Things to do this week in Scotland

Wickerman Festival

A fiery giant and the Ingrid Pitt Word Stage are two things that make Wickerman unique. Atmosphere, location and a line-up that includes Scissor Sisters (pictured), The View and leftfield ska/punk heroes The Blockheads make it an unmissable appointment. East Kirkcarsewell, Dundrennan, July 20 & 21, www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

Jousting

Since the 16th century the clash of lance on shield has thrilled tournament-goers. Now Knights of the Damned take to horseback to gallop at each other and bash Home Nations opponents. C’mon Scotland! Castle Fraser, Inverurie, July 21 & 22, www.nts.org.uk/events

Madonna

The glory days may be behind her, and MDNA failed to set the heather alight, but youcan rely on pop powerhouse Madonna to put on a dazzling show to send you Vogue-ing nostalgically all the way home. Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, July 21, www.madonna.com

Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy Radio Show Live

The tour of Douglas Adams’ original radio show, starring actors from the wireless series, hitches up to Scotland for its finale, with a special treat of Neil Gaiman guesting as the Voice of the Book. Playhouse, Edinburgh, July 21, www.hitchhikerslive.com

Edinburgh Jazz Festival

Dr John (pictured), Kurt Elling, Manhattan Transfer, AWB, Kyle Eastwood, Maggie Bell, Jools Holland, the divine Barbara Morrison, Niki King and many, many more. If that lot don’t tickle your fancy, check your pulse! Various venues, Edinburgh July 20-29, www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

A Burns Pageant: Life, love and liberty

Three dramatised promenade performances through Dumfries, celebrating the latter yearsof Scotland’s bard Robert Burns, brought to you by the man behind Wickerman Festival, Sid Ambrose, and writer/director John Cairney. Dumfries, July 21 & 22, www.facebook.com/aburnspageant

The Big Tent Festival

It’s not just about music at Big Tent, though Salsa Celtica, The Proclaimers, and folk, jazz, funk and ceilidh bands will keep it swinging. But there’s plenty smart stuff too: heritage, arts, environmental talks, woodcraft and tons of fun. Falkland Palace, Fife, July 21 & 22, www.bigtentfestival.co.uk