The What, Where, When: 21 September

WHAT: Kings Lynn Poetry FestivalThe biannual Kings Lynn Literature festival returns with its poetry instalment. The aim of the festival is to showcase contemporary poetry in an informal setting

See: a variety of different poets including Christopher Reid, Fleur Adcock, German poet Ludwig Steinherr and Estonia's Kristiina Ehin. The festival prides itself on attracting poets of international repute from all ages and locations

Eat and Drink: all festival attendees are invited to lunch at the Riverside restaurant (Saturday) and the Bankhouse (Sunday) for a set menu. It is a short walk from the venue and there is no need to book in advance, you simply need to put your hand up at the pre festival event

Don't miss: The chance to win a handwritten book by one of the poets featured in the festival in Sunday's draw

WHERE: Thoresby College, South Quay, Kings Lynn, PE30 1HX www.lynnlitfests.com/Welcome.html

WHEN: 21-23 September

 

WHAT: A special screening of the Blair Witch Project in Grizedale Forest For the thrill seekers amongst you, a special screening of the Blair Witch project will take place in the heart of the Forestry Commissions Grizedale Forest

See: the cult horror classic like you never have before. The screening will be held in a secret location in the forest which audiences will be led to by a trail through the trees. Just in case that isn't scary enough, fancy dress is also encouraged for an even more authentic experience.

Eat and Drink: you will probably be too scared to contemplate food, so we recommend you eat before.

Don't miss: Folk musician Katas Young's haunting performance before the screening starts. Unless you're of a nervous disposition...

WHERE: top secret location in Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0Qj. Ticket holders should meet at the visitor centre where there will be a 15-20 minute walk to the location. Torches are recommended. www.picniccinema.co.uk

WHEN: 22 September, the film will start at dusk.

 

WHAT: The Cake and Bake Show Described as the first live event dedicated to the world of cakes, breads and baking.

See: the show features just about anything you need to know about baking. There will be classrooms, a kid's kitchen, wedding cake showroom, cake kitchen, bakery and even a sugar craft showcase.

Eat and Drink: cakes, brownies, breads, pies. Bring your sweet tooth!! In the marketplace you can sample the produce of the country's finest artisan bakers and cake makers. There is also a tea room that supports the ongoing efforts of Macmillian Cancer Support

Don't miss: a chance to meet Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, the stars of the BBC's hit show 'The Great British Bake Off'

WHERE: Earls Court London, SW5 9TA www.thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk/

WHEN: 22-23 September

 

WHAT: Chiswick House Gardens Dog Show Run by the Chiswick House Organised Walkers in association with the Chiswick House friends, the dog show returns for an eighth year.

See: with over 430 dogs entering the show last year there is guaranteed excitement. There will be classes, a have-a-go agility course, over 40 stalls and even a dog's trust crèche for the little ones.

Eat and Drink: there will be a BBQ , Creperie, Beer tent, Brassiere, Pimms bar and wine bar. So there is something for everyone.

Don't Miss: the Flyball displays from the Four Paws Racing will really show you how its done!

WHERE: Chiswick House Gardens cricket pitch W4 3ES www.chgt.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=435

WHEN: 23 September, 10.30am-3.45pm

 

WHAT: the Dorothy Clive Garden Chilli Festival and Food Fair This unique fundraising event is set in the beauty 12 acre Dorothy Clive Gardens

See: the beautiful gardens on the Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire borders come alive with fire breathing displays, salsa music and chilli crafts alongside stalls of the finest produce from chilli oils, seeds and jams to chutneys sauces and plants.

Eat and drink: some of the finest speciality chilli produce money can buy

Don't miss: if you are the more daring type, the chilli eating contest at 2.30pm is a must. If not, it's just as fun (probably more...) to watch others take it on.

WHERE: The Dorothy Clive Gardens, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 4EU www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk/events.htm

WHEN: 23 September

 

WHAT: The London Design Festival It is the closing weekend of the tenth London Design Festival. The festival features over 300 events celebrating the capitals creativity and ingenuity.

See: events this weekend include the specially commissioned exhibitions at the V&A museum, a showcase by the bookbinder collective and quite literally hundreds of more to suit any taste.

Eat and Drink: The Festival is held in a variety of locations across London so it is a perfect opportunity to sample the assortment food that London has to offer

Don't Miss: the BE OPEN sound portal. Hailed as one of the landmark events of the festival it focuses on the design of acoustics and sound in London's Trafalgar Square. Every day the portal will host a new musician that has been commissioned to create unique soundscape that feels entirely removed from the busy city.

WHERE: In a variety of locations across London, check the website to plan which events to attend www.londondesignfestival.com/

WHEN: 14-23 September

 

WHAT: The Great British Cheese Festival An absolute must for all the cheese lovers amongst you, this festival celebrates the Great British cheese and promises a fun filled family day out

See: The festival has much to offer, from masterclasses and demonstrations to Britain's biggest cheese market. The classes are split into the 'House of Lords' for the more experience cheese and wine lover and 'House of Commons' which is perfectly suited to the amateur or family market. Set in the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle there will also be live music on the green, a perfect way to relax after a hard day of cheese eating.

Eat and Drink: Cheese, and lots of it!

Don't Miss: the World Cheese Tossing Championships and Cheese Skittles with Lincolnshire Poacher promises guaranteed entertainment.

WHERE: Cardiff Castle, Wales, CF10 3RB www.greatbritishcheesefestival.co.uk/

WHEN: 22-23 September

 

WHAT: Wiltshire Game and Country Fair Set in the beautiful grounds of the Bowood Estate for the sixth year running, the Wiltshire Game and Country fair showcases an assortment of different events for all tastes.

See: the fair features a falconry village, dog zone, target field sports, craft village and so much more. There is also plenty to do if you have a family as the children's zone has many fun filled and educational events such as a fishing class in association with the Angling Trust

Eat and Drink: the 'Food Glorious Food' area of the fair provides an opportunity to taste some of the finest local food and regional artisan produce

Don't Miss: the impressive array of Birds of Prey

WHERE: Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ www.livingheritagecountryshows.co.uk/

WHEN: 22-23 September

 

WHAT: The Creative Craft Show Surrey The perfect opportunity for an enthusiast to explore all aspects of craft, featuring cross stitch, sewing, card making, embroidery, knitting, quilting and many more, all under one roof.

See: the exciting new features introduced this year, such as 'Beading Bonanza' a beading workshop from a Southampton based shop and Silk Painting Have-A-Go from the Guild of Silk Painters.

Eat and Drink: though there are confectionary exhibits in the show, visitors may want to bring their own food or explore the restaurants nearby Esher has to offer.

Don't Miss: The 'Make and Take' masterclasses where you can create your own masterpieces with the help of the experts.

WHERE: Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9AJ www.sccshows.co.uk/ss12_proceed.html

WHEN:21-23 September

 

WHAT: Stratford Upon Avon Food Festival This weekend sees the return of the annual Stratford Upon Avon food Festival set upon the banks of the river Avon. It promises to be both a great day and night out with entertainment provided all weekend long.

See: the festival features a cookery theatre with performances from celebrity chefs, a talk and taste theatre and taste trail. There will also be a bandstand showcasing local bands and talents as well as a multi-entertainment zone with specialist stalls.

Eat and Drink: Anything you want! There is quite literally something for everyone.

Don't Miss: Headline act TV's Baker Brothers

WHERE: the main festival area is alongside the banks of the River Avon, opposite the newly renovated Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The nearest postcode is CV37 7LS www.stratfordfoodfestival.co.uk/index.html

WHEN: 22-23 September