October

SWANAGE BLUES
Where: Various venues, Sawnage, Dorset
When: 1-3 Oct
What: Totally free blues fest to constructively channel all that heartache and sorrow. There will be daily open mic opportunities, electric jam sessions, street buskers and a gospel service, not to mention 40 gigs spread over 15 venues. Mick Joyce, Tjaye Martin and Kangaroo Moon will be amongst those 40. Price: free. Web: www.swanage-blues.org

LOCAL EVENT
THE TIMES CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Cheltenham
When: 8-17 Oct
What: Programme yet to be announced for this swanky book bonanza that attracts cultured minds from all around to bathe in the milky erudite teachings of literature’s brightest. Simon Armitage was one of 2009’s guest directors, and appearances ranged from TV personalities (Jo Brand, Jeremy Paxman, Michael Palin) to full-blown author types (Sebastian Faulks, Sophie Dahl, Sarah Waters) and Liberal Democrats desperate to boost their profile (Nick Clegg, Vince Cable). Price: various. Tel: 0844 576 8970, web: www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk

OX4
Where: Various venues, Cowley Rd, Oxford
When: 10 Oct
What: Yet another event organised by the musical bods behind Truck festival, OX4 showcases the emerging talents from in and around the OX4 postcode with a series of shows on Oxford’s Cowley Road. Shows will be spread around 10 venues, with headline shows coming from post rockers Jonquil, Dalek and London ‘Dominos’ peddlers The Big Pink. Price: £15. Web: www.thisistruck.com

BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
Where: South Bank, London
When: 14-29 Oct
What: The UK’s largest film festival that showcases new films across the full range of world cinema in various venues along the South Bank of the Thames. Far too many films to mention are lined up for screenings, in categories from New British Cinema to French Revolutions to Experimental and Short Cuts and Animation. Price: various. Web: www.bfi.org.uk/lff

LOCAL EVENT
THE BRISTOL CAJUN AND ZYDECO FESTIVAL
Where: Bristol Folk House, Park Street, Bristol
When: 15-17 Oct
What: The Folk House hosts a weekend of music, food and dance for those looking for a little piece of Louisiana in central Bristol. According to the organisers, there’ll be Cajun music a-plenty (“upbeat and ideal for Cajun jitterbug”) as well as its “earthy, raunchy, bluesy” variant, zydeco. Price: TBC. Tel: 01227 274340, web: www.bristolcajunfestival.com

LOCAL EVENT
WEST BRISTOL ARTS TRAIL
Where: Clifton, Cliftonwood, Hotwells and Spike Island, Bristol
When: 16-17 Oct
What: 120 of west Bristol’s art set open the doors of their homes and studios to exhibit their work to the general public. In addition to the domestic showings, exhibitions have also previously taken place in cafes and pubs like The Primrose Café, The Boston Tea Party, The Mall and The Bear. Price: free. Web: www.westbristolarts.org.uk

MUSICPORT FESTIVAL
Where: Bridlington Spa, East Yorks
When: 22-24 Oct
What: The largest indoor world music festival the UK has to offer. Acts currently being negotiated include Jah Wobble’s Japanese Dub, Anxo Lorenzo Band, Eric Mongrain, Havana D’ Primera, The New Rope String Band and Frome’s Invisible System. Also a full programme of adult workshops, films and activities for the kiddies. Price: £89.50 (Mid Tern tickets). Tel: 0845 373 2760, web: www.musicportfestival.com

SUPERSONIC
Where: The Custard Factory and various venues, Birmingham
When: 22-24 Oct
What: Curated by Brum-based promoters Capsule, Supersonic has attracted rave reviews in recent years from the UK’s underground music press for its eclectic approach, Supersonic showcases some of the most exciting leftfield acts from the UK and beyond. Cult NYC noiseniks Swans are confirmed to headline, and previous festivals have seen Mogwai, Battles and LCD Soundsystem appear. Their finger is so accurately on the pulse it’s practically stopping the bloodflow. Price: £75 w/e. Web: www.capusle.org.uk/supersonic

November

LOCAL EVENT
BATH FILM FESTIVAL
Where: Various venues, Bath
When: 12-20 Nov
What: 20th outing of the Bath Film Festival, showcasing emerging and established talent in the city’s many wonderful cinemas and theatres. Prices: TBC. Web: www.bathfilmfestival.org.uk

LOCAL EVENT
ENCOUNTERS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Where: Watershed, Canons Rd, Bristol
When: 16-21 Nov
What: Short/animated film festival that takes place in The Watershed, offering a platform for new filmmakers to showcase their work. Prizes are awarded in a gala ceremony, and there are also debates workshops and celebrity interviews to take part in. Prices: TBC. Web: www.encounters-festival.org.uk

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