THE 10 Parishes Festival begins this weekend in Wiveliscombe and the surrounding area.

More than 70 artists participate in the visual and performing arts spectacle founded in 2003. Nynehead Court will again host a joint exhibition in the Orangery including artist Yvonne Whittamore, who creates her artwork using dyed silk, yarn, moss and woodland floor discards.

Taunton Thespians return with a sample of Shakespearean pieces, presented in a rehearsed reading at Cotleigh Brewery on Saturday (September 9), the first day of the festival, and repeated at St Luke’s Church in Langley Marsh on Sunday, September 17, the final day.

St Michael’s Church in Raddington features with the Clayhanger String Quartet and soprano Alison Routh performing by candlelight on Saturday, September 16.

The Soldier’s Tale, a renowned drama written in the First World War with music by Igor Stravinsky and Libretto by Charles Ferdinand Ramuz, is at Wellhayes Vineyard, Clayhanger, on Saturday, September 9.

The House of F returns with another creative exhibition and workshops. Visitors can expect Feral Forest Fairies in Magical La La Land at Kenley, near Waterrow.

The Ashbrittle Big Sing in the village hall on Saturday, September 9, with Yvette Staelens, gives the chance for all the family to join in.

The Photomarathon is a photography competition with a twist – participants have to take eight photos of eight topics in the correct order over an eight-hour period.

After the Photomarathon, all the images are collated and printed, before a panel of judges meets to decide the winners. All the photos then go on show in a free public exhibition.

The Photomarathon is on Sunday, September 10, the day of the street market and carnival procession. The exhibition is on September 16-17 at the Community Centre in West Street.

The theme for this year’s carnival procession is Go Wild – Back to the Jungle!

For more information visit www.10parishesfestival.org.uk