Unmissable events
Exhibition September 7–28 ‘From Where I Stand’ (right), Sarah Wiseman Gallery, South Parade, Oxford. Still lifes by keen gardener Sarah Spackman, who often paints produce from her own allotments, selecting fruit and vegetables for the intensity of their colour or shape (01865 515123; www.wisegal.com)
Until September 22 Great North Art Show, Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Hundreds of works by the finest Northern contemporary artists will be displayed in the aisles, with special showcases of Tottering illustrations by COUNTRY LIFE’S Annie Tempest and animal paintings by Tania Still. 10am–4.30pm, free entry (www.greatnorthartshow.co.uk; 01765 603534)
Country September 12–15 Orvis UK Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival, St Mawes, Cornwall. Take part in sessions for beginners or more experienced anglers and friendly competitions along the shoreline. There will also be demonstrations from fly-fishing experts, film screenings and the opportunity to hire a boat. Entry £90 (01326 279278; www.saltwaterflyfishinguk.com)
September 14 Weald of Kent Ploughing Match, Poplars Farm, Horsmonden, Kent. Ploughing, dog, gymkhana and clay-shoot competitions, plus birds of prey, tossing the sheaf, hounds, gundogs, terrier racing, tug-of-war, trade stands and a farmer’s market. 9am–7pm, adult tickets £6.50 online or £7.50 on the gate (www.wkpma.co.uk)
Festival September 20–22 Chatsworth Arts Festival, Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire. Headline acts include musician, writer and poet Jarvis Cocker, leading contemporary artist Mark Wallinger, cook and TV presenter Sarah Raven and Gucci artist in residence Rachel Feinstein. 9.45am–6.30pm, adult day pass from £30 (01246 565300; www.chatsworth.org)
Ceramics September 7–October 20 Watts Ceramics 2019, Watts Contemporary Gallery, Compton, Surrey. The first group ceramics show at the gallery fittingly takes place in one of the original Compton Pottery buildings and brings together the works of 10 female contemporary artists, in a tribute to the legacy of ceramic artist Mary Watts (01483 810235; www.wattsgallery.org.uk) September 7–October 13 British Ceramics Biennial, Stoke-on-trent, Staffordshire. More than 300 contemporary artists and makers come together for exhibitions, installations and events at iconic venues, including the original Spode factory and World of Wedgwood (01782 294634; www.britishceramicsbiennial.com)
Music September 9 The Gardeners, Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1. Premiered in June, this new chamber opera by Robert Hugill and Joanna Wyld is about gardeners caring for a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, exploring themes of tolerance, remembrance and renewal. Tickets £25, including a glass of wine (www.thegardeners.org)
The Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB. September 7, 10.30am–4pm. £6, children free Since reopening in 2017, following an impressive renovation, the Garden Museum has confirmed its position as one of London’s most characterful small museums and galleries and the best in the country devoted to gardens. This is enhanced by the exquisite series of small gardens, most with planting by Dan Pearson. With many exotic plants and some rarities, the gardens merit a visit on their own.