Some suggestions of things to do in July.

1. Visit studios for free and look at work created by Uttlesford artists across the four weekends of July 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25 from 11am to 6pm.

Artists across the district are taking part in Cambridge Open Studios. There is also a large exhibition at Linton village hall.

Not all artists are taking part in all weekends. Check out the details and addresses online at https://www.camopenstudios.co.uk/ and see the Apple apps store cos.atlas-live.com for the 2021 app.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Broadcaster Zeb Soanes who will recite Sitwell's poems in Walton's Façade at Thaxted Festival on July 2 with Selina Cadell and Covent Garden SinfoniaBroadcaster Zeb Soanes who will recite Sitwell's poems in Walton's Façade at Thaxted Festival on July 2 with Selina Cadell and Covent Garden Sinfonia (Image: Thaxted Festival)

2. Thaxted Festival continues until Sunday July 4.

On Friday July 2 at 7.30pm, Zeb Soanes and Selina Cadell recite Sitwell's poems in Walton's Façade, accompanied by Covent Garden Sinfonia. The conductor is Timothy Redmond. See https://www.thaxtedfestival.co.uk/ for tickets.

There may also be returned tickets to get you into two other concerts which are currently sold out.

These are pianist and conductor Howard Shelley and the London Mozart Players on Thursday July 1 at 7.30pm, and also Christopher Weston with Covent Garden Soloists on Sunday, July 4 at 7.30pm.


Saffron Walden Reporter: Typewriter artist James Cook with an artwork in shotTypewriter artist James Cook with an artwork in shot (Image: Wonky Wheel Gallery)

3. The work of typewriter artist James Cook is on display at Wonky Wheel gallery in Finchingfield from July 2 until July 31.

His work includes a number of famous landmarks across Essex.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Finchingfield as typewriter art by James CookFinchingfield as typewriter art by James Cook (Image: Wonky Wheel Gallery)

The gallery is on The Green, Finchingfield, and is open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Saturday.


Saffron Walden Reporter: Jess Gillam. Photo: Robin ClewlyJess Gillam. Photo: Robin Clewly (Image: Robin Clewly)

4. Saffron Hall has two performances by classical BRIT Award-winning saxophonist Jess Gillam on Saturday July 3 - there is one performance at 5pm and another at 8pm.

The Maccabees' former frontman Orlando Weeks, and composer Ollie Howell who has worked on BBC's Dynasties and two-time Golden Globe-winning The Mauritanian are also guest performers.

Her ensemble is conducted by the London Contemporary Orchestra’s Hugh Brunt.

Tickets for the concert from https://events.saffronhall.com/whats-on/view/jess-gillam-friends


5. Immersion Theatre perform a music adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book as an outdoor production at Little Easton Manor (CM6 2JN) on Saturday, July 3 at 4pm.

Tickets from https://www.littleeastonmanor.co.uk/event-details/the-jungle-book


6. Join a litter pick on Sunday July 4.

Walden Wombles volunteers gather on the first Sunday of the month. Their next meeting is Sunday July 4.

In June, they cleared rubbish and even found an old discarded laptop.

Get in touch via www.waldenwombles.org.uk

A separate group, The Friends of Audley Park, meet on Sunday mornings at 10am each week at the Abbey Lane entrance to the park to pick litter for around an hour.


Saffron Walden Reporter: Restored Walden Castle, Castle Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex.Interior view from south west. Image copyright Pat Payne/Historic EnglandRestored Walden Castle, Castle Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex.Interior view from south west. Image copyright Pat Payne/Historic England (Image: Image copyright Pat Payne/Historic England)

7. Visit the newly restored Walden Castle, the ruined remains of a 12th century tower keep, which has reopened after eight years of restoration work.

The Grade I listed castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument on Castle Hill (CB10 2BS) and entry is free of charge.


8. Saffron Walden Museum on Museum Street (CB10 1JL) has the Man & Beast exhibition exploring the cultural history of animals.

Bronze Age and Roman treasures are also on display. The museum has a Roman ring, silver Roman coins and two solid gold bracelets. The items were found by detectorists and purchased with support from various funds.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The Roman gold ring set with an amethyst and the collection of Roman silver coins have gone on display at Saffron Walden MuseumThe Roman gold ring set with an amethyst and the collection of Roman silver coins have gone on display at Saffron Walden Museum (Image: Images supplied by Saffron Walden Museum)

Buy your ticket via the museum’s website at www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org


9. Great Dunmow Museum within The Maltings on Mill Lane (CM6 1BG) is open on weekends and Bank Holidays from 11am to 4pm.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The entry gates to Great Dunmow Maltings and MuseumThe entry gates to Great Dunmow Maltings and Museum (Image: Great Dunmow Maltings)

Admire a model of the former Dunmow Railway Station complete with a moving train, learn more about the history of the Flitch Trials, and more for a small entrance charge.

See https://www.greatdunmowmuseum.org.uk/ for further details.