Miranda Norris

Three Choirs Vineyards in Newent expects another strong harvest after a wet start to the year followed by prolonged dry, hot weather. Martin Fowke says the conditions have accelerated vine growth and could produce very good wines, while climate change is enabling greater ripeness and experimentation in English winemaking but requires future vineyards to plan for hotter, drier summers. The vineyard produces about 250,000 bottles annually and will offer tasting tours and lunches during the harvest season.

The Blackthorn Ritualistic Folk Samhain Gathering will take place at Canon Frome Court in Ledbury on October 31 from 2pm. Activities will include tarot readings, a goblin market, performances of songs, dances and ceremonies, a masked ceilidh, food and a licensed bar.

A flower pressing masterclass led by Sarah of Meadow and Thyme will take place at Netherwood Manor in Tenbury Wells on August 21. Participants will collect flowers from the gardens, use a traditional press, and create floral artwork to take home. The £325 ticket includes materials, refreshments, and a two-course lunch.

The Amp, a new 1,400-capacity pop-up venue at The Courtyard in Hereford, will host 20 performances throughout August. The programme includes K-Pop All Stars, Blue on their 25th anniversary tour, James Morrison, Chris Ramsey, Paul Carrack, ABC, Kim Wilde, Alfie Boe and Jools Holland, alongside several other music and comedy acts. The Courtyard says the venue will attract new audiences, support tourism and strengthen Herefordshire’s profile as a live-entertainment destination, while audiences are encouraged to book quickly because several events have sold out.

The Malverns Classic, described as the UK's largest cycling festival, will return to Eastnor Deer Park from August 20–23. The event will include the Balance Bike World Championship, elite and recreational racing, skills coaching, trade exhibitions, camping and family entertainment. Festival director Si Paton said the event aims to bring together cyclists of all experience levels and people seeking an outdoor family day out.

Kath, a resident of Colwall Care Home in Malvern, celebrated her birthday with a surprise visit to Sheepcote Equestrian. She met dressage rider David Pincus, spent time with several horses and watched a training session. The visit revived memories of her childhood experiences with horses in Edinburgh, later riding lessons, and breeding Irish Draught horses with her second husband. Care home staff and the equestrian team said they were pleased to celebrate her lifelong passion.

Eastnor Castle will host circus skills workshops led by international circus entertainer Thomas Trilby from Sunday, July 26, to Thursday, July 30. Included with admission, the drop-in sessions will teach skills such as stilt walking and juggling, with daily circus shows at 2pm. The castle grounds will be open from 10:30am to 5:30pm, with final admission at 3pm.

British artist and environmental activist Leah Wood will exhibit her floral collection, “An English Summer,” at Canwood Gallery in Checkley, Hereford, from August 20 to September 20. Inspired by the English countryside, the paintings depict flowers, sunlight and plants in their natural habitats. Wood combines traditional oils with acrylic, glue, chalks and cling film to draw attention to the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics.

Ralph Court Gardens in Bromyard will host a dinosaur-themed event from July 25 to August 24, featuring guided dinosaur walkabouts at noon and 2:30 p.m., photo opportunities, close-up encounters and a dinosaur-themed quiz. The walkabouts depend on weather conditions and the dinosaur’s behavior, while the gardens’ Dinosaur World includes moving animatronic dinosaurs.

OCC Hire Services Ltd has agreed to sponsor Ledbury Primary School’s football team, supporting opportunities for pupils to develop their skills and compete in sports. The Ledbury-based firm, active nationally in plant and equipment hire and project management, emphasised its commitment to giving back to the local community. The school expressed gratitude for the contribution.

Nozstock, a boutique family‑friendly festival in Herefordshire, returns with a wide range of music across multiple stages, featuring artists such as General Levy, Mungo's Hi Fi, Gardna and Eva Lazarus. Set in Rowden Paddocks, the event offers performances spanning genres from roots and rock to drum and bass, along with activities suitable for all ages.

A choral group founded by Stephen Taberner marks its 25th anniversary with a UK tour that includes a performance at Canon Frome Court on July 27, featuring both classic pieces and newer work, following nearly 1,000 gigs, eight albums, and numerous tours.