If I were to mention Black Rat, Springfield and Thatchers to devoted cider drinkers then their mouths would probably water.

But thanks to a resurgence in the joys of drinking fermented apple juice, it seems that everyone is now sampling the traditional West Country drink which spent many years in the doldrums.

And where better to sample some of the dozens of different drinks available than the Bath Cider Festival, which attracts hundreds of devotees to the city in February. Staged at the Bath Pavilion, there are more than 80 different ciders for you to try, and there's even a Wurzel tribute band to provide some rousing music to get you in the mood.

The Mangledwurzels are guaranteed to create the perfect cider-drinking atmosphere, and there will be hot pork rolls with apple sauce, of course, when you get hungry. It all happens on Saturday, February 14, and you can call 01225 330304 for details.

This beautiful Georgian city has history, culture, shopping and entertainment in abundance, and on February 20 and 21, Jimmy Carr returns to the Bath Pavilion for two shows, featuring some of his material from hit television, stage and radio shows.

Channel Four viewers will recognise him from the show 8 out of 10 Cats, and he has also appeared at the Royal Variety Performance, and in a hilarious tribute to the late, great Peter Cook. See the website www.pavilionshop.co.uk for details.

More dates for your diary are Saturday, February 28, to Sunday, March 8, when the Bath Literature Festival is held at various venues around the city.

With some 130 events across nine days, this festival has something to offer everyone, across all ages, backgrounds and interests, through debates, talks and workshops. There are big names aplenty – Joan Bakewell; Terry Eagleton giving the keynote address on The Meaning of Life; Chris Patten; Wendy Cope and Alexander McCall Smith, to name just a few.

Bath will also be hosting authors from India, Angola, Argentina, Israel and Eritrea.

And Emmanuel Jal, one of the thousands of child soldiers who fought in the Sudan People's Liberation Army, will be talking about those terrible years, how he eventually escaped and built a new life, and the humanitarian work he does now.

For details, call 01225 463362 or visit www.bathlitfest.org.uk