Guided tour of Wigmore Castle

For keen historians, an event at the ruined Wigmore Castle might be the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in local history.

English Heritage volunteers will be leading ‘Wonders of Wigmore Castle’ tours as part of their heritage open days, where visitors can learn more about the history of the castle and explore the site.

The Heritage days will take place on 13 September at 11am and 3pm, and booking is not required.

The tours promise to be an interesting and educational day, with the castle ruins and surrounding areas providing hours of discovery for keen adventurers.

Wigmore castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest and was a major centre of power for over 500 years, but was later dismantled to prevent its use during the English Civil War. Today it remains buried up until the first-floor level, with many of the castle walls and fortification surviving to their full height.

Guided tours of the castle are free, and visitors are encouraged to bring their best walking boots to make sure they can take in all aspects of the historic landmark. For those wanting to make a day of it, the picturesque views from the ruins make the perfect spot for lunch for picnickers.

James Mason fine art exhibition

The artist has opened up his private exhibition following the show's success.The artist has opened up his private exhibition following the show's success. (Image: James Mason)

A Herefordshire artist is welcoming members of the public to view his acclaimed "striking" and "enigmatic" collection for free.

James Mason, a Hereford artist, photographer, and professional musician, has opened his previously private exhibition at The Courtyard Hereford to members of the public to take in his vibrant and unique collection.

Mr Mason creates energetic pieces of art with a “visceral power” and natural ability to transport the viewer, which will be on display at The Courtyard until September 8.

The main process for the majority of his work is "scraping, smoothing and pulling paint, through multiple layers, using different tools".  

The final piece will all depend on the colours chosen, as well as the direction, angles and pressures applied. This distinctive process allows the painting to produce a "unique affective" and "when ready, reveals itself".

Since retiring from his longstanding career as a commercial photographer, James has reignited his passion for art, which is mostly abstract, and is derived from “focusing on positives during the global pandemic, influencing his bright and neon colour palettes – brighter colours in darker times”.

Local fans of Mr Mason's work will be pleased to know that not only is he offering one exhibition for free in the county, his work will also be exhibited at Canwood Gallery in Checkley until September 15.

Leominster Food Fayre

The annual Leominster Food Fayre is back!The annual Leominster Food Fayre is back! (Image: Martini archive)

For food lovers in the county, the Leominster Food Fayre could be the event for you this September! The event is free to enter and showcases local food and drink producers in Leominster and the surrounding area. The event is described as being a wonderful occasion for both the local community and visitors to the town.

Organised by Leominster town council and Leominster Information Centre, the not-for-profit food fayre promises to exhibit around 40 local food and drink producers to locals and tourists, along with bringing live entertainment and children’s activities to the town.

Some of this years confirmed stalls and vendors include: Boozey Belles, Case For Cooking, Divine Donuts, Good & Proper Brownies, Gun Dog Gin, Happy Dumpling 365, Kelsmor Dairy, Miniyaki's, Natural Ice, Origin Pizza, Overbite Brewhouse and Bob’s Curry Hut.

The event will take place in the town's Etnam Street car park on Saturday September 7 between 10am and 3pm, with entertainment set to take place in the Secret Garden and on The Grange.

Some of the entertainment on offer this year includes Kids Kitchen, which will be held in the Secret Garden from 10.30am until 1.30pm.

 The children's entertainment event is comprised of "stay-and-play" style cooking sessions and through these and other activities the company help young children and their adults "explore, enjoy and engage with food and each other".