1. Music on the Farm

This weekend Pop Idol star and West End performer Gareth Gates will take to the stage at charity festival Music on the Farm alongside a host of great music, dance and entertainment. Since its launch in 2010 Music on the Farm has raised money for charity and is this year generating funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Charity and Macmillan Cancer Care. The varied line up includes The Kubrics, X Factor finalist Joe Conaboy, G4’s Ben Thapa, rock’n’roll band Dixie and singer Luke Carey. And along with all the music, there will be a wide selection of food, games, fairground rides and a champagne bar available.

Music on the Farm, Battlers Green Farm, Radlett, September 5, 6pm to midnight. Details: 01923 856551, battlersgreenfarm.co.uk

2. Live Music @ Fresh Shop

Watford's newest music venue kicks off its September season in style with soul singer Aisling. The live music is the latest addition to the recently-opened Fresh Shop - a stylish cafe, bar and restaurant in Market Street. Coming up next is neo-soul singer Alba Plano, followed by hip hop group Retrospective for Love Duo. Live acts are on every Saturday.

Fresh Shop, Market Street, Watford, Saturday, September 5, 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Details: 07473 535773, facebook.com/freshfshop

3. Open Studios

Tucked away in a variety of studios across Watford are talented artists, busy at work hand-crafting beautiful objects. During the annual Herts Open Studios event go behind the scenes at artists' studios across the Watford area, and even try your hand at making something.

Herts Open Studios, a variety of locations, from September 5 to 27. Details: 07813 100651, hvaf.org.uk

4. Comedy at the Pump House

Come along and enjoy comedy from local funnyman Steve Owen Williams at the Yellow Comedy club. Originally from Bushey, Steve has been performing stand-up comedy since he was 17. Also providing laughs on the night are comics Dimitri Bakanov, Joe Grant, Michael Hill, Ian Lane, David McIver, Red Richardson, Calum Ross and Andy Zapp.

Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Watford, Sunday, September 6, 7.30pm. Details: 01923 241362, pumphouse.info

5. An Evening with John Torode

You’ve seen him on BBC1’s Masterchef, tasting, commenting and encouraging the contestants, now hear John Torode talk about his new cookery book. My Kind of Food is full of the recipes he cooks himself and is a behind-the-scenes peak into his family kitchen. In his new cookbook John invites us into his home, cooking away from the cameras and professional kitchens. Join us for an evening with a television personality, restaurateur, writer and chef John Torode. This promises to be a night of food inspiration, good company and an opportunity to ask advice of the Masterchef judge and noted chef himself.

Sarratt Village Hall, The Green, Sarratt, Monday, September 7, 7pm. Details: 01923 283566 chilternbookshops.co.uk