Leg stretchers, exhibitions and sport lined up today (Sat) in Newbury and beyond

Busy day across the district with picnic proms and charity cycle ride.

A busy day is expected in and around the Newbury area today (Sat) with heavy traffic likely around Highclere Castle, due to the Battle Proms picnic concert.

Gates open at 4pm at the castle, just over the Berkshire Hampshire border, with over 9,500 visitors expected at the sold-out event.

Local roads are likely to be busy, due to this and events including a Tour De Berkshire charity cycle ride, which sets off at 11am today, on a 20 mile circuit in Upper Bucklebury, with 300 adults and children taking part, in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. For more details visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk.

Early birds can head for a quiet spot with a leisurely stroll hosted by Newbury District Ornithological Society around Speen Moors. Meet at 8.30am in the car park at Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury (parking charges apply). All welcome, but please telephone (01488) 668482 in advance.

For children seeking something to do today, Newbury Library hosts story-time for under-fives, from 2.30pm to 3pm, and cool crafts, for children aged seven and over, between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Free drop-in sessions.

Those looking for something to browse may enjoy an exhibition entitled Mr Dibble's Kites, at the Old Chapel Textile Centre, Greenham Business Park, open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, entry £4, members free. More details at www.nationalneedleworkarchive.org.uk.

Alternatively, a flower festival, Seven Centuries of Flowers, today - and continuing tomorrow - takes place at St Mary's Church, Aldworth, from 10am to 4pm, with tea, coffee and home-made cakes on offer.

The green-fingered should head off to Burghclere and Newtown's Horticultural Society Summer Flower Show, at the Portal Hall, Burghclere, from 2pm to 4pm.

For a slice of the sports action, a tennis tournament takes place between 10am and 1pm at Hungerford Tennis Club, 3 The Croft, with a cricket match, Thatcham V Ascot, at 1pm at Brownsfield.

For continued coverage of today's Battle Proms at Highclere Castle, re-visit Newburytoday and for extensive pictorial coverage of the picnic concert, pick up a copy of the Newbury Weekly News on Thursday (Aug 6).