What’s on in Devon this Spring
March 24th, 2011 Posted in April 2011, Events and What's onIf you are coming to Devon for your Easter Holiday here are some up and coming events that will appeal to all the family.
Event: BLUEBELL DAYS
Date: April 22nd
Location: 11am-5pm HARTLAND ABBEY, North Devon
Come and see the beautiful bluebells and other spring flowering bulbs and shrubs; walk the lovely paths around the gardens and through woodland to the beach where ‘Sense and Sensibility’ was filmed. See the newly restored Summerhouse, lost since World War II Enjoy a good hot pasty, light lunch or cream tea in aid of St. Nectan’s Church. Dogs really welcome. Bring wellies. *Adults £3.50 Children under 5 free, over 5 £1*
Event: Royal Wedding Street Party
Date: 29th April
Location: New Inn – Clovelly, North Devon
Normal admission charges apply
Come and watch the Royal Wedding of Kate and William on a widescreen TV at 11:30 am then join in a Clovelly street party to celebrate the occasion.
The party starts at 2:30 p.m. with a complimentary glass of Bucks fizz or fruit cocktail to toast the happy couple. There follows a children’s tea party with jelly and ice cream, BBQ burger or hotdog for adults, a scone with jam & cream, all for just £1 each. Children can have their faces painted, enter a fancy dress prize competition for the best Prince and Princess and enjoy a treasure hunt.
There’ll be a specially brewed real ale on sale, a prize draw in aid of the S.W. Children’s Hospice and live music.
The New Inn will also be hosting a cocktail party with disco and karaoke in the evening.
Event: Dartmouth Gig Regatta
Date: 02 April
Location: Held on the River Dart , South Devon
Organised by the Dart Gig Club, the Dartmouth Gig Regatta showcases the energetic and vibrant team sport of Gig racing, where Gigs from across the South West come to pitch their skills against each other in a test of ultimate fitness and stamina. An excellent day out in Dartmouth.
Event: Torquay Food and Arts Festival
Date: 13April – 14th May
Location: Union Square Shopping Centre, Torquay
With over 30 food and arts stalls providing shoppers with a mouthwatering taster of the finest food and drink the locality.
Event: The Blackawton Worm Charming & Beer Festival
Date: Sunday 1st May
Location: Blackawton, South Devon
http://www.wormcharming.co.uk/
Location: Blackawton, South Devon
Probably one of the most unusual events for many, this event, held in the nearby town of Blackawton involves trying to charm worms to the surface without digging them up. The event is a fun filled day for all with Fancy dress, Ram Roasts, Street Traders, Stalls, Live Music and a Beer Festival.
Event: The Exeter Festival of Food & Drink
Date: 29th April – 1st May
Location: Exeter Castle, East Devon
The Festival is an annual event held in the courtyard of Exeter Castle and the surrounding Northernhay Gardens, right in the centre of Exeter. Taking place over three days, the Festival also includes two evening Festival After Dark Events featuring live music, chef demos and a great atmosphere.
Now in its 8th year, the 2010 festival attracted more than 15,000 visits, with people flocking to Exeter to indulge in top-notch South West food and drink, see national TV celebrities, to learn from the many cookery demonstrations and workshops and to enjoy family hands-on activities. 2011 promises even more
Event: Dart Music Festival
Date: 6th, 7th and 8th May
Location: Dartmouth – South Devon
http://www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk
‘Music for all’ is a fundamental objective for the Festivals organizers, who have this year already confirmed a whole host of musicians for this years line up. From orchestral to rock, Blues & Jazz to opera, the eclectic mix guarantees something for everyone and is now one of the star events in Dartmouth’s calendar.
Event: Devon County Show
Date: Thur 19th – 25th May
Location: Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter
Tel: 01392 446000
Probably one of the biggest, grandest events in the South West – Devon County Show is definitely one not to miss. The show has a friendly, family atmosphere with a real variety of entertainment. Children can enjoy real hands on activities from petting tame animals to baking bread. The showground’s 6 show rings host a thrilling array of dazzling shows and deft defying stunt demonstrations, and the traditional Livestock Shows are outstanding. Food and drink is plentiful with the Westcountry food and drink producers tempting you with some of the finest produce the county has to offer. If you are on holiday in Devon, then attending mid week and arriving early are key to getting the most out of your visit, as the show ground, and nearby parking fills up quickly, Saturdays are the busiest day of all. Bring comfortable shoes and pack your wellies just in case! If the rain does fall it will not dampen your day, as the show has a multitude of indoor venues and tents to keep you dry.
Farmers Markets
Devon produces some of the best food and drink in the whole of the UK and there is no better place to find this wonderful produce than at one of the many farmers markets across the County. Most towns hold a farmers market either monthly or every other week. Here are some that you may be interested in:
Exmouth:
6th, 20th April and 4th and 18th May, at the Stand Gardens
Barnstable:
Every Friday in the main Pannier Market
Hartland:
3rd April and 1st May at the Parish Hall in the Square
Exeter:
Every Thursday at Fore Street/South Street
Dartmouth:
9th April at the Old Market Square
South Molton:
23rd April at the Pannier Market
Kingsbridge:
2nd and 16th April at the Town Square
Paignton:
6th and 20th April at Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road.
