Unmissable events
Exhibition Until October 29 ‘Power & Portraiture: painting at the court of Elizabeth I’, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. An exploration of how the Queen and her courtiers used paintings to control their public image. The National Portrait Gallery’s ‘Phoenix’ portrait will be on display (01296 820414; http://waddesdon.org.uk)
Game fair June 30–July 2 GWCT Scottish Game Fair (below), Scone Palace, Perthshire. This countryside showcase will host the inaugural Four Nations International Gundog competition and a newly revamped fishing area. Adult tickets from £20 (0844 776 6777; www.scottishfair. com)
Festivals July 1–2 Garden Museum Literary Festival, Boughton House, Geddington, Northamptonshire. Hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, speakers include COUNTRY LIFE contributor John Lewis-stempel, Sir Roy Strong and Roy Lancaster, plus garden tours and an exhibition. Tickets from £25 (020–7401 8865; http:// gardenmuseum.org.uk)
July 2 Lymington Italia Festival, Hampshire. A convoy of 50 Ferraris will drive from Lymington Yacht Haven to the high street, which will host an Italian market with fantastic food and wines. 10am– 4pm (www.lymingtonitalia.co.uk)
July 5–9 Henley Festival (above), Oxfordshire. This year’s black-tie festival boasts performances on the Floating Stage from the Pet Shop Boys, Chaka Khan and the Heritage Orchestra, plus comedy from Angus Deayton and food and visual arts galore. Tickets from £45 (http://henley-festival.co.uk; 01491 843404)
July 6–16 Jam on the Marsh, Romney Marsh, Kent. Multi-arts festival with the Marsh’s medieval churches at its heart. Musical performances, from Bach and Handel to jazz, will be complemented by art, theatre, poetry, children’s events and church tours. Visit the website for full programme and prices (www.jamconcert.org; 0800 988 7984)
Gardens July 2 The Old Rectory charity garden opening, North Cerney, Gloucestershire. The gardens will host a sculpture trail, ceramic studio and delicious cream teas in aid of Scrubditch Care Farm. 2pm– 5pm, entry £5 (01285 831750; www.scrubditchcarefarm.org.uk)
Book now July 22 A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Altt-y-bela, Usk, Monmouthshire. The Handle Bards, the group that travels to venues by bicycle, will perform in the Garden Theatre. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy before the play starts at 7pm. Parking is at Usk Showground with a minibus to the gardens. Tickets £22 (020–7689 8100; http://arnemaynard.com)
Spetchley Park, Spetchley, Worcestershire WR5 1RS July 2, 11am–6pm. Admission £7, children £2.50 The classical façade of Spetchley looks out to sweeping lawns dropping away to a large lake and views to the distant Malvern Hills. Throughout nearly 30 acres, there are happy surprises to be discovered in different enclosures, including memories of the Edwardian plantswoman Ellen Willmott and rare plants, from trees to herbaceous gems.