What’s hip this August

What to book

If you fancy a little indulgence, book yourself in for High Tea on Sunday, August 24 at The Long Apron, the award-winning restaurant at Spicers Clovelly Estate in pretty Montville. Set among manicured gardens and French-inspired charm, the experience includes a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats, unlimited tea and coffee and a celebratory glass of bubbles on arrival. Visit spicersretreats.com/events/high-tea-long-apron.

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Reminisce about …

AUGUST marks 58 years since one of the world’s biggest rock bands, Pink Floyd, released their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. The English foursome went on to sell more than 250 million albums worldwide across their career. Their 1973 record, The Dark Side of the Moon, was one of only four albums globally to sell more than 45 million copies, spending 970 weeks in the US Billboard top 200 charts. Now, fans will have the opportunity to reminisce about those days gone by thanks to the much-loved Australian Rock Collective (ARC). Featuring celebrated artists, Darren Middleton (of Powderfinger fame), Kram (Spiderbait), Mark Wilson (Jet) and Davey Lane (You Am I), ARC will present Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon on August 8 at The Events Centre, Caloundra and on August 10 at  Brisbane’s QPAC. For tickets, visit livenation.com.au and search ‘ARC’.

Where to go

Impress the grandkids with a visit to the globally celebrated Harry Potter A Forbidden Forest Experience. Targeted at all age groups, this magical walk through the bushland of Mount Cotton’s Sirromet boasts fantastic beasts and iconic wizarding world moments illuminated like never before. It is an experience you will never forget. You can enhance your visit with pre-show dining at the winery’s Tuscan Terrace or book the Wizards Wonder accommodation package and stay in an on-site pavilion. The Harry Potter experience is on until September 7. Bookings for all experiences are essential. Visit sirromet.com/pages/harry-potter-the-forbidden-forest.

Back in the day…

Back in 1962, Australian television screens welcomed a cheerful fellow with a shiny bald head, a red airplane and a very catchy tune. Mr Sheen, the animated mascot for the household polish of the same name, quickly became one of the most recognisable advertising figures of the decade. Launched in the 1950s, Mr Sheen was Australia’s answer to clean furniture and shiny floors and his TV commercial, which combined live action with animation, captured the imagination of viewers. In the ad, Mrs Sparkle sang, “You are the most helpful man that I have ever seen.” According to the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Mr Sheen’s character was reportedly inspired by a real company employee. Mr Sheen’s pop culture identity was so strong that the brand hardly changed in the next 50 years.

What to explore

Ocean breezes, boutique wines, fresh seafood and live music – what more could you want from a winter weekend? The Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival will be held at Apex Park, Woody Point Esplanade on August 22 to 24 and will bring together top chefs, local producers and entertainers for three delicious days by the water. A general ticket includes everything from cooking demonstrations to more than 140 exhibitors and pop-up bars. There are also add-on ticketed events, ranging from premium dining experiences to whiskey masterclasses. Visit moretonbayfoodandwine.com.au.