picks from the festival calendar, Lounge On The Farm. Set on picturesque Merton Farm in the rolling Kent countryside, this hip boutique event offers a varied line-up of music, comedy and children’s events with a focus on local food and environmental

traditions, the sixth Bloomsbury Festival will be taking place from October 19-20 with over 150 free events taking place in a variety of venues across the neighbourhood.Many of the events will be housed in unusual and rarely opened venues and will cover a

can save the day at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbotfor one day only.Global VillageJuly 1A mixed arts festival in Cyfarthfa Park, first founded to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Mertyr Tydfil. A variety of music, dance and art

will also offer skating lessons, lantern parades, Cornish choirs and a giant Christmas tree.Dickens Christmas Market and Festive Food FayreNovember 30 –December 18Set in the beautiful grounds of Kent’s Rochester Castle this event will kick off

varied line-up of live music. Roald Dahl Festival 2012July 7A spectacular parade will wind through the market square in Aylesbury today featuring characters from ten of the legendary author’s best-loved stories including James And The Giant Peach

and mulled wine and mince pies for parents.The Spirit Of Christmas PastDecember 11Step into the past at the Ulster Folk And Transport Museum with an afternoon of festivities straight out of the 1900’s. Create your own Christmas decorations, make sweet music

4th The rites of springJoin in the May Day celebrations at Eastbury Manor House in Essex, where regal fancy dress is encouraged, historical music shall fill the garden and a twirl round the Maypole may prove irresistible. Tel: 020 8724 1002; www

halls with festive finery after taking part in a family workshop at Hopetoun House. A jolly time is certain to be had by all with mince pies and music adding to the cheerful Christmas atmosphere.Christmas DeerwalkDecember 17–18Wrap up warm and take a

Monster Mash. This free festival of frights will feature music and dance performances, face-painting, spooky workshops, a dazzling fireworks display and much more.Cockle Row CottagesOctober 30Take a brisk autumnal stroll along the quaint seafront

Christmas At BeamishNovember 19–January 2Discover the traditions of Christmas through the ages at the interactive Beamish Museum in County Durham where you can experience all the trimmings of a Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian Christmas. Festive