 400kw 5700cc V8 Holden race car. Phone (0800) DRIVE1 (374 831). Venue: Manfeild. Time: 9am. Admission: Drive1 Option, $499; 2 Drive Option, $799.

* Holden V8 Hot Laps. Experience the thrill of being driven flat out by a professional driver in a fully modified 400kw 5700cc V8 Holden race car. Phone (0800) DRIVE1 (374 831). Venue: Manfeild, Feilding. Time: 9am. Admission: 2 Flying Laps, $249; 3 Flying Laps, $299; 5 Flying Laps, $399.

* Griffin Shield- Indoor Netball. The Griffin Shield is a multi-sport challenge held throughout the year with points accumulating so that at the end of the fifth league we will have an overall winner who gets guardianship of the Griffin Shield and a workplace shout or barbecue pack. You can register for one or all the leagues and everyone has a chance of getting the big prize. For more information on how to register email g.lindegren@massey.ac.nz. Limited spaces. Venue: Massey University, Hokowhitu Campus. Time: 6pm.

* Pilates Beginners Course. Find your perfect balance of strength, tone and flexibility using the popular Pilates method. This beginners' course involves 6 specifically designed exercise sessions over 6 weeks (Tuesday evenings) covering all the basic foundations of pilates to target your abs, back and shoulders. To register please email personalpilates@xtra.co.nz or contact Kim on 212 0612 or 021 041 2469. Venue: The Order of St John, Church St. Time: 6.30pm. Admission: Course (6 weeks), $75.

* NZ Film Festival: The Last Dogs of Winter. We're delighted to present the New Zealand premiere screenings of NZIFF veteran Costa Botes' spectacular documentary. The Last Dogs of Winter has already been winning friends for its ornery conservationist hero and his more camera-friendly young Kiwi assistant at major film festivals around the world (Toronto, IDFA and more). It also serves, for those of us unable to make the journey ourselves, as an immersive visit to Churchill, Manitoba, Polar Bear Capital of the World. Venue: Downtown Cinemas, Palmerston North. Time: 8pm.

Wednesday, August 22

* Beethoven! Part Three: The Late Quartets. The New Zealand String Quartet celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012 with a special project, Beethoven!, a complete cycle of Beethoven's sixteen String Quartets in six programmes. Venue: Speirs Centre, Palmerston North Boys High, Palmerston North. Time: 6.30pm, Admission: General admission, $48; NZSQ Friends (quote friends number), $43; Student rush (day of concert only), $15.

* Art Class - Landscape in Oil Pastel. Tutor: Maho Murakami. Using landscape as a subject matter, students will gain expertise in the art of layering colour in oil pastels, learn simple perspective techniques and general oil pastel skills. Two Wednesday evenings, today and August 29, 7-9pm. Enrol at Ochre Art Supplies, The Square Edge. For more information or the full term 4 course programme, phone 355 8045;  ochreartschool@gmail.com. Venue: Ochre Art School, Palmerston North. Time: 7pm. Admission: General admission, $50.

* Manawatu African Drumming (MAD). A community drumming group, meeting fortnightly in Palmerston North, led by Jennifer Moss. It's fun, simple to get started and many people believe it's beneficial for your health. Five sessions a term: 16+. Beginners are always most welcome. Limited number of drums are available. Please make contact to reserve your drum: play@jennifersmusic.co.nz. Venue: Christian Community Church. Time: 7pm. Admission: Term price, $40.

* Open Mic. Open mic nite and original song competition. Venue: Ashhurst Inn, Ashhurst Time: 7pm.

* Groove Method Fitness Class. The Groove Method is a fun workout with a dance focus. Classes help develop functional strength, increase cardiovascular endurance, improve flexibility, balance and coordination and reduce stress (all while dancing). It involves really simple steps which you then move in your own way. No dance experience or ability required. Parking available in the church car park on Main Street or street parking available on Rainforth Street. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily, and bring a bottle of water. Contact move@fluidformfitness.co.nz for a two for the price of one pass. Venue: St David's Presbyterian Church. Time: 7.45pm. Admission: Concession card, 10 classes, $80; Concession card, five classes, $45; Casual rate, $10.

- (Live Matches)