Upbeat: Blow by blow

ON the other hand you could spend September playing the oboe in the Isle of Wight, where an International Oboe Competition reaches its climax with semi-finals in Newport on the 11th and finals next day in Ryde. Lady Barbirolli chairs the judges, and for visitors there is a programme of concerts, master classes and demonstrations. Competition details from 0983 612451; the sponsors, Wightlink Ferries, are offering holiday discounts (0705 820202).