The Dartmouth Food Festival, held across half term 21st – 23rd October is a great way to introduce your family to some of the best food Devon has to offer.  Now in its 9^th year the festival has grown from a handful of stalls to a major food festival or as The Daily Telegraph put it (Feb 2011), ‘a heady mix of celebrity chefs, parties, food markets, tasting shacks and demonstrations’ .  The aim of the festival is the showcase the best that South Devon has to offer from Riverford Farm Organics through to Well Hung meat and Bigbury Oysters.  The festival is also celebrating the quality of the towns award winning restaurants including The Seahorse, Restaurant Angelique, Ode in Shaldon and the Millbrook Inn to name but a few.  It is said that South Devon has the most award winning chefs per square foot than any other part of the country. The event is free of charge and the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to new food experiences.  There is even a Children’s Tasting Party at the Royal Avenue Gardens on Thursday 20^th October at 4.30.  All children are welcome but under 10’s should and naturally would be accompanied by and adult.

For more information on events being held across the week contact The Dartmouth Food Festival

If you haven’t booked your holiday cottage in Dartmouth then why not give us a call on 01326 555925 or visit our website www.devonshirecottageholidays.co.uk

I hope to see you there!

For those of you that don’t know what the Dartmouth Regatta is let me enlighten you.

The Dartmouth Regatta is one of the largest public events in South West and originated in 1822.  Originally run by the wealthier gentlemen of the neighborhood with a small number of sailing races and a grand ball in the evening, over the years the event has become considerably larger, spanning 3 days over the last weekend in August.  It now incorporates a program of rowing and sailing events, grand firework displays, air displays from The Red Arrows, a fun fair, street markets and much much more, attracting over 100,000 people each year.  Totally funded through voluntary donations and sponsorship it is organized by a committee of local volunteers.

A programme of what is happening over the 3 days can be read below:
Rowing:
Rowing heats take place between Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd with the fainals on the 26th. The location is between the Higher Ferry and The lower Ferry. The best place to watch would be from the embankment with the finish line opposite the Dartmouth Yacht Club.
Also running throughout Thursday 25th are the West of England Amateur Rowing Association championships, where crews from all over the country compete in one of the larges Regatta programmes in the rowing diary.

Swimming
Swimming Gala held on Saturday 20th August at Dartmouth Swimming Pool with full programmed of events to entertain spectators.

Tennis Tournament
The 43rd Annual Tennis Tournament will be held on Cornonation Park during the whole Regatta week. Beginning on Monday 22nd August with events ranging from Mens and Womens Open Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles and more.
For more information on the tennis tournament – www.dartmouthregattatennis.co.uk

Tug-of-War
Always a great spectacle for all, the Tug of War contests start at 10.30 on Saturday 27th and there is even a Family fun Tug-of-war!

International Trolly Grand Prix
Held on Friday morning on the South Embankment. One not to miss, these two events (junior and senior race) feature teams of mechanics and drivers competing in their Formula One Marks & Spencer trolly. The race starts from the pits outside the Rock Fish on the South Embankment with a five litre empty can. At the start of the race they collect water from the refueling tank and then back to their trolley where they pour water into the trolley’s fuel tank. Driverst then push their trolley across the course at speed trying to keep the tanks filled with water.

Aerial Displays (timings subject to change, weather dependent)
5:00pm RN Sea King 771 Squadron.
5:15pm RN Lynx 815 Squadron
Thursday 25th August 2011
5:45pm RN Lynx 815 Squadron 6:00pm RN Sea King 771 Squadron
Friday 26th August 2011
5.30pm Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
6.00pm The Red Arrows
6.30pm RAF Tucano rehearsal.
Saturday 27th August 2011
12:00noon RN Sea King 771 Squadron
1.00pm The Black Knights parachute display team
5.00pm RN Lynx 815 Squadron
5.30pm RAF Tucano.

Firework Displays – Thursday 25th 9pm and Saturday 27th pm
The highlight of the year, two fantastic displays light up the skies over Dartmouth on Thursday night, fired from the Bight, between Bayards Cove and the mouth of the river, and the finale the Saturday night display from the centre of the river from the Bandstand

Regatta Rock – Wednesday 24th August
Tickets £25 each available from The Royal Castle Hotel
Regatta Rock will feature Badness and Duke Johnson & The Scorchers, supported by local band Phoenix. (Over 18’s only)

Music in The Bandstand
A marvelous mix of music will entertain all throughout the week at the Bandstand in Avenue Gardens:
Wednesday 24 August 2011 8pm: Eat The Rich
Thursday 25 August 2011 Afternoon: The Naughtie Buoys
Thursday 25 August 2011 Evening: Sax Appeal
Friday 26 August 2011 Afternoon: Antigua Joe
Friday 26 August 2011 Evening: The Loose Cannons
Saturday 27 August 2011 Afternoon: Devon & Somerset Fire Services Brass band
Saturday 27 August 2011 5pm: 59 Ford
Saturday 27 August 2011 7pm: Tinitus
Saturday 27 August 2011 Afternoon: Duke Johnson & The Scorchers

Shopping Village
For those who love to browse then head for the shopping situated in the main marquee on Coronation Park. Its packed with stalls of every theme and produce from a fantastic array of food and drink to arts, crafts, jewellery, textiles and much much more. Most of the producers will be operating a “Buy now-Collect later” scheme so you don’t have to carry your purchased around all day!

Fun Fair
Throughout the Regatta the fun fair will be open on the Mayor’s Avenue car park.

Crab Fishing
For the young and the ‘not so young’ a Crab fishing contest is being held on Friday 26th for Juniors and Thursday 25th for Pensioners. Sign in at 9am in the shelter opposite the Hospital on the South Embankment.

Full details of the events of the week can be found on www.dartmoutregatta.co.uk

Event: Clovelly Celebration of Local Ales and Cider
Date: Saturday 28 May – Monday 30 May
Location: Red Lion and New Inn bars
Normal admission charges apply

Enjoy a range of tasty local brews. These unique local ales and ciders are not industrially manufactured, but created with passion by small North Devon breweries.
And there’ll be more ciders on offer this year.
So come along and raise a glass to support North Devon’s brewers and cider makers.

Event: Lundy Gig Row
Date: Departs Saturday 16 July, returns Sunday 17 July
Location: Clovelly harbour
Normal admission charges apply

The row from Clovelly to Lundy and back across 32 miles of open seas is a huge test of endurance depending upon the weather and tides it can take up to four hours. Pilots rowed these speedy craft out to ships, battling to be the first alongside to win the pilotage job. So come along and support the brave crews!
Leaving Clovelly 8.00 am, arriving at Lundy about 11.00 am. Leaving Lundy about 1.00, arriving back at Clovelly about 4.00 pm

Event: Clovelly Maritime Festival, held in aid of the North Devon Hospice
Date: Sunday, 17 July
Time: From 10:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Location: Clovelly harbour
Normal admission charges apply and include all entertainment

This great day out is packed with attractions, including rousing shanty singers, Punch and Judy, maritime themed entertainment, local stalls and more.
Enjoy fresh seafood or a succulent spit roast on the quay and delicious, fresh strawberry and cream teas at the New Inn.
And don’t miss the Tasmanian band ‘The Blue Mosquitoes’ with their vibrant mix of traditional Celtic music and contemporary folk.

Event: Woolsery Agricultural Show, in aid of various charities
Date: Monday, 25th July
Location: Clovelly Court
A separate admission charge applies

Summer in North Devon would not be complete without a visit to this popular show.
Classes include crafts, cattle and sheep, together with horse and pony competitions. You’ll find bustling trade and exhibition stands with stalls offering locally made crafts and food and fairground rides and a bouncy castle for the children. It’s a great summer day out for all the family!

Event: Lifeboat Weekend in aid of the R.N.L.I.
Date: Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th August
Time: From 10:00 a.m.
Location: Clovelly harbour
Normal admission charges apply and include all entertainment.

Held in aid of the RNLI, it is a popular celebration of the Clovelly Lifeboat, Spirit of Clovelly. The Lifeboat House will be open both days to the public.
On Saturday there’ll be a sponsored swim from Bucks Mills to Clovelly. On Sunday enjoy a cross dressing-up race, a tug-of-war and the ever popular slave auction in which young local men are ’sold’ to the highest bidder to do their chores for the day. With many local stalls, a cobble race, an auction of pledges, a lifeboat display and a helicopter flypast.

Event: Clovelly Gig Regatta
Date: Saturday, 20th August
Location: Clovelly Harbour
Normal admission charges apply

The West Country boasts a long tradition of racing pilot gigs. Gig racing is exciting, strenuous and often downright dangerous, with crews reaching speeds of 9 knots in North Devon’s powerful tidal waters. You’re assured an exhilirating day’s racing.

Event: The Great Tour
Date: August – date to be confirmed
Location: Hobby Drive to the harbour
Normal admission charges apply

This annual endurance cycling challenge, in aid of Prostate Cancer Charity and Caravan, the National Grocers Benevolent fund, will once again be circumnavigating the entire coastline of Britain from July to September.
The leg across Exmoor from Selworthy to Clovelly is one of the most arduous. Subject to weather, come and cheer the riders as they cycle along the Hobby Drive followed by a bone-shaking ride down the cobbles to the harbour!

One of the highlights of the summer at the Hartland Abbey will be the arrival of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow on Thursday 7th July.

The house itself will be closed to visitors on that day for use on the show. However the gardens will be up to their usual beautiful standard and will be open as normal. If you are planning on visiting the Abbey on the 7th why not take along some family heirlooms and see how much they are worth.

So start rummaging for hidden treasures in the loft, turn out the garage and see what you find, you might have something worth a fortune hanging around. There’s plenty to see in the surrounding area including St Nectans Church ‘The Cathedral of North Devon’, Hartland Quay and its stunning cliffs and views to Lundy Island, the village of Hartland which is filled with artists and craftsmen and Docton Mill Gardens and Clovelly nearby. Check out www.hartlandabbey.com and www.hartlandpeninsula.co.uk for full details.

Hartland Abbey’s “Last Night of the Proms”
Saturday 25th June 2011
A enchanting lively evening with ‘The Three Sopranos’, their musical director, pianist and seven piece orchestra, a fabulous 3 course dinner, champagne bar, draw and much more. The aim of the evening is to bring classical music to the widest possible audience. As well as the traditional line up, including Rule Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem, there will also be rousing sing alongs, all performed to the waving of flags. It promises to be an excellent evening.
Doors open at 7:00pm
Ticket cost: £35

Country Fayre and Farmers Market
Sunday 26th June 2011, 11.30am – 5pm
A brilliant Farmers Market with plenty of superb quality local producers of meats, cakes, cheeses, herbs, plants and flowers. Beautiful pottery and local photography of the surrounding land and seascapes. Traditional Devonshire Cream Teas will be available throughout the afternoon. There’ll be a traditional style merry-go-round for the kids and the young at heart, bouncy castle for the little ones, a delicious BBQ, stalls, sideshows, and much more. A great afternoon out for all the family.

The Devon County Show is the largest (and best) event in Devon’s calendar and is definitely a splendid spot to unwind and sample some of the many wonders of the local countryside Devon has to offer.

There’s something for everyone at this event and it’s a great day out for the whole family, whether you’re looking to have a look at the livestock or experience the fine local food.
From magnificent flowers and gardens, to rural skills and country pursuits there is non-stop activities going on in six different rings, for those of you that love the Devon way of life this is definitely worth a visit.

Other attractions include:
Grand Livestock Parade, Classic Show Jumping, Livestock Showing Classes, Shetlands and Shires, Scurry Driving, Axe Racing, Best Of British Food and Drink, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Cookery With Top Chefs, Dog Show, Donkeys, Farmhouse Cider, Farm Vehicles and Machinery, Flower and Garden Show, Sheep Shearing, Vintage Tractors and lots more.

Check out the website – All the information about the show along with some special ticket promotions.

Dates
19/05/2011 – 21/05/2011

Thursday 09:00 – 17:00
Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday 09:00 – 17:00

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.

What: The Antiques Roadshow is coming to town!
When: 6^th March 10am – 5pm
Where: Britannia Royal Naval College
The Antiques Roadshow team are coming back to Dartmouth to carry on their search for valuable paintings, trinkets and all the other items that may have been lying around in the attic for years on end. Go along and see if you can make a television appearance.

What: Dartmouth Comedy Festival
When: 9^th – 12^th March
Where: Various venues in Dartmouth
The fifth Dartmouth Comedy Festival held at the Flavel Centre where a variety of comedians will amuse and entertain you.  A number of household names have been booked for the event such as Chris Addison, Arabella Weir and Andrew Clover, up-and-coming Anil Desai, local bard Matt Harvey, the return of Boothby Graffoe and much more. An event not to be missed. For more details check the Flavel website.

What: Dartmouth Gig Regatta
When: 2nd April
Where: Held on the River Dart
Organised by the Dart Gig Club, the event showcases this 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.

What: Dartmouth Art Society (Spring Exhibition)
When: 25^th April – 30^th April
Where: The Flavel Church
The Spring exhibition of paintings by local artists will be held at the Flavel Church. It will be provide a chance to view the talents of local artists and also to purchase those on display.

There certainly is something for everyone here, if something takes your fancy get in contact with our bookings team or have a little look at our website and book a holiday.

This weekend Barnstable will be hosting the North Devon Foodfest in its undercover Pannier Market.  A great day out in Devon where the best local food and drink will be on display for all to enjoy.  Live music, demonstrations by leading local chefs and an array of local produce and stalls are all on offer for you to enjoy.

North Devon Foodfest Barnstable Sunday 17th October

BBC Masterchef winner and Rick Stein Seafood Restaurant chef James Nathan is the special guest this year and he will be cooking seafood and local venison on the demonstration stage.

The event is undercover  - Sunday October 17th, between 10am – 4pm.

Barstable Pannier Market, Barnstable EX31 1SY.

www.northdevonfoodfest.com