This week's new events

Man Versus Horse Marathon, Llanwrtyd WellsThis annual romp through the Welsh wilds sees humans racing horses across a 22-mile course taking in dense forests, open moorland, steep hillsides and bone-chilling streams. With a person-to-pony ratio of around 300 to 50 (excluding those on horseback), unmounted homo sapiens are well represented, but have only managed twice in 32 years to beat their equine rivals to first place. Whatever the outcome, the race will be followed by live music and a "pasta party" for the humans ? and hopefully some nosebags for the nags.From Neuadd Arms Hotel, SatColette BernhardtBorders Book Festival, MelroseThere's a good lit fest at the Althorp estate in Northampton this week, taking in Louis De Berni�res, Claire Tomalin and Huffington Post UK editor-in-chief Carla Buzasi (Fri to 17 Jun). But if you can, head to the heart of the Scottish Borders for classy, heavyweight fare and quality kids stuff. Sir David Frost will be reminiscing; Frank Close and Peter Higgs will discuss the God Particle; while authors participating include Iain Banks, Kathy Lette, Francesca Simon and William Boyd. For youngsters, Francesca Simon reveals the inspiration behind Horrid Henry, and look out too for events taking in Agatha Parrot, Where's Wally? and Sir Charlie Stinky Socks.Harmony Garden, Thu to 17 JunStuart GoodwinGoldCoast Oceanfest, CroydeIf wipeout puts you in mind of mid-90s lunchtime TV with Paul Daniels, do not apply. Here, waxing of both board and lyrical varieties combine for a north Devon fixture that's sun-kissed in spirit, even if not in actuality. Newton Faulkner, Ben Howard and Juan Zelada play live, but the real action's in the sporting strand, which takes in surfing, beach volleyball, beach soccer, skating, frisbee, and the probably-more-hardcore-than-it-sounds Big Boy Paddle Race.Limekiln Field, Devon, Fri to 17 JunSGOut & aboutGreat Bed Race, Knaresborough, SatAn inevitable Olympic theme for this eccentric annual amalgam of characters and casters.Castle Ground and various venuesVictorian Celebration, Ilfracombe, Sat to 17 JunPantaloons and crinoline a-go-go as Ilfracombe warps back to the time of Liz II's great-great-grandmother.Various venuesWestfest, Dundee, Sun to 17 JunCabaret, theatre, music, lit, vintage vehicles, workshops, kids entertainment and more.Magdalen Green and various venuesBBC Good Food Show Summer, Birmingham, Wed to 17 JunTorode, Wallace, the Hairy Bikers and MasterChef champ Shelina Permalloo all cook ? and banter ? live.NECEco Technology Show, Brighton, Fri to 16 JunThe latest in green(er) tech, plus a sustainable food and drink market.AMEX StadiumStuart GoodwinColette Bernhardtguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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