On the Horizon, ArtBar, Abbey Hotel, Bath, to Mon 30 Sept

Do not adjust your set. This is one of 12 images of Bath by graphic artist Georgina Morgan (ArtBar Winner’s Award), designed to be viewed through 3D glasses. Part of an art exhibition of work by 10 2019 graduates from Bath Spa University. abbeyhotel.com

The Lady Vanishes, Swindon, 2-7 Sep

Tea & Tissues, Woolley Grange Hotel, Bradford-on-Avon, Mon 2 Sep to Thurs 5 Sep and Mon 9 Sep to Fri 13 Sep

It can be an emotional time sending off the little ones to school for the first time, or even a returning student. Whatever your emotions, come and enjoy a complimentary tea of coffee to help those first day jitters. www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

Unicorns, Almost, Bristol Old Vic, Bristol, Tues 3 – Sat 7 Sept

The poignant story of tormented and largely forgotten war poet and soldier Keith Douglas, who died at the age of 24,  just three days after the D-Day Normandy landings.

bristololdvic.org.uk

Guide Dog Lunch, The Kings Hotel, Chipping Campden, Wed 4 Sep

Shakespeare’s Puppies are a brilliant charity who focus their efforts on training and funding guide dogs for those who need extra support in their day to day lives. The Kings Hotel are proudly hosting a three course lunch in their honour, with £10 of each ticket being donated to the charity. www.kingscampden.co.uk

Relatively Speaking, Salisbury, 4-28 Sep

Greg and Ginny are living together. Ginny is keen to marry Greg, but with unfamiliar slippers under the bed and a delivery of flowers and chocolates, Greg is becoming suspicious that he is not the only man in her life. When Ginny says she is visiting her parents, a dizzying series of misunderstandings unravel into chaotic comedy in this brilliantly constructed play – Ayckbourn’s first big West End hit. www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Steak Night, Hillbrush Restaurant, Mere, Fri 6 Sep

Join Hillbrush for their monthly steak night. Two steak dinners plus drInks for £25…bargain! visit.hillbrush.com

Potato Patch, Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, Fri 6 Sep to Sun 29 Sep

Prepare to get muddy at Cotswold Farm Park this September with the grand opening of their community potato patch. Every visitor will be able to root around and dig their own bag of spuds to take home. www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

The Man in the White Suit, Theatre Royal Bath, Fri 6 – Sat 21 Sept

When Sidney Stratton develops a fabric that never gets dirty and never wears out, manufacturers and trades unions are terrified by the threat it poses to their industry and their jobs until the mill owner’s daughter Daphne falls in love with Sid and has an idea.  Stephen Mangan (Episodes, Green Wing), Kara Tointon (Mr Selfridge, EastEnders) and Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Brookside) in world premiere stage adaptation of the classic Ealing Studios comedy.

theatreroyal.org.uk

Verve Festival, Ebbesborne Wake, Wilts, 7-8 Sep

Get your tix now for this fab new wellness festival celebrating health, fitness and the great outdoors. All ages are welcome for a weekend of yoga and meditation, Pilates, exercise classes and guided farm runs in the most picturesque location imaginable in South Wiltshire, plus there will be a full education programme, covering health & wellness, nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, life coaching, children’s health and much more. Enjoy mindful activities such as foraging, bushcraft in the woods, silent walks or landscape drawing with a local artist. Reconnect with yourself and your surroundings in workshops that celebrate the beauty of The Chalke Valley and promote mindfulness and wellbeing. Oh, and there is a Zest Spa! What’s not to like? www.feeltheverve.com

Pride and Prejudice* (* sort of), Bristol Old Vic, Sat 7 – Sat 28 Sept

Rip-roaring and irreverent. Not words usually associated with Jane Austen. This all women-adaptation sounds brilliant. Watch this space for our review.

bristololdvic.org.uk

Disney’s The Lion King, Bristol Hippodrome, Sat 7 Sept – Sat 23 Nov

The first Disney animation with an original story (and more than a few passing resemblances to Hamlet) on stage with a cast from around the world.

Tickets

Sunday De-stress, Santosha Studio, Chippenham, Sun 8 Sep

Find time for yourself to relax, unwind and escape the everyday hustle and bustle. These deeply nourishing sessions held by Santosha Studio combine gentle yoga, breath work and guided meditation. www.santoshastudio.co.uk

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Cheltenham Wellbeing Festival, Various Locations, Cheltenham, Sat 9 Sep to Sun 15 Sep

 

This brand new Cheltenham Festival is a little different to what we’d usually see during festival season, but is equally as exciting for anyone who loves self care and well being focused events. Just about everything will be covered during the event including health, fitness, nutrition, mental health and financial well-being. Bag a fab 20% off for all Muddy readers, so grab your purse and get those tix before all these amazing workshops are filled up. Muddy readers get a FAB 20% OFF with code CWFAD019. www.cheltenhamwellbeingfestival.com

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Self Acupressure Workshop, Purelands Acupuncture, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, Sat 9 Sep to Fri 13 Sep

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In association with Cheltenham Wellbeing Festival, Purelands Acupuncture will be holding a FREE self acupressure workshop for you to try. Learn essential techniques to help with common health conditions such as headaches, musculoskeletal pain, stress and digestive dysfunction. www.cheltenhamwellbeingfestival.com

 

Margaret Atwood: Live In Cinemas, Pound Arts, Corsham, Tues 10 Sep

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The highly anticipated sequel of The Handmaid’s Tale will be revealed in cinemas all over the world, including Pound Arts in Corsham. Grab a ticket to be the first to experience this exclusive literary event. www.poundarts.org.uk

 

Cinema Nights – Poolside Screenings, Cowley Manor, Cheltenham, Thurs 12 Sep

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Alfresco Film Company are back with their outdoor screenings and what a line up they’ve got for us. Sit poolside and enjoy cult classic Pulp Fiction. www.alfrescofilm.co.uk

 

Fleabag: NT Live, venues around Somerset, Thurs 12 Sept

Tickets for the West End run of Fleabag were hotter than Andrew Scott’s priest and sold out in minutes but you can still catch Phoebe Waller-Bridge doing her monologue of the dysfunctional 30-something beamed live from Soho Theatre on 12 Sept. Find your local screening on the link below but be quick, they’re selling out fast. Some cinemas are doing encore screenings.

Find a cinema near you

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Ruby Wax – How to be Human, Swindon, 12 Sep

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Based on her bestselling book, Ruby’s new show How To Be Human answers every question you’ve ever had about evolution, thoughts, emotions, the body, addictions, relationships, sex, kids, the future and compassion. We can’t stop the future from arriving, no matter what drugs we’re on. But even if nearly every part of us becomes robotic, mechanical fingers crossed we’ll still have our minds. Hopefully we’ll use them for things like compassion, instead of just chasing what’s ‘better’ like a hamster on a wheel. If we can do that, we’re on the yellow brick road to happiness. swindontheatres.co.uk

 

Watercolour Portrait – Workshop, New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, Thurs 12 Sep

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Working with watercolours can be particularly tricky, especially when it comes to getting the accuracy and subtlety required to mix colours effectively. Learn the secret tips and tricks from a professional artist to create emotive and stunning watercolour portraits. www.newbreweryarts.org.uk

 

Fresh Art Fair, Little Buckland Gallery, Little Buckland, Fri 13 Feb to Sun 15 Sep

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Come and grab a glimpse of terrific artwork set to be exhibited at Ascot Racecourse. Little Buckland are holding a preview of the works in their gallery for any keen art lovers. There will be a variety of mediums for your viewing pleasure including paintings, photography, sculptures and ceramics. littlebucklandgallery.co.uk

 

Sky Safari, Longleat, nr Warminster, Fri 13 – Sun 15 Sept

Over 150 hot air balloons – including specially created Simbaloo the lion and Adelaide the koala balloons – soar into the sky in one of Europe’s biggest balloon fests, by day and by night. Included in a day ticket to Longleat.

longleat.co.uk

 

Heritage Days Out, across Wilts and Glos, 13-22 September

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For some serious heritage action check out the 25th year of Heritage Days Out with loads of events, tours and National Trust gems, open to the public across the counties – and the rest of the Muddy counties if you fancy a day trip. Find a full list of what’s on here.

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Wilton History Festival 2019, Various Locations in Wilton, Sun 15 Sep to Sun 22 Sep

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After the success of the 2017 Wilton History Festival, this event is back and better than ever. There is a week-long programme of events celebrating Wiltons rich history and vibrant future, plus take part in guided walks, poetry readings, author panels, family activities and plenty of historical music. wiltonhistoryfestival.org.uk

 

Tony Stockwell, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Tues 17 Sep

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Psychic medium Tony Stockwell has toured all over the world connecting people with their passed loved ones. The popular star of TV’s Street Psychic, Psychic Private Eyes and Psychic Academy has an impressive history of psychic readings. Join him for an evening of psychometry, photograph readings and psychic predictions. swindontheatres.co.uk

 

The Barber of Seville, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol, Weds 18 Sept – Sat 5 Oct

Rossini’s famous comic opera, a prequel to The Marriage of Figaro,  with recognisable tunes sung in English by Opera Project –and a stonking set of wigs.

tobaccofactorytheatres.com

 

Born to Parent course, 19-20 September

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There is a reason Born to Parent won Muddy Stilettos Best Children’s Business 2018, and that’s because mantra reads true. Born to Parent has created an amazing approach to the classic ante-natal course – putting you in charge. You tell them what you want and they’ll do it, with courses covering all the traditional elements while focusing on the areas you’re interested in. Emily Rittner and Georgie Bateman’s fab Ante-Natal Express course covers everything you would expect to learn in a classic ante-natal course but is delivered over two days in the comfort of Emily’s home.  The course includes lunch and refreshments and partners are welcome to attend, dates include 19-20 September 2019. Their Post-Natal Express covers breastfeeding, the practicalities of a new baby, implementing healthy sleep routines, returning to work and finding childcare. Dates include 7-8 November 2019. Each two day course costs £275 per couple; but NEW FOR 2019 and EXCLUSIVE TO MUDDY READERS, The Essential Express Package: if you book both courses at the same time you will benefit from a 20% discount. Book here now!

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Gardener’s Tea & Tour, Cowley Manor, Cheltenham, Thurs 19 Sep

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Join renowned botanist and Head Gardener of Cowley Manor David Masters for an afternoon in the garden. Enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival and meet the other guests, before being taken on a tour of the grounds with David. Learn all about the history of the listed 55 acres of gardens at Cowley Manor and ask the expert whatever you like about gardening, botany, the history of the grounds and much more. Follow your tour with a delicious afternoon tea taken in the Garden Room on large sociable tables. cowleymanor

 

Benjamin Zephaniah – The Life and Rhymes, Swindon, 19 Sep

He befriended Nelson Mandela, fought in the 1980s race riots and recorded radical reggae music with Bob Marley’s former band. Benjamin Zephaniah was unable to read and write at school but became one of Britain’s most remarkable poets. And now he’s back to continue his first tour in eight years, which coincides with his remarkable autobiography, The Life And Rhymes Of Benjamin Zephaniah. In a compelling and inspiring show, Zephaniah will explain how he fought injustice and discrimination to lead a remarkable life, while sharing a selection of favourite stories and poems. Signed copies of The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah will be available after the show. swindontheatres.co.uk

 

Blenheim International Horse Trials, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Thurs 19 Sep to Sun 22 Sep

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Join Arkell & Wills at Blenheim Horse Trials for a great family day out. Muddy Stilettos absolutely loves Arkell & Wills cashmere sweaters, so treat yourself to some retail therapy during your day out! www.blenheimhorse.co.uk

 

A Taste of Spain, Vaughan’s Cookery School, Devizes, Thurs 19 Sep 

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Learn traditional Spanish recipes to enjoy at home. Recipes include Spanish flatbread, patatas bravas, saffron aioli and chorizo cooked in red wine and bay leaves. www.vaughanskitchen.co.uk

 

Pottery Taster Day, New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, Fri 20 Sep

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Thinking of trying your hand at a new craft? New Brewery Arts hosts a range of taster classes to cater to just that. Spend half the day on the potter’s wheel, and the other learning hand building techniques. Your two favourite creations will be fired up and glazed ready for you take home to sit pride of place on your mantle! www.newbreweryarts.org.uk

 

Richard Twose: Experiments with Flying, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, Sat 21 Sept – Sun 24 Nov

The famous artist living near Bath puts acrobats from the CircoMedia Bristol to the test in this selling show.

victoriagal.org.uk

 

From Transylvania to Turkey – Culinary Adventures by the Black Sea, Miserden Estate, Miserden, Sat 21 Sep 

Join Poco Culina in the Garden Cafe at Miserden Estate, with a menu designed to take you around the globe, with completely plant-based delicacies at each stop. www.miserden.org

 

Cinema Night: Terrace Screenings, Cowley Manor, 21 Sep

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Closing the Cinema Season at Cowley this year it just has to be the Greatest Showman (Singalong of course). If you missed out on a spot last year get in quick now – showing on the Top Lawn. www.cowleymanor.com

 

Wedding Open House, Grittleton House, Sun 22 Sep

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Photo by Joab Smith Photography

Come and experience the wonder of Grittleton House, set for a wedding day. With its beautiful interiors, sweeping double staircase & stunning Italian sunken gardens, this beautiful Victorian mansion offers true elegance & grandeur. Take time to leisurely wander through the house and grounds, enjoy a glass of fizz and sample some canapes in a truly relaxed atmosphere. Many of our recommended suppliers will be displaying their work on the day, visitors can pick up a card and contact them at their convenience. www.grittletonhouse.co.uk

 

The Turn of the Screw, Wharf Theatre, Devizes, Mon 23 Sep to Sat 28 Sep

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Catch Henry James’ classic, one of the most famous ghost stories in the English language. Combining excellent writing and a terrifying plot, it’s no wonder this story is so brilliant on the live stage. Join Miss Grey on this supernatural nightmare… www.ticketsource.co.uk

 

The Early Early Christmas Fair, Tidworth, 24-25 September

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Nope, I’m not joking, it’s that time of year again (well, not quite, but blink and it will be!). So it’s a good job Muddy has got your Christmas shopping all sorted – check out super cool one-stop-shop Early, Early Christmas Fair where you can eat, chat and shop ’til you drop with an incredible range of original gifts, many sourced locally (you know how we love to support a local business at Muddy). Check out a fab range of delicatessen food, fashion and cosmetics as well as imaginative gifts for home and garden, plus loads of ideas for kids, teens and him indoors. There’s the obligatory personalised stationery, books and Christmas decorations, with many more unusual stocking fillers and gotta-have-’em goodies – definitely something for every passion, every interest, and every person-who-has-everything. www.eecfair.org.uk

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NT Live: One Man, Two Guvnors (Encore), Salisbury, 26 Sep

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Featuring a Tony Award-winning performance from host of The Late Late Show, James Corden, the hilarious West End and Broadway hit One Man, Two Guvnors returns to cinemas to mark National Theatre Live’s 10th birthday. Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from his fiancée’s dad. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Holed up at The Cricketers’ Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart.  Simple. www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

 

Bath Children’s Literature Festival, around Bath, Fri 27 Sept – Sun 6 Oct

Some of the biggest names in children’s books and TV like Cressida Cowell, Harry Hill, Malorie Blackman, Jacqueline Wilson, Greg James of Radio1, David Baddiel, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo, who have a new book and Konnie Huq.

bathfestivals.org.uk

 

Autumn Posy – Garden Workshop, Bowood House, Calne, Fri 27 Sep

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Learn how to make a beautiful hand tied posy using gorgeous autumnal flowers. Learn from professional florists on the variety of techniques needed to create a beautiful bunch of flowers. www.bowood.org

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Make it! & More 2019, STEAM – Great Western Railway Museum, Swindon, Sat 28 Sep

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This is the ultimate craft and hobby show in the West Country! The weekend is jam-packed with craft workshops and fabulous stalls selling a huge selection of craft supplies and hand-made items. www.eventbrite.co.uk

 

Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Sat 28 Sep to Sun 29 Sep

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The Malvern Autumn Show is back for another year and they’ve got some exciting new additions up their sleeve. Pull up a seat at their Westons Cider Garden or wet your whistle at the Malvern Gin Show. Of course, there will be plenty of grub to feast on at the food fall, including classic british dishes and recipes made by artisan producers. www.malvernautumn.co.uk

 

Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Woolley Grange Hotel, Bradford-on-Avon, Fri 27 Sep to Sun 6 Oct

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Loyal Muddy readers will know how much we adore Woolley Grange Hotel. This fabulous hotel is a proud sponsor of Bath Children’s Literature Festival, so why not stay here whilst enjoying the festival? Their two-night festival break includes a two course dinner each evening and a complimentary 30 minute spa treatment. www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

 

Cowley Manor Open Day, Cowley Manor, Cheltenham, Sun 29 Sep

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Dreaming of a gorgeous manor wedding? Visit Cowley Manor Open Day for a glimpse at your potential dream venue. Tour the grand restaurant set for your wedding breakfast. Taste a sample of cocktails that can be offered on the day, and dream about how you’d dress the impressive terrace for the all important ceremony. Open Days are available by appointment only so make sure to book your space! www.cowleymanor.com

Wiltshire Game & Country Fair, Bowood House, Sat 28 Sep to Sun 29 Sep

Bowood House have put together a weekend celebrating all things country. The weekend is packed with events including falconry displays, horseboarding, country spots, fly casting and, perhaps my favourite, a dog showcase! Bring along your own pooch and the kids for some great outdoor fun. www.bowood.org

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Don’t miss!

British Tapas Deal, The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury, Available from Monday to Sunday throughout September

Enjoy some picky bits from the delicious menu at The Old Bell Hotel. This bargain deal includes two British Tapas dishes and glass of wine or pint of beer – whatever your tipple! oldbellhotel.co.uk

The Whistlestop Cafe, throughout September

Peachy Belts – Launch of new range, Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley House, Stamford, Thurs 5 to Mon 9 Sep

Catch a glimpse of Peachy Belts new winter range at Burghley Horse Trials. These italian leather belts, handmade in England have become famous in the riding community for their wearibilty, practicality and style. The new range includes a gorgeous blue leopard print, a steer’s head embossed in the leather and the much awaited new Bit Belt. www.peachybelts.co.uk

Baby’s First Stay Away, Woolley Grange Hotel, Bradford-on-Avon, Valid Sunday to Wednesday until Thurs 19 Dec  

Bringing kids away for the first time can be a daunting experience. The plans you had to relax and unwind can quickly become stressful. Woolley Grange Hotel have set up the perfect get away if you plan to bring a baby. They’ll provide anything you need whether its bottle cleaning, baby listening service, highchairs or cots. They have thought of everything to ensure you’ll have the most stress-free family break possible. Included in the deal is a personalised welcome hamper, parent and baby first swim lesson, Baby Breakfast Club and babysitting services. www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

September Exclusive Offers, Tranquil Moment, Devizes, Throughout September

Get 20% off all treatments in September if you book with Tranquil Moments new therapist, Cara. www.tranquilmoment.co.uk

Book ahead

Create a Room Scheme – Workshop, Susie Watson Designs, Marlborough, Thurs 10 Oct

Susie Watson designs are making full use of their amazing new fabric and lighting showroom. Join the team for a morning interactive workshop on how to create different room schemes, highlighting the importance of colour, texture, pattern and lighting choices. www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk

Yoga Retreat, The Yoga Glow, Calne, Fri 11 Oct to Sun 13 Oct

Escape the buzz of every-day life for a tranquil yoga wellness weekend in Calne. This grade || listed home is a gorgeous location for those searching to reconnect with the beauty of slow and simple. The two-night retreat will include all of the yoga and meditation sessions and delicious meals. If you’re searching for the chance to escape, recharge and rebalance, this will be the retreat for you. www.theyogaglowuk.com

Nothing to Lose – Online Course, Inger Kenobi Life Coach, Wed 16 Oct

Inger Kenobi believes we should always be questioning how we live our lives, and who is the person we’re meant to be. Join this five week course to embrace a courageous new way of being and shake off all the baggage which is stopping you from living as your free self. www.ingerkenobi.com

Voyages – An Exhibitions of Textile Art by Visual Marks, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury, Sat 5 Oct to Sat 2 Nov

Visual Marks is a group of textiles artists who joined forces six years ago to share one another’s ideas, their inspiration and their skill. Each artist has a clear and unique style, yet all pieces come together as one collection, and in turn, create artwork that has true beauty and emotion. fishertonmill.co.uk

Chippenham Vegan Fair, Chippenham, Sun 27 Oct

FURTHER AFIELD 

NEW EXHIBITION: William Blake, Tate Britain, London, 11 Sept – 2 Feb 2020 

Poet, painter and printmaker William Blake has created some of the most iconic images in British art. This new exhibition, the largest of Blake’s work for almost 20 years, will feature over 300 original works, as well as an immersive recreation of the small domestic room in which Blake showed his art in 1809. Other pieces will be digitally recreated on an enormous scale. tate.org.uk

FESTIVAL: Emerge Festival, various London locations, 27 – 28 Sept 

Dubbed as ‘Night at the Museum meets Glastonbury’ this new arts festival, hosted in venues across London, features 30 ‘late’ events from music, performance, poets, DJs and cocktails. The aim of the game? To visit as many as you can – a ticket gets you a wristband that gives you entry to every single event on the night. See the full line up here. emergefestival.co.uk

NEW EXHIBITION: Tim Walker: Wonderful Things, V&A Museum, London, from 21 Sept