The Calendar

The world's greatest literary festival, held each May in the small border town of Hay-on-Wye. Over ten days, hundreds of writers, thinkers, scientists and artists gather in a tented village on the edge of the Black Mountains. Bill Clinton once called it 'the Woodstock of the mind' — and he wasn't wrong.

Two weeks of guided walks across Herefordshire, from gentle riverside strolls to challenging ridge walks in the Black Mountains. Led by expert local guides, the walks cover history, wildlife, geology and landscape. A wonderful way to explore the county with people who know it intimately.

One of the world's leading poetry festivals, held each July in the beautiful market town of Ledbury. Readings, workshops, walks and performances take place in churches, pubs, gardens and the medieval market hall. The town itself becomes the venue.

The oldest choral festival in the world, rotating annually between the cathedrals of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester. Founded in 1715, it brings together three cathedral choirs and a professional orchestra for a week of orchestral concerts, recitals and choral evensongs. When it comes to Hereford, the cathedral close becomes the heart of the festival.

One of the UK's best folk festivals, held over the August bank holiday weekend in Shrewsbury. Six stages, hundreds of artists, workshops, ceilidhs and a wonderful family atmosphere. The programming spans traditional folk, world music, blues and acoustic singer-songwriters.

The Royal Horticultural Society's autumn show at the Three Counties Showground, celebrating the harvest season with spectacular floral displays, produce competitions, food and drink, and a wonderful plant nursery market. One of the great horticultural events of the English calendar.

One of England's finest food festivals, held in the grounds of Ludlow Castle each September. Over 180 producers from across the Marches and beyond, cookery demonstrations by celebrated chefs, and the extraordinary backdrop of a medieval castle. Ludlow has long been considered one of England's great food towns.

Herefordshire is the heartland of English cider, and this annual festival celebrates the county's most important drink with producers from across the Three Shires and beyond. Dozens of ciders and perries to taste, live music, food stalls, and the chance to meet the people who make it.

A celebration of Herefordshire's extraordinary food and drink heritage, held in the city centre each autumn. Local producers, chefs, artisan bakers, cheesemakers and cider makers gather to showcase the best of the county's larder. Cookery demonstrations, tastings and a lively market.

A growing literary festival celebrating writing in all its forms, held across venues in Worcester city centre each autumn. Author talks, panel discussions, writing workshops and events for children and young people.