From literary feasts to sensational scenting, here are 10 high-end happenings to add to your diary this September.
Absorb: Chelsea Arts Festival, London, 16-20 September
Chelsea’s iconic venues and streets come alive for a vibrant four-day celebration of culture, creativity and community. Highlights at Cadogan Hall include A Poem for Every Night of the Year: 10 Year Celebration with Tamsin Greig, Giles Terera MBE and Samantha Spiro, while Saatchi Gallery channels punk energy with the late-night event A Night of T/Reason: Celebrating 50 Years of Punk. www.chelseaartsfestival.com
Sip: The Hebridean Whiskey Festival, 5-12 September
Uniting eight coveted island distilleries for exclusive tastings, behind-the-scenes experiences, local food, boat trips and luxury stays, this is an essential outing for whisky lovers seeking a refined wee dram. www.hebrideanwhisky.com
Brew: The Melitta Purista, £399.99
Alternatively, if you are looking for a more of a caffeine hit, this stylish at-home barista will make an elegant kitchen upgrade. With favourite coffee programming for personalised cups, easy cleaning and a handy double-cup mode, you can now guarantee every brew is a good one. www.melitta.co.uk
Drive: Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, 2-6 September
Lamborghini lovers and Bugatti buffs can rejoice, because the 21st edition of Salon Privé returns to Blenheim Palace for a five-day jamboree of automotive excellence. Expect fine dining, luxury retail and the chance to view some of the world’s most exceptional classic cars. There will be Ladies’ Day by Boodles on the Friday and Supercar Sunday, with Top Gear’s Richard Hamond judging the prestigious Concours de Vente competition. www.salonpriveconcours.com
Shop: Ajmal, Westfield, London
Dubai-based Ajmal Perfumes has arrived in the UK at London’s Westfield, bringing more than 75 years of family fragrance heritage to White City. One of the Middle East’s most respected perfumery names, this oud-focused house is known for its home-grown ‘farm to fragrance’ ethos, ensuring high-quality, ethically grown botanicals are used from their own plantations. Heavenly. www.uk.ajmal.com
Welcome: Rosard Parfum Rooms Sprays, £40 each
For more oud perfection, elevate your abode with an opulent room spray from British-born, Middle Eastern-inspired fragrance house, Rosard Parfum. Crafted on the belief that perfume should be lived in, not just worn, sniff out Oud Wajj for warm resins and rose, Amber Dunes for a sweet, smoky scent, or Santal Safar for a welcoming woody floral accord. Home sweet smelling home. www.rosardparfum.com
Listen: Big Brue Festival, Somerset, 19-20 September
September also welcomes a new Somerset festival, bringing together leading voices in art, fashion, food and politics. With standout speakers including Bob Geldof, Prue Leith, Alice Temperley and legendary photographer Sir Don McCullin, be sure to sample the Classic Cuvée from Somerset’s Wraxall Vineyard, an event partner, while you are there. www.bigbrue.com
Mingle: Totally Thames Festival, London, throughout September
Running all month, Totally Thames brings more than 80 events to London’s majestic river, spanning music, walks, art, theatre and family entertainment. Must-sees include The Great River Race on 20 September, Hands on History: Mudlarking Weekend on 5-6 September, and a large-scale installation by Turner Prize-nominated artist Catherine Yass. www.thamesfestivaltrust.org
Collect: Seiko 5 Sports X Honda Motocompo Limited Edition, £340
Seiko marks the 45th anniversary of Honda’s legendary 1981 folding mini-scooter with a limited run of just 8,000 pieces worldwide. Celebrating two Japanese icons, this stylish buy makes a distinctive addition to any collectable watch wardrobe. www.seikoboutique.co.uk
Read: Book Bash at Mannington Hall, Norfolk, 25-27 September
And finally, if you are looking to refresh your reading list, catch a juicy menu of world-class writers at one of the UK’s most loved literary gatherings. Set within the historic gardens of Mannington Hall, famous names include Delia Smith, Rory Clements and Rose Tremain. It is the perfect excuse for bookworms to stockpile good reads for an inspiring Autumn. www.mannington.co.uk
