OCTOBER

LOCAL EVENT
CELEBRATING AGE
Where: Council House, College Green, Bristol
When: 3 Oct
What: Take your grandparents along to the grand finale of a week of Celebrating Age events – expect performance, salsa, singalongs, debate and a Big Band. Price: free. Web: www.bristol.gov.uk/celebratingage

LOCAL EVENT
THE TIMES CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Cheltenham
When: 9-18 Oct
What: No details at time of going to press, but expect some extra-special celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the world’s oldest literature festival which plays host to over 400 famous writers. Programme published in August. Price: various. Tel: 0844 576 7979, web: http://cheltenhamfestivals.com

BFI LONDON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Where: South Bank, London
When: 14-29 Oct
What: The UK’s largest public film event, screening over 300 films from around 60 countries and attracting plenty of VIPs. Price: various. Tel: 0207 8151323, web: www.lff.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
BRISTOL CAJUN & ZYDECO FESTIVAL
Where: Bristol Folk House, Park Street, Bristol
When: 16-18 Oct
What: Sixth outing for this weekend of Louisianan music, dance and food with international acts like Ajun Roosters, The Cajun Dawgs, Downtown Cajun Band, Zigazag Z-Funk and Whiskey River Boys playing a mixture of Cajun and zydeco music, plus dance and music workshops and jam sessions. Cajun cooking, too. Bookings open 17 Aug. Price: tba. Web: www.bristolcajunfestival.com

LOCAL EVENT
WEST BRISTOL ARTS TRAIL
Where: Hotwells, Clifton, Cliftonwood and Spike Island, Bristol
When: 16-18 Oct
What: Annual celebration of local arts and crafts. Price: free. Web: www.westbristolarts.org.uk

WHITBY MUSICPORT WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Where: Bridlington Spa, East Yorkshire
When: 23-25 Oct
What: Fine mini-WOMAD-type affair by the beach, in a new venue, refurbed a year or so ago to the tune of £18m. Acts slated for this year include Nitin Sawhney, Misty In Roots, The African Jazz Allstars, Mad Professor, Les Quatre Étoiles (Congo) and Tashi Lhunpo Monks (Tibet). Price: £79.50 adult w/e. Tel: 01947 603475, web: www.musicportfestival.com/

LOCAL EVENT
SONGSMITH FESTIVAL
Where: various venues, Bristol city centre
When: 9-11 Oct
What: Formerly known as the BARSS Fest, this showcase of singer-songwriters features gigs, open mics, after-parties and online activities. Friday night will be held at Mr Wolf’s and feature five acts for under a fiver. Saturday is at the Louisiana (midday to midnight) with two stages, covering both acoustic and electric acts while Sunday (4pm until 11pm) is devoted to covers bands. Acts already confirmed include Jemma Rycroft, Hazel Mills, Uncle John and the Germans, Anna Ruth Young and Helen Ditchburn, Diego, Cedar Rose, Ten Pound Suit Band and Sun Dogs, The Bonshells, High Speed Hangover and Adieux. Price: tbc (“weekend will be under a tenner”). Email: songsmithfest@jumpingjoint.co.uk

NOVEMBER

SOUTHPORT WEEKENDER 45
Where: Pontins Holiday Camp, Southport, Merseyside
When: 6-8 Nov
What: Autumn leg of the seminal soul two-dayer. See 8-10 May. Prices: £150. Tel: 0870 990 1987, web: www.southportweekender.co.uk

LOCAL EVENT
ENCOUNTERS 12TH INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Where: Watershed, Canons Rd, Bristol
When: 17-22 Nov
What: Competitive short/animated film festival, the largest of its kind in the UK, showcasing over 300 new international short films each year. Debates, hands-on workshops and celebrity interviews too, as well as a gala awards ceremony. Price: various. Tel: 0117 929 9188, web: www.encounters-festival.org.uk

Back to Festival Guide Index