The What, Where, When: 31 August

WHAT: The World Belly Boarding Championships This eccentric event is organised and hosted by the National Trust, and brings people together who have an enthusiasm in the deeply rooted tradition of riding ply and prone wooden surfboards.

See: Watch 200-300 competitors, aged 9-90, taking part in belly boarding competition. Indeed, there will be a filmshow on offer, as well as WBBC Bake Off to watch.

Eat and Drink: The fair have made recent improvements to their welfare and hospitality, which will mean that there will be more teas and cakes on offer.

Don't miss: The outstanding 'swimwear' category of the competition- vintage bathing suits to modern attire will be hotly contested upon.

WHERE: Chapel Porth, near to St Agnes on the north coast

WHEN: 2 September


WHAT: King's Cross Ice Cream FestivalThis two day event celebrates the history and production of ice cream by showcasing the very best ice creams available from London and the South-East.

See: For ice cream enthusiasts the event provides an unique opportunity to watch and take part in ice cream art and build a sandcastle on the Granary Square.

Eat and Drink: There will be a display of quality ice creams to sample , courtesy of the likes of Morelli's of Harrods , Gelatorino of Covent Garden and Shepherd's of Hereforshire .

Don't miss: The free performance of the Science Boffins. With their unique and fun science experiments the Boffins will capture the imagination of kids and adults.

WHERE: Granary Square, King's Cross, London N1C 4AA www.kingscrossevents.co.uk/

WHEN: 1 to 2 September


WHAT: Screenplay This annual film festival is organized by acclaimed film critic Mark Kermode and distinguished film historian Linda Ruth Williams. It features a an array of film screenings, lectures and discussion panels involving national and international film industry professionals and film academics.

See: The festival runs over a ten day period and provides an opportunity, for all ages, to see films in Shetland's brand new cinema – Mareel. With films such as Ice Age: Continental Drift for children and families , Trollhunter for those who like to watch dark tales and Inni for music lovers , there is a variety of films to keep you entertained.

Hear: There is a chance to see the last ever performance of the American-based dance-punk band LCD Soundsystem ,

Don't miss: Alexandre O. Philippe's film The Life and Times of Paul the Psychic Octopus . The film has been described as a 'biopic of tentacular proportions' it focuses upon the celebrity mania that dominates today's culture.

WHERE: Shetland Museum & Archives, Hay's Dock, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0WP www.shetlandboxoffice.org

WHEN: 31 August to 9 September

 

WHAT: Bowiefest The notorious rock star David Bowie has been involved in films as long as he has been involved in making music. To celebrate his contributions in films, the Bowiefest will feature 3 days of screening , talks and Q&A's .

See: The cult documentary, Cracked Actor, which follows an alienated Bowie during the Diamond Dogs tour of America in1974. Also they will be screening The hunger, Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, Absolute Beginners and Labyrinth.

Hear: This festival provides another chance to see Bowie performing in concert in the film Chroistiane F. The soundtrack of the film was provided by Bowie from his 'Berlin era' albums, Low, Heroes , and Lodger .

Don't miss: Bowiefest will also include entertainment and DJs in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights .

WHERE: Institute of Contemporary Arts,12 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH www.bowiefest.net/

WHEN: 31 August to 2 September

 

WHAT: The National Gardening show This is an ideal day out for gardening lovers. The event showcases the finest in Autumn gardening, advice from experts and help on how to grow your own plants and vegetables.

See: The country's biggest vegetables! The UK National Giant Vegetables Championships is a real show highlight for everyone from amazed children to keen foodies!

Hear: In the lecture theatre there will be a host of experts such as Chris Smith, Sally Gregson and Toby Buckland .

Don't miss: Sarah Raven, the high profile gardener will be making a guest appearance on the second day of the show. Sarah will be revealing her hottest tips for flower arranging .

WHERE: The National Gardening Show,The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset www.bathandwest.com

WHEN: 31 August to 2 September

 

WHAT: The Orsett Show One of the oldest one-day Country Shows in England. Featuring horticulture, agriculture and over 100 trade stands, there's something for everyone at this show.

See: There will be a Birds of Prey display, a traditional baker show, a fun dog show and even a fly fishing demonstration where there will be an opportunity to learn how to cast a fly yourself.

Don't miss: A breath-taking display by the Adrenaline Tour team doing amazing demonstrations on quad bikes.

WHERE: The Orsett Showground www.orsettshow.co.uk/

WHEN: 1 September

 

WHAT: The Big Festvial  Jamie Oliver presents The Big Feastival with Alex James. A banquet of mouth-watering food paired with the perfect festival sound-track of top-class bands providing music-loving foodies and their kids with a fantastic weekend away at the end of the summer holidays.

See: The Little Dudes Den will house the best in children's entertainment including a performance from farm yard favourite Peppa Pig. Magic shows, fantastical storytelling, a Vintage Fun Fair, face painting, puppet-making and potting parties will ensure even the most energetic of kids will be sleepy-eyed by the time they settle into their sleeping bags.

Hear: Headlining the Main Stage will be the talented Paloma Faith. Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes and the endlessly entertaining Cuban Brothers will also perform on the first day with Razorlight taking to the stage on Sunday 2nd September.

Eat and Drink: Gourmet food offerings this year include the British chef Mark Hix, pop-up restaurants a-plenty, inside tips, tricks of the trade, cook-offs and demos from top chefs in The Big Kitchen.

Don't miss: The cooking powerhouse Jamie showing off his culinary skills .

WHERE: Kingham, Oxfordshire, OX7 6UJ www.jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival/

WHEN: 1 to 2 September