WHAT'S ON IN 2008.......
THEATRES   www.northdevontheatres.org.uk for Landmark Theatre (Ilfracombe) and Queen's Theatre (Barnstaple).
CINEMAS   Central Cinema, Barnstaple.
The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington.
Lynton Cinema, Lynton.
Bideford Cinema, Bideford.
Embassy Cinema, Ilfracombe.
MUSIC   See "Gig Guide" in Music Section of 'What's On' supplement of North Devon Journal, weekly newspaper 80p.
NATIONAL TRUST   There'll be many events this year at the National Trust's 2,700 acre Arlington Court, half of which are specifically organised for children. Fun Fridays offer activities from Easter to Hallowe'en. See: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlingtoncourt/events2008
  FEBRUARY  
2nd to 24th Feb Snowdrop Valley 2008
Access via Park & Ride Scheme from Wheddon Cross.
NOTE: snowdrops are flowering early this year - so visit early in February to avoid disappointment....
See: www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm for all the info' you'll need.
  Sat 16th Great Torrington Cavalier March
2.00pm - Musket competition @ 1646 (detail to be confirmed)
7.00pm - Musket volley, march leaves Great Torrington school
7.20pm - Musket volley, wreath laying and proclamation in town square
7.45pm - Musketry and fireworks in South Street car park
8.30pm - Retire in good order to the ale house
  Mon 25th + Tues 26th Clovelly: The Matthew of Bristol
Replica of John Cabot's C14th ship visits Clovelly harbour.
Short sailing trips from Clovelly Quay, subject to weather conditions.
Normal admission charges to village.
  MARCH  
Lambing in North Devon (the Great Blizzard of 1978) "....if it ain't a fit night for any man or beast...."
these black and white photos were taken by the late James Ravilious: a small collection of his many pictures, capturing a recently lost way of life in North Devon's rural community, can be seen in the Museum of North Devon, The Square, Barnstaple (admission free); this office, the tourist information centre, is also based there. Several wonderful books of Ravilious photographs are on sale at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum, in Bideford.
  the night of Sat 1st March ‘Startrek' (night walk) 2008
 A night orienteering exercise over a figure-of-eight course set on Exmoor. The event is run by the Rotary Club of Ilfracombe; all the participants, usually more than 400, are sponsored to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West, the North Devon Hospice and other worthy causes identified by the Rotary club.
Entry forms can be downloaded from: www.rotary-startrek.org.uk
  8th RHS Garden Rosemoor - Free Open Day
'Grow your own vegetables....'
Sun 23rd + Mon 24th Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh
Daffodil Weekend and Family Easter Egg Hunt
....follow egg-citing cryptic clues around the daffodil-filled woodland gardens, find the answers and win a chocolate egg.
See: www.castlehilldevon.co.uk
  probably 24th Holsworthy Model & Collectors Show
  APRIL  
  probably 4th & 5th Quality Exmoor Fayre
Exmoors produce and products, all under one roof. Come and sample and purchase some of the best products that Exmoor has to offer. From meats to chocolates, beads to textiles........local foods, drinks, crafts and produce are all on show.
Venue: Porlock Village Hall
Price: £0.50
Time: April 6th & 7th, 10:30-16:00
- for further information contact Porlock Tourist Centre on 01643 863150
  Wed 9th - Fri 18th Clovelly: Fantastic Fudge Hunt
Find one of ten fudge stones, which'll be hidden each day in Clovelly village.
Win up to a kilo of yummy Clovelly fudge.
Normal admission charges to village.
  MAY  
  probably 1st Great Torrington May Fair
1st to 9th North Devon & Exmoor Walking Festival 2008
www.walkingnorthdevon.co.uk or 'phone 01271 883131
  probably 2nd to 5th Ilfracombe Beer Festival
  probably 3rd Great Torrington Carnival

Sun 4th and Mon 5th

Chenson Woods Bluebell Walk
2.00pm to 6.00pm Sunday and Monday
Two trails through the woods and fields of Chenson Farm (via A377 between Eggesford and Lapford): there are 60 acres of ancient and semi-natural woodland on this organic farm. Allow up to one hour per trail - lots of other woodland flowers (see information notices along the paths). Entry £1.50 per person. Cream Teas available - proceeds to local church projects. For more information please 'phone 01363 83746 or 01363 83236.

  probably 9th to 11th Exmoor Folk Festival - Brendon Valley, Brendon village and Staghunters Inn.
Impromptu musical events and set performances, workshops, dancing, local crafts and food stalls. Many free events.
www.exmoorfolkfestival.co.uk or 'phone Mrs Gwen Linley on 01598 741279.
  15th, 16th, 17th Devon County Show - Westpoint Arena, Exeter
www.devoncountyshow.co.uk
23rd to 26th Combe Martin: Hunting of the Earl of Rhone
- for further information contact Combe Martin TIC at mail@visitcombemartin.co.uk or 'phone 01271 883319
24th to 26th Westward Ho! Potwalloping Festival 2008
- potwalloping is the gathering of stones and boulders from the beach, left by winter storms, and replacing them on the 'pebble ridge' that protects the 'burrows' from coastal erosion
  probably 25th South Molton Rotary Exmoor Charity Walk
  26th Braunton Carnival
29th May to 1st June Appledore Visual Arts Festival 2008
www.appledorearts.org or 'phone the Festival Coordinator on 07900 212747
  31st Royal Bath & West Show 2008
Shepton Mallet, Somerset
  JUNE  
1st to 30th North Devon Festival 2008
for hundreds of events throughout North Devon
www.northdevonfestival.org
  1st to 6th Ilfracombe Golf Club Open Week
  5th, 6th, 7th Royal Cornwall Show - Wadebridge, North Cornwall
www.royalcornwallshow.org
7th to 15th Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration
- one of the most popular events of the year, everyone, it seems, in Ilfracombe dresses up in Victorian costume for nine days of splendour: there are horse drawn carriages, steam engines, punch and judy shows, street entertainment, brass bands and boat trips. Many visitors bring their own costume and join in !
See www.ilfracombevictoriancelebration.org.uk for full details.
  8th Combe Martin Strawberry Fayre
8th to 10th Lynton & Lynmouth Music Festival.
This is an open-air and free music festival for all ages and musical tastes set in the villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, on the coast of Exmoor National Park, over the weekend 8th - 10th June.
See www.llama.org.uk for full details of the bands playing and the stages as well as accommodation information. Part of the North Devon Festival, this is the largest free music festival in Devon.
  Sunday 8th Docton Mill & Gardens Open Day, Hartland
in aid of RNLI
  14th + 15th Town Criers Competition at Ilfracombe
Organised by Roy Goodwin, Ilfracombe's colourful town crier, - for further information contact Ilfracombe TIC: 'phone 01271 863001
20th to 22nd Goldcoast Oceanfest - Croyde & Saunton beaches
www.goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk or 'phone 01271 817000
  21st + 22nd South Molton Olde English Fayre
Saturday is Fayre Day (events throughout the day); Civic Parade on Sunday
- for further information contact South Molton TIC at mail@visitsouthmolton.co.uk or 'phone 01769 574180
Sat 21st West Down Day - an old fashioned summer fayre....
In the village of West Down, near Ilfracombe. Free parking & entry to field.
Tug-o -war, junior five aside football, dancing, music - West Down Celidh Band - beer tent & food, many stalls & competitions.
Entry to field 1 p.m. Events start at 2 p.m.
Disco & spit roast in the evening at the Parish Hall 7.30pm.
  21st Lundy Island Yacht Race
A yacht rally/race from Ilfracombe, around Lundy Island & back to Ilfracombe. A sailing distance in excess of 45 nautical miles.
Organised by Ilfracombe Yacht Club, tel: 01271 863969.
  21st + 22nd RHS Garden Rosemoor - 'Rose Weekend'
at Great Torrington
- contact RHS Rosemoor via dianagilding@rhs.org.uk or 'phone 01805 626800.
  JULY  
  every weekend (Fri-Sun) Combe Martin Music Festival
every weekend in July
- for further information contact Combe Martin TIC at mail@visitcombemartin.co.uk or 'phone 01271 883319
Sun 6th

Woolacombe International Sandcastle Competition 2008
at Woolacombe Beach 11am to 4pm
Team entries (six per team) are invited - tel: 01271 344248
also all small children asked to come with buckets and spades to help build a special display
  Sat 12th + Sun 13th Clovelly: Lundy Island Gig Race
The annual gig race from Clovelly around Lundy Island and back.
The ocean rowing race. Starts at 3pm on Saturday from Clovelly. Returns to Clovelly from Lundy on Sunday (having departed Lundy at 10am).
Sunday 13th July is Sea Sunday
At 11am, Clovelly shall be holding an open air service and blessing of its Lifeboat
and the Lifeboat Station will be open all day for visits.
Normal admission charges to village.
  12th + 13th Power Boat Racing at Ilfracombe
- for further information contact Ilfracombe TIC: 'phone 01271 863001
  probably
Sat 12th + Sun 13th		 South West Forest Wood Fair at Roadford Lake, Okehampton
www.southwestforest.org.uk/woodfair.html
Sat 19th Pilton Green Man Festival - Barnstaple
- for further information contact Linacre's Pottery on tel: 01271 375776.
- to book stall space contact Pilton Stores on tel: 01271 372418.
  Sat 19th + Sun 20th Clovelly Maritime Festival
in support of the North Devon Hospice.
10am to 5pm. Juggling, Punch and Judy, treasure hunt, Shanty Singers, puppet theatre, hog roast on th beach.
Normal admission charges to village.
Sun 27th Appledore & Instow Regatta: Gig Races
  Mon 28th Woolsery Show
Agricultural Show held at Clovelly Court, from 9.00am.
Main ring attraction: King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery with gun carriage.
Admission: £5 adults, £3.50 children.
See: www.woolseryshow.org.uk
  end-July Ilfracombe Sea Fishing Festival
- for further information contact Ilfracombe TIC at ilfracombe@aol.com or 'phone 01271 863001.
  AUGUST  
  1st to 3rd Creation Festival
at Turnpike Cross, Woolacombe
- a Christian Music Festival with free admission and parking, featuring top Christian artists from all over the world.
  Sat 2nd Clovelly Rum Race
Yacht race from Ilfracombe to Clovelly.
Normal admission charges to village.
  Sun 3rd Clovelly: Lifeboat Day
in aid of the R.N.L.I., 10.00am to 5.00pm.
A great day out for all the family, packed full of fun and action, down at the harbour.
Normal admission charges to village.
  Sun 3rd

Ilfracombe Bird Man Competition
On the pier at Ilfracombe: wacky attempts at man-powered flight by the eccentric, whimsical or (possibly) unhinged: failures are embraced by Father Neptune. Organised by Ilfracombe Round Table www.ilfracomberoundtable.co.uk - or further info' on www.myspace.com/ilfracombebirdman
- or contact Ilfracombe TIC at ilfracombe@aol.com tel: 01271 863001.

  Sat 9th to Sat 16th Combe Martin Carnival Week
- for further information contact Combe Martin TIC at mail@visitcombemartin.co.uk or 'phone 01271 883319

Wed 6th North Devon Show 2008
Our principal agriculture and countryside event.
www.northdevonshow.com
Wed 13th Ilfracombe Rescue Day '08
 Britain’s BIGGEST Emergency Services LIVE Display Day. 10am to 4pm
Coastguard. Police Force. Fire Brigade. RAF 22 Squadron Rescue HELICOPTER. RNLI Lifeboat. Lifeguards. Search and Rescue. Ambulance Service. etc etc. Live air-sea RESCUES. Real FIRES. See the roof being CUT off a car. Meet the REAL LIFE professionals and learn what it takes to keep us safe. An unforgettable day of family ACTION. Static Displays. Trampolines. Climbing wall. Fresh Burgers. Excellent VALUE with all proceeds going to local charities and good causes! Park & Ride. ONE day only.
Further info, pictures, and special offer advance tickets (for a limited period) will be available, on www.ilfracomberoundtable.co.uk.
  probably 11th Brendon Show
  11th to 17th Bideford Folk Festival
  Fri 15th Dunster Show
in the grounds of Dunster Castle (NT)
Agricultural and Country Sports Show
  Sun 17th Clovelly: Pilot Gig Regatta
departing from Clovelly harbour at about 12 noon.
Normal admission charges to village.
  Sun 17th Appledore Carnival
Fun on The Quay begins at 4pm
Calves eating thistle heads

The lazy days of high summer...
this photo was taken by the late James Ravilious: a small collection of his many pictures, capturing a recently lost way of life in North Devon's rural community, can be seen in the Museum of North Devon, The Square, Barnstaple (admission free); this office (the tourist information centre) is based there. Several wonderful books of Ravilious photographs are on sale at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum, in Bideford.

  Thurs 21st Ilfracombe Carnival
Contact: Bruce Davies
Phone: 01271 863861
  probably Sat 25th - Mon 27th Summer Fair at Arlington Court (NT)
10.30am to 4.30pm - some of the best food and crafts in the south west.
  23rd to 30th Bude Jazz Festival
EVENT POSTPONED until 27th + 28th September 24th + 25th Chapelton Steam (Traction Engine) Rally
Devon Traction Engine, Veteran & Vintage Car Club
Chapelton Barton, 4 miles south of Barnstaple (via A377 Old Exeter Road)
The annual rally is postponed due to extreme wet field conditions
  24th + 25th North Devon Mini Register Grand Tour
  Thurs 28th Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show
at Killatree Cross, Holsworthy
- for further information contact Alison Wilson, Show Secretary, email: alison@holsworthyshow.wanadoo.co.uk or tel: 01288 355335.
  SEPTEMBER  
...all around the bloomin' heather Exmoor and Dartmoor....
'tis a wonderful time to be on the moors!
  6th Bideford Regatta Day
Traditional Regatta with rowers from all over the South West competing on one of the finest courses.
Contact Mike Harper 01237 479183 - mike@rockbymail.co.uk
  Sun 7th Clovelly: Lobster and Crab Feast
in celebration of Clovelly's seafood - outdoor kitchen on the quay - from 10am.
'Try before you buy', recipes, food and craft stalls, barbecue, folk musicians, children's entertainment.
Normal admission charges to village.
8th to 23rd RHS Garden Rosemoor - 'Artists' Exhibition'
Great Torrington
  6th to 9th Heritage Open Days - throughout England
www.heritageopendays.org
13th Bideford Carnival and Massed Pipes & Drums
Carnival starts at 6.00pm - The Massed Pipes & Drums will be parading on the Quay after the carnival
Contact Mike Harper 01237 422477 mike@rockbymail.co.uk
www.bidefordmassedbands.co.uk
  Sat 13th + Sun 14th Clovelly: Winkles Race
Yacht Race from Ilfracombe to Clovelly.
Normal admission charges to village.
Wed 17th to Sat 20th Barnstaple Fair
- this ancient "end of harvest" fair starts on the Wednesday before 20th September each year. Originally it was an agricultural market and employment fair lasting three days: one day for horses, another for cattle and the other for sheep. Farm labourers were employed "until Barnstaple Fair"; they'd then come to town to seek "a new maister". Nowadays there is a vast funfair (second only to Nottingham Goose Fair, in size), which is in full swing from late afternoon until midnight for each of the four days.
*picture of mayor (bottom left) testing the scales to ensure honest trading in the Pannier Market.
Sat 20th

Barnstaple Carnival & Fireworks Extravaganza
- on the Saturday afternoon of Barnstaple Fair, following great celebrations and buffoonery on the Castle Green, the procession starts at 6.00pm (same route as 2007). This huge gathering, featuring the top floats from many other West Country carnivals, takes just over two hours to circle the town. Two good places to watch it pass are at The Square and in Boutport Street outside the Queen's Theatre.
- the fireworks are loosed over the River Taw from Anchor Bank at about 8.15pm.
2007 Carnival had 18 large floats (articulated lorries), plus many smaller displays.
  27th Sept to 5th Oct Appledore Book Festival 2008
  Sat 27th South Molton Carnival
NEW DATES 27th + 28th Chapelton Steam (Traction Engine) Rally
Devon Traction Engine, Veteran & Vintage Car Club
Chapelton Barton, 4 miles south of Barnstaple (via A377 Old Exeter Road)
  probably Sat 27th Hartland Garden Society Autumn Show
  OCTOBER  
  probably 4th to 12th Exmoor Food Festival
  Sun 5th ? West of England Transport Collection Open Day
Winkleigh Aerodrome
Open top double-decker bus trips
  Sat 11th ? Okehampton Carnival
Contact: Shirley Friend
Phone: 01837 52230
  probably 12th RHS Garden Rosemoor - 'Apple Day'
  probably 26th RHS Garden Rosemoor - 'Pumpkin Day'
  NOVEMBER  
  probably Sat 1st Dolton & Dowland Carnival
Contact: Rosemary Lock
Phone: 01805 804254
  probably Sat 8th Hatherleigh Carnival
Contact: Mandy Wonnacott
Phone: 01837 810678
  Sun 16th Clovelly Herring Festival 2008
Sunday 16 November 2008, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
"The herring is the king of the sea, the herring is the fish for me, sing follderiddle-aye ...."
Smokehouse and demonstrations of fishing skills and crafts. Mike Smylie's Kipperland Exhibition. Quay kitchen with tastings, shanty singers, special promotion of Devon cider and wine ".... an' all sorts of things". Normal admission charges to village.
Event may be subject to change, so please consult www.clovelly.co.ukfor latest details.
  Sat 15th Holsworthy Winter Carnival
 

mid-Nov

 Barnstaple Christmas Lights Switch-On
  DECEMBER  
  early Dec Lynton & Lynmouth Christmas Festivities
  early Dec Ilfracombe - Lighting of the Christmas Lights
Thurs 4th, Thurs 11th, Thurs 18th and Tues 23rd

Late Night Shopping in Barnstaple
Come and see Barnstaple's new Christmas Lights. The town centre will be pedestrianised for late shopping until 9.00pm. There'll be bands a'playing, singers singing and shoppers shopping....

  Sunday 7th Dulverton by Starlight
12 noon until 7.00pm
  Sun 7th Clovelly Christmas Lights (in aid of the RNLI)
Sunday, 7 December 2008 from 4 p.m.
Starting from the Visitor Centre, Clovelly.
Don’t miss the annual tradition of switching on Clovelly’s fairy lights. Follow the procession down the cobbles, accompanied by a brass band, then look out for Santa’s arrival! Harbourside carols, mulled wine, barbecue and more to spread some seasonal good cheer,
with a fireworks grande finale. Entry free from 2:00 p.m. Small parking charge.
Every day until Christmas Eve Barnstaple Pannier Market
Every day including Sundays and on Late Night Shopping nights (until 9.00pm).
  probably 11th + 12th Dunster (near Minehead) by Candlelight
  probably 16th Holsworthy Band Concert
mid Dec The Reindeer come to Barnstaple.....
Times to be confirmed: 6.00pm (?) Reindeer and Father Christmas Parade starts from Boutport Street (behind Green Lanes Shopping Centre) - route through town's main shopping streets - to Pannier Market. See reindeer in Pannier Market until 8.00pm (?).
31st

Bideford New Year's Eve Riverside Party
There's always lots goin' on at Bideford for New Year's Eve - this is the place to be for the serious reveller....
- for further information contact Bideford TIC at bidefordtic@visit.org.uk or 'phone 01237 477676.

31st

Barnstaple New Year's Eve
In The Square you'll see a large music stage with fun and games for the children and adults - and a range of children's entertainment, including bouncy castles, etc...
....and finally, fireworks at midnight o'er the river Taw.
See: www.barnstaplenewyearseve.co.uk

 

 

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