10 Great Events in September

We've had a golden summer and you can make it last a little bit longer with a visit to one of these great September events in Staffordshire!

1. The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance

This has to be the quirkiest event in Staffordshire, if not the whole country! 

The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance (10th September) dates back to the 13th Century, and features 12 dancers on a procession around Abbots Bromley and surrounding villages.

They include a man dressed as Maid Marian, a Hobby Horse, and six Deer-men, who wear ancient reindeer antlers which are older than the dance itself, having been carbon-dated to 1065.

No-one really knows why they do it, but what we do know is it makes a great spectacle and people visit from all over the world to see it for themselves.

There's also a village fair, Morris dancing and plenty more to enjoy on the day. And you can have a go at the dance yourself if you ask nicely!

2. Not About Heroes, Lichfield Cathedral

Something else that has been around for ages is our medieval masterpiece, Lichfield Cathedral.

This year, the cathedral has lined up a series of events to mark the centenary of the end of World War One.

It began with the stunning Imagine: Peace light show in August, and continues this month with Not About Heroes, a new exhibition of artist Denis May's interpretations of the poems of Wilfred Own.

Opening on 16th September, and running to 31st October, Not About Heroes features 28 lino-cuts juxtaposing religious and artistic subjects against scenes of war.

And also this month, The Icon Project will reach its conclusion with the consecration of the icon - a beautiful depiction of Christ on the cross - on 14th September.

3. Autumn Festival, National Memorial Arboretum

From one iconic structure to another.

The beautiful Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum will be the backdrop for the Autumn Festival on September 22nd and 23rd.

A celebration of all things Autumn, the weekend will include a food and craft fair, live music, archery, children's crafts, woodland animals and loads more!

While you're on site, visit some of the 350+ memorials, such as the Royal Air Force Association Memorial, check out the thought-provoking Landscapes of Life exhibition.

Or why not take a relaxing stroll around the stunning grounds awash with colour? There are over 30000 trees which are sure to provide a wonderful display this Autumn.

4. Heritage Guided Walk, Leek

Discover the story behind the Victorian and Georgian architecture of Leek on the Heritage Guided Walk on September 8th.

Starting at the Nicholson Institute at 11am, the 90 minute walk will take in many of the town's beautiful buildings, including those designed by The Sugden Family, a local family firm of architects who were inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement of the late 19th and early 20th Century.

Costing £3 per person, the walk is fairly flat apart from a slight incline on St Edward Street.

After your walk, head into the Nicholson Institute and enjoy the works of the Society of Staffordshire Artists at the Insight exhibition.

5. Heritage Open Days, venues across Staffordshire

The annual celebration of the nation's heritage, Heritage Open Days provide a rare opportunity to visit historic buildings and special events at some of the county's best heritage attractions.

There are more than 50 events going on across the county, over two weekends - 8th/9th and 15th/16th September - and highlights include a rare chance to visit heritage buildings like the Bethesda Chapel and the Chatterley Whitfield colliery in Stoke-on-Trent.

And there are special events at pottery attractions including Middleport Pottery, where there is free access to all heritage areas and the chance to see the original steam engine in action and World of Wedgwood, where museum tours are free on 6th and 7th September.

Details of all Heritage Open Days events in Staffordshire are available at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

6. Tamworth Food Gusto

Foodies will love the Tamworth Food Gusto Festival, which is back at the Tamworth Castle Grounds for the fourth time on September 8th and 9th.

The 70+ food and drink producers from across the region will provide a real flavour of Staffordshire, with venison, pies, preserves and artisan breads, and tantalising treats like bison burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and traditional vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from.

Be sure to check out the demonstrations and tastings too, as well as the beer tent, live music and entertainment.

And there's plenty of fun for the kids with face painting, rides, and bouncy castle.

Admission is £2 per person, apart from for the under 10s, who get in free.

7. Chilli, Cheese & Chocolate Festival, Dorothy Clive Garden

There's more foodie fun at the Dorothy Clive Garden in Newcastle-under-Lyme as the Chilli, Cheese & Chocolate Festival returns (September 23rd).

There are artisan stalls, live music, salsa dancing and demonstrations, as well as a chilli trail around the garden.

The main event though has to be the Chilli Eating Contest, sponsored by Lymestone Brewery.

Can you beat last year's winner Glenn Hammond, who got through 13 rounds and consumed a total of 6.7million SHU (Scoville Heat Units)?!

Admission is £8.50 for adults, and £2 for children aged 5 to 17, while it's free for the under fives.

8. Midland Game Fair, Weston Park

The Midland Game Fair at Weston Park, South Staffordshire, on September 15th and 16th, is the biggest event for country pursuits in the UK.

With everything from clay pigeon shooting and fishing demonstrations, to falconry displays and gun dog competitions, there's a packed weekend programme for anyone who loves the countryside.

And there are more than 600 stalls to browse too!

Tickets are £17 per person. Under 16s go free.

Why not have a real treat, and go for the Midland Game Fair House Party Package, which includes an overnight stay in the gorgeous stately home, and fine dining in the Granary Grill and Dining Room?

Details on the Weston Park website: http://www.weston-park.com/event/midland-game-fair-house-party-package/

9. Woodland Trust Weekend, Monkey Forest

The unique Monkey Forest is the place to be for September 1st and 2nd, as The Woodland Trust will be taking over for the weekend.

The largest woodland conservation charity in the country, The Woodland Trust have organised an array of activities for visitors to enjoy, alongside the usual mischievous antics from the monkeys who call this corner of Staffordshire home.

Later in September, on the 15th and 16th, the Staffordshire Bat Group will be on hand to tell you all about the UK's bat species, with loads of games and activities.

Normal admission prices apply - adults £8.50, children £6.50, under 3s free.

10. Autumn Family Race Day, Uttoxeter Racecourse

Enjoy an exhilarating afternoon of horse racing and family entertainment at Uttoxeter Racecourse for the Autumn Family Race Day on September 23rd.

The last family race day of the year will combine seven thrilling jump races with inflatables, bungee run, face painting and even a mini-zoo!

Tickets start at £17 per person, and under 18s go free when accompanied by an adult.

Other events and activities in Staffordshire

This is just a snapshot of things to do in September in Staffordshire! Check out our What's On page for more information.