The Month Ahead – September 2017

Welcome to September's The Month Ahead. The summer holidays are at an end now and the nights are beginning to draw in. Autumn though brings its own joys so there's no excuse to sit in. Let's have a look at some of the traditional feasts and festivals, events and exhibitions that are happening around the UK this month.

2^nd-10^th September - Largs Viking Festival. Each year the Scottish seaside town of Largs celebrates the 1263 Battle of Largs. Come and experience what it was like to live as a 13^th century Viking.

3^rd-10^th September – Tour of Britain. A treat for cycling fans as the top teams and riders compete for the converted title. The grand depart is in Edinburgh and the tour heads south through Northumberland, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, East Anglia before heading west and the big finish in Cardiff.

7^th-10^th September – Heritage Open Days. For one weekend a year across England 5,000 events are organised to celebrate local history and culture. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit buildings not normally open to the public and go on walking tours.

8^th, 15^th, 22^th and 29^th September - World Fireworks Championship. Blackpool. Over four Friday nights the skies over Blackpool are lit up as teams battle it out with spectacular displays to take the world title.

8^th-17^th September - Jane Austen Festival, Bath. With 2017 marking the 200^th anniversary of Jane Austen's death the city of Bath celebrates all things Austen and Georgian. From costume parades to intimate readings there is something for all lovers of Mr Darcy and the Dashwood sisters.

Saturday and Sunday evenings from 9^th September to 28^th October - Matlock Bath Illuminations. As the days get shorter it becomes the perfect time of year for the Derbyshire town of Matlock Bath to come alive with its annual illuminations. The River Derwent is filled with decorated boats and Saturday nights finish with a firework display. See our report of the Matlock Bath Illuminations 2016.

15^th-17^th September – The Handmade Fair, Hampton Court. Fans of Kirstie Allsopp will delight in all things crafty inspired by her hit TV shows. Buy some ready-made goodies or learn how to make your own.

16^th-17^th September - Plymouth Seafood Festival. Indulge in all things seafood with cookery demonstrations, crafts and a children's crabbing competition.

23^rd-24^th September - RHS Malvern Autumn Show. The gardening season may be drawing to a close but delight in all things autumnal with the harvest feast at the Three Counties Showground.

23^rd-28^th September - Festival of Flowers, Leeds Castle, Kent. The already beautiful castle is turned into 'An Enchanted Castle' as floral displays fill the grounds and rooms. Take part in a floral demonstration or listen to one of the specialist talks.

All events are subject to change. Please check with the organisers before travelling.

If you are interested about advertising your event on The Month Ahead please contact me at jibberjabberuk@gmail.com.