York bars
York's fourth annual Food and Drink Festival begins next Friday, with celebrity cookery demonstrations, speciality food markets, themed dinners and tutored wine and ale tastings. Daily September 22 - October 1. Most events free. Various venues, primarily the Nestlé Festival Food Theatre, St Samson's Square, York. Festival guide and info: 01904 554430.
Wearing well
What is the well-dressed well wearing this season? Chesterfield embraces the ancient custom of decorating wells with pictures made from petals. Chesterfield tourist information centre: 01246 345777/8.
At easel
St Ives' heritage as an artists' colony, accentuated since the arrival of the Tate, is celebrated in the town's annual art festival. Daily until September 23. Tickets: 01736 796888. St Ives, Cornwall.
Bank holiday
Fireworks, theatrical shows, sculptures, art exhibitions, children's treasure hunts and a torchlit procession spill over London's river and on to its banks as part of the 2000 Thames Festival. Sunday noon-9.30pm. Free. Between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges.
Volume sales
Scotland's 18th International Antiquarian Book Fair is an opportunity to see and buy rare, valuable books, manuscripts, maps, art and illustrated children's editions, displayed by booksellers from all over the world. September 21-23. £5 (£10 for Thursday preview). Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh (0131-220 4348/9).
Old favourites
The Collectors' Day at Snowshill Manor brings flags, miniature steam engines, old agricultural implements and 18th-century glass from local enthusiasts to a Cotswold home already crowded with toys, musical instruments and bicycles. Saturday noon - 5pm. £6/£3/family £15. Snowshill, Nr Broadway, Worcestershire (01386 852410).
On the beat
Take a picnic to Audley End House and Gardens and listen to classical pieces, music from modern shows, traditional marches and jazz from the Essex Police Band. Sunday (performances 2pm and 3.15pm). £4.50/£2.50 (house extra). Nr Saffron Walden, Essex (01799 522399).
Claws for thought
The Egremont Crab Fair features neither crabs nor fairs, but sports such as the greasy pole, Cumbrian wrestling, a pipe-smoking contest, track events, terrier racing and an apple-cart parade. The world-renowned gurning (face-pulling) competition in the town hall rounds it all off. Sat. 8.30am to evening. £2.50 entry to sports field, otherwise free. Baybarrow Road, Egremont (01946 821554).
