WHAT: Commonwealth Games -- Yes, after what seems like years of preparation, they have finally arrived and don't we know it. The streets of Manchester are spotless, fire-eaters and acrobats tumble in every direction and confused Aussies can be overheard asking about the whereabouts of the British summer. Rumour has it there are also some athletic events going on. Still, it has brought a cheery and exciting atmosphere to the North-west and we should be grateful that someone has remembered that there is life north of London. It's just a pity that, when the eyes of the world are upon us, the area should be decorated by hundreds of people sporting that terrible official lilac shellsuit. We are definitely not going to win any medals for style. NM

WHERE: Leeds Festival -- The future of Leeds Festival has been in jeopardy over the last few months after Leeds City Council refused it a licence following complaints about last year's event, including reports of violence and vandalism. However, the decision was overturned in court after the promoters appealed and the festival will be taking place at Templenewsham Park from August 23 to 25. The line-up will include Pulp, The Strokes, The Prodigy, Foo Fighters and The Streets. Good news for festival-goers and good news for Guns n' Roses, who will be playing their first UK gig for nine years. Hmm... it's enough to make you wonder if the magistrates made the right decision after all. NM

DVD: Robin Hood (Disney Animation). Hey, this is kids' stuff isn't it, I hear you shout? Well you're wrong. Peter Ustinov's characterisation of Prince John as a nasty, but cowardly, lion is a delight to behold -- and you appreciate it even more when you're older. Trust me. This 1973 Disney take on the famous legend turns all the characters into animals: Robin is a dashing and cunning fox; Little John, a big bear and Prince John's sidekick is Sir Hiss, a slimy snake, voiced brilliantly by Terry Thomas. There are extra features for the children, including a sing-a-long song; Robin Hood's merry game and an animated short, 'Ye Olden Days'. But the kids can enjoy those after I've watched that lion sucking his thumb and crying for his mummy once again. IS

What's Niz

My Worst Week -- No, not my worst week (entertaining though that story is, I'm not sure it warrants half an hour on BBC1), this is the latest low brow fodder from the BBC which will have "indignant from Surrey" frothing at the mouth and refusing to stump up his licence fee by the end of the series. Pitching itself as a study of the tabloid treatment of scandal, it is, in fact, just an excuse to rake over the old and tawdry gossip created by celebrity faux pas. Hence the likes of George Michael and Chris Evans see their finest moment resurrected. The programme pretends to offer a serious account of the way the press and media works but ultimately only succeeds in attracting those who drooled over the stories in the red tops in the first place. We don't mind gossip, but why package it as something else?