Unmissable events
Country show September 23–24 Malvern Autumn Show (right), Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire WR13 6NW. Includes the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship, competitive pole climbing and the last major RHS flower show of the season. 9am–6pm, adult tickets from £16 (www.malvernautumn.co.uk; 01684 584924)
Exhibition September 26–October 10 ‘Power & Beauty: The Art of Sir Oswald Birley’, Philip Mould & Co, 18–19 Pall Mall, London SW1. Rarely seen portraits by Sir Oswald Birley MC, who was commissioned by the Royal Family, the aristocracy, politicians and other leading figures of his day (020–7499 6818; www. philipmould.com)
Festival September 23–30, The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival kicks off with a two-day mini festival at the Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes, North Yorkshire. A celebration of ‘everything and anything cheese’, with tastings plus cookery, cheese-making, grading and drink-pairing demonstrations. 10am– 5pm, free entry, but there will be a charge for some activities (0300 456 0030; www.yorkshiredales. org.uk)
September 23–24 Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, Snape Maltings, Suffolk. A celebration of the region’s produce with some 100 exhibitors, demonstrations and masterclasses from local and visiting chefs. Tickets from £8 (www. aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk; 01502 723325)
September 28–October 1 Marlborough Litfest (above), various venues, Wiltshire. Over 30 literary events, from fiction to non-fiction and children’s writing to poetry, in a historic market-town setting. Speakers include Will Self, Craig Brown and Frank Gardner. See website for programme and prices (01249 701628; www. marlboroughlitfest.org)
Book now October 1 South East Scotland Clay Pigeon Shoot, Bisley at Braidwood, Selkirk, Scottish Borders. Hot breakfast followed by 11∕2hr 50-bird shoot competition, a 100-bird flush and lunch. 10am start, £100 per person (£80 for under thirties) or £400 per team (01835 822250; www.gwct.org.uk)
October 1 Lulworth Off-road, Lulworth Castle, Dorset. Explore hidden parts of Lulworth and enjoy views of the Jurassic Coast by mountain or cyclo-cross bike. There is the option of three lengths of course (from about 15 miles to 37 miles) and bikes are available to hire. Adult places £25, accommodation available on the Lulworth estate at extra cost (01929 400155; www.lulworth.com)
October 3–4 Raymond Blanc Festival of Music, Great Milton, Oxfordshire. Champagne reception followed by a concert in St Mary’s Church—jack Savoretti performs on Tuesday, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra on Wednesday—followed by a ‘celebration dinner’ at the fabulous Le Manoir Aux Quat’saisons. From £295pp (01844 277200; www. belmond.com)