What's on in 2013
Theatres
Cinemas
The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington.
Lynton Cinema, Lynton.
Embassy Cinema, Ilfracombe.
Art, Music and other Live Performance
National Trust
See: Arlington Court Events 2013
RHS Rosemoor
See: www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Rosemoor/What-s-on
January
Lambing in North Devon (the Great Blizzard of 1978).....
.....Wintry Days, in North Devon
This photo was taken by the late James Ravilious: a small collection of his many photographs, capturing images of 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); our tourist information centre is located there, in the main entrance hall. Several wonderful books of Ravilious photographs are on sale in the museum shop.
February
Snowdrop Valley 2013
Feb 2 – 24, Wheddon Cross, Exmoor
Access via Park & Ride Scheme from Wheddon Cross from 4th to 26th February.
More info available from Information Trailer (tel: 07531 680445)
See: www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm for full details.
Great Torrington Cavalier March
Feb 16 (Sat), Great Torrington
to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Torrington, the last major battle of the Civil War.
2.00pm - Musket competition at 1646 (weather permitting)
7.00pm - Musket volley and 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
Contact Master Jake at Torrington 1646 on tel: 01805 626146 for more info.
March
Startrek Night Walk 2013 – Do you like a challenge?
Mar 2 (Sat overnight), Exmoor
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
Daffodil Day and Mothering Sunday at Hartland Abbey
Mar 17 ?, Hartland
11.00am to 4.00pm.
A wonderful collection of historic daffodils, many planted 150 years ago, also lots of camellias, hellebores, early spring bulbs, etc. Parts of the estate, normally closed to the public, because they are stocked, will be open and there is plenty of opportunity for a really good walk to the sea.
Hot pasties, light lunches and really good home made cream teas will be provided by the ladies of St. Nectan’s Church. Visitors are advised to bring wellies!
Lots of lovely walks, bring children and dogs(on leads)!
See: www.hartlandabbey.com/daffodils.htm
Lynmouth Festival of Martial Arts
Mar 22 – 24 (Fri – Sun), Lynmouth
See: www.sacred-springs.org.uk/lynmouth.html
Tel: 01598 763230 for more info.
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway: Easter Steam Weekend
Mar 29 – Apr 1 (Fri – Mon), Woody Bay Station
April
Easter Bunny Hunt at Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh
Apr 1 (Easter Mon) Filleigh, near South Molton
Family Easter Bunny Hunt and Daffodil Weekend (11am to 4pm)
....follow our egg-citing cryptic clues around the woodland
gardens amongst hosts of daffodils, find the answers and
win a chocolate prize!
Light lunches and cream teas available.
See: www.castlehilldevon.co.uk
Easter Egg Hunt at Chambercombe Manor
Apr 1 (Easter Monday): 11am – 3pm, Ilfracombe
Magic show, Fancy dress, Balloon modelling, various races inc egg and spoon, bouncy castle, face painting, toy stall, etc.
See: www.chambercombemanor.org.uk/Easter-Egg-Hunt.php
Bluebell Sundays at Hartland Abbey
Apr 21, Hartland
11.00am to 5.00pm.
The bluebells at Hartland Abbey have always been legendary, they stretch from the Walled Gardens to the sea. See beautiful primroses, violets and wild orchids, also early rhododendrons, camellias, later bulbs and early perennials. Dogs (on leads) are welcome. There are 3½ miles of paths within the Abbey grounds.
The Tea Rooms will be serving hot pasties, light lunches and home made cream teas. All the proceeds go to St Nectan’s Church.
See: www.hartlandabbey.com/Bluebells.htm
North Devon & Exmoor Walking Festival 2013
Apr 27 – May 5, throughout North Devon and Exmoor
The first half of the festival, from Friday through to Tuesday inclusive will have all the walks within the North Devon area. This means that you can base yourself in Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Bideford area.
The second half, from Wednesday through to the following Sunday inclusive will move across to Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. This means that you can then base yourself in Lynton and Lynmouth, Porlock, Minehead, Dunster or Dulverton areas.
See: www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk/
Bluebell Sundays at Hartland Abbey
Apr 28, Hartland
11.00am to 5.00pm.
The bluebells at Hartland Abbey have always been legendary, they stretch from the Walled Gardens to the sea. See beautiful primroses, violets and wild orchids, also early rhododendrons, camellias, later bulbs and early perennials. Dogs (on leads) are welcome. There are 3½ miles of paths within the Abbey grounds.
The Tea Rooms will be serving hot pasties, light lunches and home made cream teas. All the proceeds go to St Nectan’s Church.
See: www.hartlandabbey.com/Bluebells.htm
Chenson Woods Bluebell Walks 2013
Apr 28 ? (Sun) and May 5 + 6? (Sun + Mon),
Chenson Farm, Chulmleigh
2.00pm to 6.00pm
Two trails through the woods and fields of Chenson Farm: 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 83236.
The entrance to Chenson Farm (EX18 7LF) is on the north side of A377, midway between Eggesford and Lapford.
See: www.chulmleigh.org/events/chensonframe.htm
May
Torrington May Fair and Carnival
May 2, 3, 4 (Thurs, Fri, Sat), Great Torrington
May Fair on Thursday includes several maypoles, the silver band and much jollities.
On Friday the 'Around the Tree' race is held – a run from the pannier market to Taddiport and back.
And on Saturday the Carnival starts at about 6.30pm.
Tel: Torrington TIC on 01805 626140 for more details.
Ilfracombe Beer Festival
May 3, 4, 5 (Fri, Sat, Sun ), Ilfracombe
Featuring live music, entertainment and real ale at the Landmark Theatre
Tel: 01271 865655 for more info.
Three Bridges Fun Run 2013
May 5 (Sun), Barnstaple
Chenson Woods Bluebell Walks 2013
May 5 + 6 (Sun + Mon),
Chenson Farm, Chulmleigh
2.00pm to 6.00pm
Two trails through the woods and fields of Chenson Farm: 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). Entrance £1.50 per person. Cream Teas available – proceeds to local church projects. For more information please 'phone 01363 83236.
The entrance to Chenson Farm (EX18 7LF) is on the north side of A377, midway between Eggesford and Lapford.
See: www.chulmleigh.org/events/chensonframe.htm
Ilfracombe 'Jack in the Green' May Day Celebrations
May 6 (Mon) , Ilfracombe
A colourful procession winds it's way through the High Street, along the sea front towards the Harbour area. Children & Morris Men will dance around the Maypole for your entertainment.
Telephone Ilfracombe TIC on 01271 863001 for more info.
British Longboard Championships
May 11 + 12 (Sat + Sun), Woolacombe
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway: 10th Spring Gala
May 11 + 12 (Sat + Sun), Woody Bay Station
Golden Horseshoe Ride over Exmoor 2013
May 12, 13, 14 (Sun, Mon, Tues), Hernes Barrow, Exford
Various competitive rides over one or two days for distances of between 15 and 50 miles per day.
Pleasure ride of 15 miles on Sunday morning.
Based at Exford Show Field (Hernes Barrow), beside B3223 one mile due south of Exford.
See: www.goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk
Devon County Show
May 15, 17, 18 (Thurs, Fri, Sat), Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Nightwalk 2013 – women's moonlit walk
May 18 (Sat): 7pm 'til late, Exmoor
See: www.nightwalk.co.uk.
Barnstaple Grand Prix 2013
May 19 (Sun), Barnstaple
A day of racing through the streets of Barnstaple Town Centre.
See: www.petroc.ac.uk/barnstaplegrandprix/
Point-to-Point horse racing
May 19 (Sun), Bratton Fleming
Held on an Exmoor hillside, 1000 feet above sea level, 2¾ miles south of Blackmoor Gate, on the Eastern side of the A399.
See www.pointtopoint.co.uk/go/courses/bratton_down.html
The Forces March
May 22 – 26 (Wed – Sun), Dulverton, Exmoor
The Forces March is one of the UK’s top endurance events. Runners and walkers cover more than 130 miles in five, highly demanding and challenging stages over five days from Ilfracombe, North Devon to Bulford, Wiltshire.
See: www.forcesmarch.co.uk.
Combe Martin: Hunting of the Earl of Rone
May 24 – 27 (Fri – Mon), Combe Martin
A celebration of the legend of the Earl of Tyrone – an interesting tale.
See: www.earl-of-rone.org.uk
Dulverton Folk Festival 2013
May 24 – 27 (Fri – Mon), Dulverton, Exmoor
The un-missable FREE traditional folk music and dance festival for all ages in the beautiful Exmoor town of Dulverton.
See: www.dulvertonfolkfestival.net.
Clovelly: Celebration of Local Ales and Cider
May 25, 26, 27 (Sat, Sun, Mon), Clovelly
Whether you're a committed ale and cider drinker or yet to be convinced, you'll find a tipple to suit your palate. So come along and raise a glass and support North Devon's brewers and cider makers.
Normal admission charges to village.
See: www.clovelly.co.uk/events.php
Round Lundy (Yacht) Race
May 26 (Sun), Ilfracombe
Yacht race from Ilfracombe around Lundy (island) and back to Ilfracombe: 50 miles.
See: www.ilfracombeyc.org.uk/Lundy.html
North Devon Beer Festival 2013
May 26 + 27 (Sun + Mon), Pannier Market, Barnstaple
Beers exclusively from North Devon micro breweries – admission free.
Braunton Village Fair
May 27 (Monday), Braunton
Royal Bath & West Show 2013
May 29 – Jun 1 (Wed – Sat), Shepton Mallet, Somerset
9am - 6.30pm daily
England's biggest rural festival.
See: www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-west/97/.
June
South Molton Vintage Rally
Jun 1 + 2 (Sat + Sun), Combsland Cross, Nr South Molton
Combsland Cross, 4 miles east of South Molton on B3227 (towards Bampton). Vintage cars and tractors. Display ring.
See: www.smoltonvintagerally.co.uk.
Point-to-Point horse racing
Jun 2 (Sun), Bratton Fleming
Held on an Exmoor hillside, 1000 feet above sea level, 2¾ miles south of Blackmoor Gate, on the Eastern side of the A399.
See www.pointtopoint.co.uk/go/courses/bratton_down.html
Combe Martin Strawberry Fayre
Jun 2 (Sun), Combe Martin
The Combe Martin Strawberry Fayre is held at Adams Hay and is jointly organised by the Combe Martin Carnival Committee and the Combe Martin Tourism Association. As well as celebrating the village’s strawberry-growing history, the event is also about promoting other fresh local produce, home baked goods and local crafts.
Royal Cornwall Show
Jun 6, 7, 8 (Thurs, Fri, Sat), Wadebridge, North Cornwall
LLAMA Lynton & Lynmouth Music Festival
Jun 7, 8, 9 (Fri, Sat, Sun), Lynton and Lynmouth
See www.llama.org.uk
or www.artsandentertainment.org.uk/llama-lynton--lynmouth-music-festival.html
Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration
Jun 8 – 16, Ilfracombe
One of the most popular annual events in North Devon: 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.
Clovelly: Lundy Island Gig Row
Jun 8 + 9 (Sat + Sun), Clovelly
West Country pilot gigs were designed to carry pilots out to ships. The first one alongside won the pilotage job, so speed was critical. The row from Clovelly to Lundy and back is a true test of endurance over 32 miles of sea – it can take up to four hours, depending upon the weather and tides. So come along and support the brave crews!
Gigs depart from Clovelly early on Saturday morning (8am) and return to Clovelly at about 4pm on Sunday.
Normal admission charges to village.
See: www.clovelly.co.uk/events.php
Devon Coast to Coast Challenge 2013 – The Landmark Tour
Jun 9 (Sun), Looe (Cornwall) to Barnstaple
Sponsored Cycling Challenge in aid of The North Devon Hospice....
from Ilfracombe. D-route: 66 miles. Z-route: 100 miles.
See www.coast-coast.co.uk for all the gen.
North Devon Motor Club: Chivenor Sprint 2013
Jun 9 ? (Sun), RMB Chivenor, Nr Barnstaple
at the Royal Marines base, 4 miles west of Barnstaple
on the southern side of the A361.
See: www.ndmc.org.uk
Ruby Run
Jun 9 (Sun), Holsworthy
Half Marathon run from Holsworthy to Hatherleigh.
See www.rubyrun.co.uk
Point-to-Point horse racing
Jun 9 (Sun), Bratton Fleming
Held on an Exmoor hillside, 1000 feet above sea level, 2¾ miles south of Blackmoor Gate, on the Eastern side of the A399.
See www.pointtopoint.co.uk/go/courses/bratton_down.html
The Annual Sawmill Inn Beer Festival
Jun 14, 15, 16 (Fri, Sat, Sun), Watermouth, Nr Ilfracombe
at The Sawmill Inn, Watermouth, near Ilfracombe, EX34 9SJ.
Live Entertainment to include: Earth Wind Fire & Theft, The Padawans, Chris Millington, Zamba and more.
See: www.thesawmillinn.co.uk
South Molton Olde English Fayre
Jun 15 (Sat) South Molton
– for further information contact South Molton TIC on 01769 574180
Barnstaple Fringe Theatrefest 2013
Jun 20 – 23 (Thurs – Sun), Barnstaple
"one of the hidden gems of the Fringe Theatre scene" FringeReview
See: www.theatrefest.co.uk
Goldcoast Oceanfest
Jun 21, 22, 23 (Fri, Sat, Sun), Croyde
The Surf and Music Festival at Croyde Bay.
www.goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk or 'phone 01271 817000
Holsworthy Vintage Vehicle & Engine Rally
Jun 22 + 23 ? (Sat + Sun), Holsworthy
A great family fun day out with lots of fun – Steam Engines, Classic Cars, Tractors, Vintage Fair Ground, Punch and Judy and a dog show on the
Sunday!
The Showfield, Holsworthy (about 1½ miles west of Holsworthy, on the southern side of the A3072 Bude road). 10am to 5pm. Probable Admission prices Saturday: Adult £4, Child £1; Sunday: Adult £5 Child £1.
See: www.holsworthy-vintage-vehicle-and-engine-rally.co.uk
North Devon AONB Marathon & Half Marathon
Jun 30 (Sun), Woolacombe
starts 10am from Woolacombe
See: www.northdevonmarathon.co.uk
July
Art Trek Open Studios 2013
Jul 6 + 7 (Sat + Sun: 10.30am – 4.30pm), throughout North Devon
During these three weekends in June, North Devon’s top Artists and Makers welcome you into their homes, workshops, studios and a variety of host venues, where you will see a fantastic range of unique, high quality Art and Craft whilst also exploring the beautiful coast and countryside of North Devon, Torridge and West Exmoor – you will be guided to places you would never imagine visiting, or maybe never knew existed!
Art Trek exhibitions will be held in the Queen's Theatre and the Museum of North Devon, Barnstaple, in June and July, acting as a highlight for visitors to choose which studios they may want to visit.
See: Art Trek 2013
Devon Traction Engine, Veteran & Vintage Car Club 2013 Rally
Jul 6 + 7 (Sat + Sun), Chapelton, Nr Barnstaple
Chapelton Barton, 4 miles south of Barnstaple (via A377 Old Exeter Road). 9.30am to 5.00pm.
See: www.dtec.freeuk.com
Art Trek Open Studios 2013
Jul 13 + 14 (Sat + Sun: 10.30am – 4.30pm), throughout North Devon
During these three weekends in June, North Devon’s top Artists and Makers welcome you into their homes, workshops, studios and a variety of host venues, where you will see a fantastic range of unique, high quality Art and Craft whilst also exploring the beautiful coast and countryside of North Devon, Torridge and West Exmoor – you will be guided to places you would never imagine visiting, or maybe never knew existed!
Art Trek exhibitions will be held in the Queen's Theatre and the Museum of North Devon, Barnstaple, in June and July, acting as a highlight for visitors to choose which studios they may want to visit.
See: Art Trek 2013
Clovelly Maritime Festival
Jul 14 (Sun), Clovelly
in support of the North Devon Hospice.
10am to 5pm. Juggling, Punch and Judy, treasure hunt, Shanty Singers, maritime themed entertainment. Spit roast on the quay and strawberry cream teas at the New Inn, Up-along.
Normal admission charges to village.
See: www.clovelly.co.uk/events.php
English National Sheepdog Trials + Country Fair
Jul 19 – 21 (Fri – Sun) Castle Hill, Filleigh
The Sheepdog Trials are back after a very successful event at Castle Hill in August 2009.
See: www.castlehilldevon.co.uk/what-s-on
Pilton Green Man Festival
Jul 20 (Sat), Pilton, Barnstaple
Art Trek Open Studios 2013
Jul 20 + 21 (Sat + Sun: 10.30am – 4.30pm), throughout North Devon
During these three weekends in June, North Devon’s top Artists and Makers welcome you into their homes, workshops, studios and a variety of host venues, where you will see a fantastic range of unique, high quality Art and Craft whilst also exploring the beautiful coast and countryside of North Devon, Torridge and West Exmoor – you will be guided to places you would never imagine visiting, or maybe never knew existed!
Art Trek exhibitions will be held in the Queen's Theatre and the Museum of North Devon, Barnstaple, in June and July, acting as a highlight for visitors to choose which studios they may want to visit.
See: Art Trek 2013
Hatherleigh Festival 2013
Jul 25 – 28 (Thurs – Sun), Hatherleigh
Plenty of events each day, between 11am and 11pm – many free admission.
See: www.hatherleighfestival.co.uk
Mid Devon Show
Jul 27 (Sat: 9am – 5pm), Tiverton
Popular Agricultural Show, with some spectacular and daring displays, held at the showground at Hartnoll Farm, Post Hill, Tiverton EX16 4NG.
See: www.middevonshow.co.uk
Ilfracombe Bird Man Competition
Jul 28 (Sun), Ilfracombe Pier
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.
See: www.ilfracomberoundtable.co.uk
Appledore & Instow Regatta: Open Day on Sunday 28th July
probably Jul 28 – Aug 4, Appledore and Instow
The Appledore & Instow Regatta is a celebration of all things maritime with a week of events organised for all to enjoy, and where possible, encouraged to take part and have fun.
Regatta activities, traditions and events include: an Art Show, Crabbing Competition, Fishing Competition, Sailing Boat Race, Greasy Pole Walking, Model Yacht Racing, Outboard Motor Race, Pilot Gig Sprint Race, Rowing, Sculling over the stern and the Boat Tug of War, Miller & Sweep Flour Battle and much more, with a variety of other activities and stall holders.
See: www.appledoreinstowregatta.org.uk
Woolsery Agricultural Show
Jul 29 (Mon), Clovelly Court, Clovelly
held at Clovelly Court, from 9.00am.
A quintessential English rural show, in aid of various charities, run entirely on a volunteer basis by local farmers. There are many classes for cattle, horses, and sheep, along with pony competitions. Trade and exhibition stands, craft and food stalls. Fairground rides and a bouncy castle. A great summer day out for all the family!
See: www.woolseryshow.org.uk
August
Mortehoe Scarecrow Festival
Aug 2 - 5 (Fri - Mon), Mortehoe, Nr Woolacombe
The Castle Hill Car Festival
Aug 3 + 4 (Sat + Sun), Castle Hill, Filleigh
A unique celebration of historic, classic and modern vehicles.
www.castlehillcarfestival.co.uk
Clovelly: Lifeboat Weekend – in aid of the R.N.L.I.
Aug 3 + 4 (Sat + Sun: 10am – 5pm), Clovelly
A popular celebration of the Clovelly Lifeboat, Spirit of Clovelly. The Lifeboat House will be open both days to the public.
A great day out for all the family, packed full of fun and action, down at the harbour.
Normal admission charges to village.
See: www.clovelly.co.uk/events.php
North Devon Show 2013
Aug 7 (Wed), Umberleigh
Our principal agriculture and countryside event – held at Umberleigh Barton Farm, Umberleigh EX37 9DX.
www.northdevonshow.com
Appledore Carnival
Aug 11 (Sun), Appledore, near Bideford
This village carnival starts at 4pm and travels along the quay, past fishing boats and lobster pots.
See: www.appledorepirates.org.uk/carnival
Brendon Show
Aug 11 ? (Sun), Crookhorn Gate, Brendon, Exmoor
Small country show in a field above the church: lots of horse/pony events, dog show, sheep shearing contest, various stalls, beer tent, ice creams, skittles.
Ilfracombe Round Table Rescue Day 2013
Aug 14 (Wed: 10am – 4pm), Ilfracombe Pier
BRITAIN’S BIGGEST EMERGENCY SERVICES LIVE CHARITY DISPLAY DAY!
Meet the real-life professionals and learn what it takes to keep us safe. Live air-sea Rescues with RAF helicopter, RNLI lifeboats, Coastguard cliff rescue. Drugs dog. Huge chip-pan fire. Lifeguards jet-ski surf rescue. See the roof being cut off a car. Big Screen for a good close-up view of the action for all. Static Displays. Trampolines. Climbing wall. Bungee Runs. Skittle Alley. Fresh BBQ’d Burgers.
Further info, pictures, and special offer advance tickets (for a limited period) will be available, on www.ilfracomberoundtable.co.uk.
Exmoor Show
Aug 14 (Wed), Exford, Exmoor
Includes the annual Breed Show of the Exmoor Pony Society. The show is an opportunity to see these wonderful ponies in action.
See: www.exfordshow.co.uk
The Dunster Show
Aug 16 (Fri), Dunster, Nr Minehead
in the grounds of Dunster Castle (NT)
The premier Agricultural Show for West Somerset – livestock is a major part with classes for HORSES CATTLE and SHEEP. Entertainment is laid on all day with Bands, Demonstrations, Crafts and Trade Stands, providing something for all the family.
See: www.thedunstershow.co.uk
Clovelly: Gig Regatta
Aug 17 (Sat), Clovelly
In the West Country we are proud of our long tradition of racing pilot gigs. The sport's popularity is hardly surprising – gig racing today is exciting, strenuous and often downright dangerous, with the crews reaching speeds of 9 knots in fast-flowing tidal waters. So come along and cheer on the rowers. It will be an exhilirating day's racing.
Normal admission charges to village.
See: www.clovelly.co.uk/events.php
Calves eating thistle heads – the lazy days of.....
.....High Summer, in North Devon
This photo was taken by the late James Ravilious: a small collection of his many photographs, capturing images of 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); our tourist information centre is located there, in the main entrance hall. Several wonderful books of Ravilious photographs are on sale in the museum shop.
Ilfracombe Carnival
Aug 22 (Thurs), Ilfracombe
An eclectic mix of floats will keep you entertained for an evening.
See: Ilfracombe Carnival
Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show
Aug 22 (Thurs), Killatree Cross, Holsworthy
at Killatree Cross, Holsworthy.
See: www.holsworthyandstrattonagriculturalshow.co.uk
Ilfracombe Sun West Beer Festival
Aug 23 – 26 (Fri – Mon), Ilfracombe
Live music and Real Ale at the Landmark Theatre.
Contact: Ilfracombe TIC on 01271 863001
North Devon Mini Register Grand Tour
Aug 24, 25, 26 (Sat, Sun, Mon), Bideford, Westward Ho! and Ilfracombe
Departs from Victoria Park, Bideford at 11am on Sunday....
....and from The Promenade, Westward Ho! at 11am on Monday.
Approximately 200 Minis taking part.
See: www.smallcarsbighearts.co.uk
The Bude Jazz Festival
Aug 27 – 30, Bude
Book early if you want to stay in Bude.
See: Bude Jazz Festival
September
Clovelly: Lobster and Crab Feast
Sep 1 (Sun), Clovelly
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.
See: www.clovelly.co.uk/events.php
Sea Ilfracombe Festival
Sep 6 – 8 (Fri – Sun), Ilfracombe
A celebration of all things maritime, including seafood and gourmet trails.
See: http://seailfracombe.co.uk
Heritage Open Days 2013
Sep 12 – 15 (Thurs – Sun), throughout England
Bideford Carnival
Sep 14 ? (Sat), Bideford
Carnival starts at 6.00pm.
Fireworks at about 9.30pm (once it's dark enough).
Barnstaple Fair
Sep 18 – 21 (Wed – Sat), Barnstaple
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 the town to squander their savings at the cheapjack stalls or in the local taverns. Nowadays there is a vast funfair (second, in size, only to Nottingham Goose Fair), which is in full swing from late afternoon until midnight for each of the four days.
Barnstaple Carnival & Fireworks Extravaganza
Sep 21 (Sat: 6pm & 8.15pm), Barnstaple
.....On the Saturday afternoon of Barnstaple Fair, various stalls and entertainments fill in The Square, from where the carnival starts at 6.00pm. This glittering procession, featuring the winning floats from many other West Country carnivals, plus various marching bands, pipers, majorettes, etc., takes about 1¾ hours to circle the town centre. Two good places to watch it pass are in The Strand and in Boutport Street.
All the floats will be collecting money for the Carnival's charities.
A spectacular and loud fireworks display is loosed over the River Taw from Anchor Bank at about 8.15pm.
Appledore Book Festival 2013
Sep 28 – Oct 6, Appledore
Idyllically situated on the Taw and Torridge rivers, with breathtaking sunsets and huge tides, Appledore is a unique place to hear authors discuss their work and creativity. Join novelists, historians, broadcasters, poets and playwrights and be enchanted!
See: www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway: Autumn Gala
Sep 28 + 29 (Sat + Sun), Woody Bay Station
Steam weekend gala – something for all ages.
See: www.lynton-rail.co.uk
The Doone Run
Sep 29 (Sun), Lynton
October
Two Moors Festival 2013
Oct 17 – 27, throughout Devon
The annual 'Dartmoor to Exmoor' festival of classical music.
See: www.thetwomoorsfestival.com
North Devon Foodfest
Oct 20 (Sun), Barnstaple
Held in the Pannier Market, in Barnstaple town centre, from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
A showcase of the finest local produce from North Devon and Exmoor.
See: North Devon Journal article
Exmoor Beast Cycle Challenge – usually 1,500 entrants
Oct 20 (Sun), Minehead and Exmoor
Gruelling cycle course – two routes: 100 miles or 100 km. Starts and finishes at Minehead.
See: www.exmoorbeast.org
Bampton Charter Fair
Oct 31 (Thurs), Bampton
This traditional Devon fair attracts local producers of foods and livestock, crafts and traditional skills from Exmoor and its surrounding villages. The streets, church, pubs and venues of Bampton are filled to over flowing with around 100 stalls, entertainments including craft and music workshops, demonstrations and concerts, and funfair.
See: www.bampton.org.uk/charterfair/index.html
Tennis: The AEGON Pro-Series Barnstaple
End of October – probably, Tarka Tennis Centre, Barnstaple
The UKs 4th largest International Women’s Tennis Tournament.
See professional, world-ranked players (50–150) complete
for the Dartington Vases and a share of the $75K Prize pot
Adult Tickets: Free to £12 – On Sale via Website from
mid-June 2013 – Concessions Available.
See: www.barnstapleopen.net
November
Ilfracombe Fireworks
Nov 1 (Fri), Ilfracombe Rugby Club
Ilfracombe Rugby Club (on north side of A399, on eastern side of town). 6.30pm.
Bampton 'After the Fair' Folk Festival
Nov 1, 2, 3 (Fri, Sat, Sun), Bampton
‘After the Fair’ is a free festival for fun loving people who like to get amongst it. If you want to sing, play music, tell tales or dance, you will have a good time at Bampton where you can do any or all of these things in the numerous sessions from Friday evening to Sunday night. Listeners are also very welcome.
See: www.bampton.org.uk/charterfair/after-the-fair.html
Barnstaple (Round Table) Fireworks
probably Nov 3 (Sun), Barnstaple Rugby Ground
at the Rugby Ground, Mill Road, Barnstaple.
Hatherleigh Carnival
Nov 9 (Sat), Hatherleigh
Holsworthy Winter Carnival
Nov 16 (Sat), Holsworthy
Clovelly Herring Festival 2013
Nov 17 (Sun: 10am – 4pm), Clovelly
"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.
See: www.clovelly.co.uk/events
Barnstaple Christmas Lights Switch-On
probably Nov 24 (Sun), Barnstaple
Various bands and artistes perform on the outdoor music stage, The Square, Barnstaple, throughout the afternoon.
December
Barnstaple Pannier Market
Dec 1 – 24, Barnstaple
Every day including Sundays and on Late Night Shopping nights (until 9.00pm).
Clovelly Christmas Lights (in aid of the RNLI)
Dec 1 (Sun), Clovelly
Procession starts at about 3.30pm from the Visitor Centre, Clovelly.
Don’t miss the annual tradition of switching on Clovelly’s fairy lights. Follow the procession down the cobbled street, 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. The lights are switched on at 5pm, followed by a fireworks grande finale.
Admission charges from 3.00pm by donation to the RNLI.
Late Night Shopping in Barnstaple
probably Dec 5 (Thurs), 12 (Thurs), 17 (Tues), 19 (Thurs), 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....
Dunster by Candlelight
Dec 6 + 7 (Fri + Sat), Dunster, Somerset
takes place every year on the first Friday and Saturday in December when this remarkably preserved medieval village turns its back on the present and lights its streets with candles.
See: www.dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk
Dulverton by Starlight
probably Dec 8 (Sun), Dulverton, Exmoor
12 noon until 7.00pm
See: www.dulvertonbystarlight.co.uk
Bideford New Year's Eve Riverside Party
Dec 31, The Quay, Bideford
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.
Barnstaple New Year's Eve
Dec 31, The Square, Barnstaple
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