Unmissable events
Exhibition July 14–22 Jacqueline and A. Lincoln Taber (right), Geedon Gallery, Fingringhoe, Essex. Recent works by the mother, who primarily paints still-lifes, and son, who has a propensity for insects (01206 728587; www.geedongallery.co.uk)
July 17–August 4 ‘Britten’s War Requiem Print Exhibition’, Kevis House Gallery, Petworth, West Sussex. Series of eight prints inspired by Britten’s War Requiem by artist Ruth Dent, who made initial sketches while watching a performance of the piece (01798 215007; www. kevishouse.com)
Jousting July 14–15, 21–22 and 28–29 Summer jousting tournaments, Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, Kent. The Knights of Royal England will battle it out in the saddle and on foot in an authentic arena, surrounded by gardens dating back to the 13th century. There will be further tournaments throughout August. Adult admission £14.50 (01732 865224; www.hevercastle. co.uk)
Festival July 18 Lycetts Festival of Hunting, East of England Showground, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Annual showcase with the greatest gathering of hounds in the country plus an inter-hunt relay and in-hand and ridden equine classes. Adult tickets £18 on the gate (01733 363513; http://festivalofhunting.com)
Gardens July 14 Gordon Castle Walled Garden open day, Fochabers, Moray. One of the largest and oldest walled gardens has been restored by Anne Maynard, with vegetables, fruit, herbs, cut-flower beds and 259 espaliered trees across its eight acres. Adult admission £5, 10am–4pm (01343 612317; Dittisham Gardens, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0ES. July 14–15, 2pm–5pm. Combined admission £6, children free Overlooking a wide sweep of the River Dart and protected by gentle hills behind, the picture-postcard village of Dittisham offers a group of gardens, many of them seemingly clinging to steep hillsides. They show fascinating variety, from riots of colour in front of thatched cottages to choice plant rarities and elegant modernism.
Book now July 26, 27 and 28 Sushi Sho presented by Tate St Ives & Carousel, Cornwall. Chef Carl Ishizaki of Stockholm’s Michelinstarred Sushi Sho will take over the gallery’s kitchens using local seafood. Dinner tickets (£49.50pp) include five courses plus access to the Patrick Heron exhibition after it has closed to the public, with sake and wine pairings available. Bar tickets (£14.50pp) include access to a Japanese barbecue and the exhibition (01736 796226; www.tate.org.uk)
July 29 Folksy Theatre presents Love’s Labour’s Lost, Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Somerset. Open-air Shakespeare on the Orangery Lawn with live music and audience interaction. Picnics encouraged. Adult tickets £13.50, 6pm– 8.30pm (01823 413923; www. hestercombe.com)