THE biennial 10 Parishes Festival of visual and performing arts is set to return to the Wiveliscombe area this autumn.

Running every second year, the festival spans two weekends from Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 14 and includes artists’ open studios, performances, talks, and the Wiveliscombe Street Market and Carnival procession on Sunday 14.

A spokesperson for the 10 Parishes Festival said: “2025 will see the return of the festival since 2023 and we are excited to be welcoming back many talented artists and showcasing the work of new talent as well.

“All types of artistic disciplines will be represented, from painting and textiles, photography, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, music, installation and carving – this festival has it all.

“This year the festival theme is “Trees of Hope”, a way of appreciating the connection between art and nature.”

Events include a show at the Orangery at Nynehead Court, where artist David Manners will exhibit a collection of hand built ceramic sculptures depicting a behaviour or characteristic of individual species of animals and birds. This venue will be open from Saturday, September 6 to Wednesday, September 10.

Tess Armitage returns to the Festival at Watermans House, Hillfarrance, where her most recent landscape paintings that capture the drama and expanse of the wild open spaces of the West Country will be displayed throughout.

A number of performances, workshops and talks include two at Milverton where acupuncturist Sally Lancaster will advise on practises and self-care tips to support health and longevity specifically around late summer and John Hartoch will perform A Grasshopper’s Journey through Time and Life.

The Festival Guide was launched last weekend which lists the venues and opening times over the nine-day period.

For more information, visit the 10 Parishes Festival website.