Don't miss... this October

Don’t miss: Television

Strictly Come Dancing

Somerset businesswoman Deborah Meaden will feature on television screens this month on hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

The Dragons’ Den star, 54, who lives near Taunton, has been paired with professional dancer Robin Windsor for the contest.

Although she is rated an outside for the series, which began on September 27, Deborah has said she is willing to try hard to compete.

Don’t miss: music

English Touring Opera, Holly Cross Church, Crediton, October 27

This autumn, the English Touring Opera will performVivaldi’s beautiful sacred music in the picturesque setting of Holy Cross Church, Crediton.

The soloists and baroque orchestra will join forces with the Choir of the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross for a unique afternoon performance.

The concert’s proceeds will be donated to the orphan musicians of the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, where Vivaldi, nicknamed the ‘Red Priest’, worked for most of his life.

The concert begins at 3pm with tickets costing £10 unreserved. For more information, visit www.englishtouringopera.org.uk.

Don’t miss: ballet

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s “Penguin Café”, Theatre Royal Plymouth, October 29 to 30.

Birmingham Royal Ballet will present three award-winning ballets performed in one sensational evening.

Tombeaux is David Bintley’s homage to classical ballet and a lament on the death of his mentor, the great Frederick Ashton.

Danced to Australian composer Matthew Hindson’s brilliant score, the second performance, E=mc2, explores Einstein’s celebrated ‘Special Theory of Relativity’ in music and dance of breathtaking energy and speed.

Tracing the fate of a colourful host of endangered animals seeking shelter from the storm, the final ballet, called ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café, confronts the audience with a witty and poignant look at man’s effect on the world.

Tickets range from £12 to £34. For booking and information, visit www.theatreroyal.com

Don’t miss: music

Fauré Requiem, Exeter Cathedral, October 16

The City of London Sinfonia will be performing in the magnificent Exeter Cathedral as part of The Fauré Requiem tour this October. The tour celebrates the beauty of Britain’s magnificent and awe-inspiring churches, with recitals of some of the most well known and uplifting sacred music. The Orchestra and the cathedral choirs will performworks by Thomas Tallis and Ralph Vaughan Williams, along with a new commission by Gabriel Jackson and Fauré’s enduringly popular Requiem. Doors open at 6.45pm and ticket prices range from £10 to £22. For bookings and information, call 01904- 658338, or visit www.ncem.co.uk

Don’t miss: events

Celebration of Food Festival, Somerset and Devon

The Celebration of Food festival honours its tenth year anniversary with 200 mouth-watering events across the South- West this autumn. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy quality specialities at attractive venues across Somerset and Devon for reduced rates throughout October. Experience anything from The Dartmouth Food Festival to deer rut safaris in the Powderham Castle grounds. For more information, visit www.celebrationoffood.co.uk.

Don’t miss: food

The Island Night Market, Langport, October 11

The Island Night Market is a charming evening pop-up venture situated at the heart of the Somerset Levels in Langport, one of the smallest towns in England. The market provides food from all around the world, accompanied by local bevies, music, poetry and performance on the open mic stage. Langport’s unique historic centre, independent shops and free parking make this town a West Country gemwell worth visiting.

Entry to the event is free and begins at 5pm.

Don’t miss: art

Jack Coulthard’s “images outside reality”, Somerset County Library, ends October 5

The world-class artist Jack Coulthard, who has painted near Taunton for more than 40 years, is assembling 20 of his paintings at Paul Street Library offering a unique opportunity to discover the preoccupations and fascinations which have influenced his life’s work.

Bursting with cultural, philosophical and historical references, his paintings are colourful, highly detailed, down-to-earth, sometimes controversial, sometimes disturbing, sometimes poignant and often delightfully humorous!

Admission to the exhibition at The Gallery, Somerset County Library, Taunton, is free.