The Somerset Art Weeks 2010 Open Studios will be held from September 18 to October 3.

Look inside the artists' studios and uncover their gems, as Art Weeks returns to its roots. This important event in Somerset's calendar delights art lovers near and far. This year roam the county and explore what Somerset's artists have to offer with chances to even have a go yourself.

To find out more about Art Weeks and SAW go to www.somersetartworks.org.uk.

The annual St Matthew's Fair (pictured above), or Bridgwater Fair, dates from 1249 and has been held at its present site, The Fairfield (known locally as St Matthew's Field) since 1404.

Traditionally it starts on the last Wednesday in September and this year it runs from September 29 to October 2. It is the largest fun fair in the South West and many new rides are premiered in Bridgwater by the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain.

The traditional livestock sale still takes place on Wednesday and an array of market stalls sell every sort of goods imaginable, also running up through the length of West Street for the duration of the Fair.

As a curtain-raiser to Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival there will be a fireworks display sponsored by Bridgwater Town Council at 7pm on November 4, with the display being fired to sound and light.

Bridgwater really pulls out the stops during the festive season. From mid-November there is a full programme of activities, starting with the Christmas lights switch-on at the Cornhill on November 24.

From then on there is entertainment every weekend in the town centre. You can listen to carol singing or to a brass band while doing your Christmas shopping or find that special present at one of the craft markets.

A series of summer band concerts are being planned for Blake Gardens, on June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, August 8, and the bandstand marathon on September 26.