The What, Where, When: 7 September

WHAT: Ludlow Food and Drink FestivalThis annual festival celebrates over 150 local independent food and drink producers, showcasing a diverse array of quality produce.

See: The UK's longest-running food festival also gives visitors the opportunity to buy home ware, books and pottery, as well as visit markets, talks, tastings and see demonstrations from top chefs.

Eat and Drink: Just about every type of food imaginable is available to buy, from herbs, spices, pickles and sauces, to cupcakes, cheeses, meats and authentic Italian pasta. Drinks include cider, beer and mead.

Don't miss: The famous Ludlow sausage trail.

WHERE: Ludlow Castle, Ludlow, SY8 1AY, Shropshire, www.foodfestival.co.uk

WHEN: 7 to 9 September

 

WHAT: ArtsFest This popular large-scale urban festival is home to around 600 modern and traditional events, including musical performances, ballet, poetry, workshops, exhibitions and screenings, and they are all completely free.

See: A constant assortment of local musicians, as well as events such as comedy theatre performed by Letters to Eric, an outdoor exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery, and a ballet recital by The Birmingham Royal Ballet on Saturday evening, followed by a fireworks display.

Eat and Drink: Enjoy food from any of Birmingham's multitude of cafés, bars and restaurants.

Don't miss: The opportunity to participate in a giant mural, by adding your own art to a drawing at the Fancy Features marquee.

WHERE: Various venues throughout Birmingham, www.artsfest.org.uk

WHEN: 7 to 9 September

 Events-Sept07-03-590Kew the Movies

WHAT: Weald of Kent Craft Show  Held in the beautiful grounds of the Penshurst Place Estate, this family orientated exhibition offers its visitors a myriad of arts and crafts.

See: Around 250 traders sell handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles and glass pieces, as well as accessories for the home and garden. There is also a steam railway, live music and craft demonstrations to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to tour the Estate's house and gardens.

Eat and Drink: Live Cookery Theatre Demonstrations promise flair and inspiration, alongside The Good Food Live area, and an array of Specialist Food and Drink Marquees.

Don't miss: The Birds of Prey displays.

WHERE: Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, Kent, www.ichf.co.uk

WHEN: 7 to 9 September

 

WHAT: CarFest  The family-orientated festival is hosted by Chris Evans, and features 14 categories of 7 cars racing in a hill climb. It also offers a wide range of music, entertainment and food to enjoy.

See: Musical performances span both days, and include artists such as Texas, Paloma Faith, The Proclaimers, Razorlight and The Magic Numbers. The festival also exhibits arena shows, air displays, firework displays and children's zones.

Eat and Drink: The event caters for the entire family, with Laverstoke Park Farm serving organic produce such as buffalo ice cream, and Britain's Best Pavilion offering fine food and drink. There is also the fast-paced and unusual Cakes vs Pies competition, judged by cake aficionado Mary Berry, in which 50 cake bakers compete against 50 pie makers to produce the best fare.

Don't miss: The chance to try your hand at making your own ice-cream.

WHERE: Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, www.carfestnorth.org

WHEN: 8 to 9 September

 Events-Sept07-02-590CarFest

WHAT: The Henley Show This agriculture show encourages its visitors to learn more about crops, machinery and animals, and includes cattle lines, horses, poultry, sheep and dogs.

See: Over 100 different trade stands, as well as a craft marquee, and an exhibition of vintage tractors, classic cars and miniature steam engines.

Eat and Drink: The Produce Tent hosts over 80 lessons for its visitors, including classes about vegetables, arts and crafts, and floristry. There is also a food and wine tent.

Don't miss: Richard Savory's dancing sheep show.

WHERE: Greenlands Farm, Hambledon, RG9 3AS, www.thehenleyshow.co.uk

WHEN: 8 September

 

WHAT: The Hampstead and Highgate Literary Festival  This festival is aimed at promoting and celebrating literature, and is designed for guests of all ages.

See: Talks from esteemed authors including Howard Jacobson, Rose Tremain, Michael Palin and Robert Goddard, as well as walking tours, introductions to debut authors, creative writing workshops and a discussion of the ten best books to take on holiday. Book sales and signings take place after each individual event.

Eat and Drink: Food and drink can be purchased from The Ivy House Café, which is open throughout the festival.

Don't miss: A talk from reporter Michael Nicholson, a veteran war journalist who reflects upon his experiences in some of the world's most dangerous conflicts.

WHERE: London Jewish Cultural Centre, Ivy House, 94-96 North End Road, London, NW11 7SX, www.hamhighlitfest.com

WHEN: 9 to 11 September

 

WHAT: Kew The Movies Kew Gardens have installed an open-air pop-up cinema to help its visitors enjoy the last of the summer evenings. It is set in the idyllic botanical surroundings, against the backdrop of Kew Palace.

See: Breakfast At Tiffany's on Friday 7 September, and Grease on Saturday 8 September.

Eat and Drink: You can bring your own picnic with you, or there are food outlets at the event.

Don't miss: The chance to indulge in a ready-made picnic hamper, simply visit the website to order it in advance. The hampers include a tomato and basil salad, chicken liver parfait, a new potato salad and strawberries with clotted cream, and even come with a tablecloth and napkins.

WHERE: Kew Gardens, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB, www.kew.org

WHEN: 7 to 8 September