Contact Us

Combe Martin Music Festival
Every Weekend (Fri-Sun), Combe Martin

every weekend in July
- for further information contact Combe Martin TIC at mail@visitcombemartin.co.uk or 'phone 01271 883319

Power Boat Racing at Ilfracombe 
Jul 9 - 11, Ilfracombe

- for further information contact Ilfracombe TIC: 'phone 01271 863001

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Jul 16 - 18, Woody Bay Station

Woody Bay Beer Festival. Real Ale and Steam Trains.
See: www.lynton-rail.co.uk

Pilton Green Man Festival - Barnstaple
Jul 17 (Sat), Pilton, Barnstaple

- for further information contact Linacre's Pottery on tel: 01271 375776.
- to book stall space contact Pilton Stores on tel: 01271 372418. 
See: www.piltonfestival.co.uk

Clovelly Maritime Festival
Jul 18, Clovelly

in support of the North Devon Hospice. 
10am to 5pm. Juggling, Punch and Judy, treasure hunt, Shanty Singers, fire-eating, juggling, puppet theatre, hog roast on the beach. 
A wrench auction - "we're wrenching tonight, boy bach". 
Normal admission charges to village.

Lynton Flower Festival
Jul 19 (Mon) - 25 (Sun) (Date to be confirmed), Lynton

Church of St Mary the Virgin, 10.00am to 6.00pm.

Hatherleigh Festival
Jul 22 (Thurs) - 25 (Sun), Hatherleigh

Plenty of events each day, between 11am and 11pm - many free admission. 
See: www.hatherleighfestival.co.uk

Lynmouth Raft Race
Jul 24, Lynmouth

Starts at 5pm. Contact: Lynton TIC on 01598 752225

Clovelly: Lundy Island Gig Row
Jul 24 (Sat), 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!
Normal admission charges to village.

Woolsery Agricultural Show 
Jul 26 (Mon), Clovelly Court

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

RHS Garden Rosemoor - The Secret Garden
Jul 31, Great Torrington

Open Air Theatre
- phone 01805 626800.

Mortehoe Scarecrow Festival
Jul 31 - Aug 2, Mortehoe

North Devon Show 2010
Aug 4 (Wed), Umberleigh

Our principal agriculture and countryside event - held at Umberleigh Barton Farm, Umberleigh EX37 9DX. 
www.northdevonshow.com

Brendon Show
Aug 6 (Sun), Brendon

Appledore & Instow Regatta: Gig Races
Aug 7 (Sat), Appledore and Instow

Rowing, sailing, swimming, crabbing, model yachts and other local events.

Clovelly: Gig Regatta
Aug 7 (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.

Combe Martin Carnival Week
Aug 7 (Sat) - 13 (Sun), Combe Martin

The week-long carnival sees thousands of local people, neighbouring communities and visitors join in the fun, with raft and kayak races, a carnival parade and a wheelbarrow race and parade just some of the entertainment. 
For more information please 'phone: 01271 882050 or visit www.combemartincarnival.com

Ilfracombe Bird Man Competition
Aug 8 (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 Tablewww.ilfracomberoundtable.co.uk - or further info' on www.myspace.com/ilfracombebirdman
- or contact Ilfracombe TIC at ilfracombe@aol.com tel: 01271 863001.

Hartland Art & Craft Fair
Aug 11 - 18, Hartland village

10am- 5pm at Hartland Parish Hall (adjacent to free car park off The Square)
Admission free. Wheelchair accessable. Also held at the end of October.

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Aug 15 - 15, Woody Bay Station

Jack the Station Cat (children's book character) visits Woody Bay Station.
See: www.lynton-rail.co.uk

Appledore Carnival
Aug 16 (Sun) (Date to be confirmed), Appledore

Fun on The Quay begins at 4pm

Ilfracombe Rescue Day 2010
Aug 18 (Date to be confirmed), Ilfracombe

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, onwww.ilfracomberoundtable.co.uk.

Dunster Show
Aug 20, Dunster Castle

in the grounds of Dunster Castle (NT) 
Agricultural and Country Sports Show
If you would like to know more about the Dunster Show, please call Rebecca Langdon on 01984 656990.

RHS Garden Rosemoor - Local Produce Show
Aug 21, Great Torrington

from 10.00am - phone 01805 626800.

Calves eating thistle heads The lazy days of high summer...
High Summer, North Devon

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.

Ilfracombe Carnival
Aug 26, Ilfracombe

Contact: Bruce Davies 
Phone: 01271 863861

Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show
Aug 26, Killatree Cross, Holsworthy

at Killatree Cross, Holsworthy 
- for further information contact Alison Wilson, Show Secretary, email: alison@holsworthyshow.wanadoo.co.uk or tel: 01288 355335.
See: www.holsworthyandstrattonagriculturalshow.co.uk

Ilfracombe Sun West Beer Festival
Aug 27 - 31, Ilfracombe

Contact: Ilfracombe TIC on 01271 863001

The 23rd Bude Jazz Festival
Aug 28 - Sep 4, Bude

Book early if you want to stay in Bude
See: www.budejazzfestival.co.uk

North Devon Mini Register Grand Tour
Aug 28 - 30, Westward Ho! and Ilfracombe

See: www.smallcarsbighearts.co.uk

...all around the bloomin' heather Exmoor and Dartmoor....
'tis a wonderful time to be on the moors!

Bideford Regatta Day
Sep 4 (Sat), Bideford

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

Clovelly: Lobster and Crab Feast
Sep 5 (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.

Heritage Open Days - throughout England
Sep 9 (Thurs) - 12 (Sun), England

www.heritageopendays.org

Bideford Carnival and Massed Pipes & Drums
Sep 11 (Sat), Bideford

Carnival starts at 6.00pm - The Massed Pipes & Drums will be parading on the Quay after the carnival at about 7.45pm 
Contact Mike Harper 01237 422477 mike@rockbymail.co.uk 
www.bidefordmassedbands.co.uk

Barnstaple Fair
Sep 15 (Wed) - 18 (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 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.

Barnstaple Carnival & Fireworks Extravaganza
Sep 18 (Sat), Barnstaple

- 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 2009). 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.

Devon Traction Engine, Veteran & Vintage Car Club 2010 Rally
Sep 18 (Sat) - 19 (Sun), Chapelton, Barnstaple

Chapelton Barton, 4 miles south of Barnstaple (via A377 Old Exeter Road). 9.30am to 5.00pm.
See: www.dtec.freeuk.com

The 27th Doone Run
Sep 19 (Sun), Lynton

Contact: Lynton TIC on 01598 752225

Appledore Book Festival 2010
Sep 25 - Oct 3, Appledore

South Molton Carnival
Sep 25, South Molton

- for further information contact South Molton TIC at mail@visitsouthmolton.co.uk or 'phone 01769 574180

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Sep 25 - 27, Woody Bay Station

Annual Autumn Steam Gala. 
See: www.lynton-rail.co.uk

North Devon & Exmoor Autumn Walking Festival 2010
Oct 1 - 4, North Devon and Exmoor

See North Devon and Exmoor in its dazzling autumn colours, with a collection of walks through some of the UK's most scenic countryside
www.walkingnorthdevon.co.uk or 'phone 01271 883131

Lyn & Exmoor Food Festival
Oct 1 - 10, Throughout Exmoor

more info from 01984 635360

Tennis: The AEGON Pro-Series Barnstaple
Oct 4 - 10, 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 £10 - On Sale via Website from 21 June 2010 - Concessions Available
See: www.barnstapleopen.net

Two Moors Festival
Oct 7 - 17, Throughout Devon

See: www.thetwomoorsfestival.com

RHS Garden Rosemoor
Oct 10, Great Torrington

Apple Day
from 10.00am - phone 01805 626800.

Okehampton Carnival
Oct 16, Okehampton

which is always held on the third Saturday in October
Contact: Shirley Friend 
Phone: 01837 52230

Hartland Art & Craft Fair
Oct 28 - 31, Hartland village

10am- 5pm at Hartland Parish Hall (adjacent to free car park off The Square)
Admission free. Wheelchair accessable.

Exmoor Beast Cycle Challenge (100 miles)
Nov 1, Exmoor

See: www.exmoorbeast.org

Dolton & Dowland Carnival
Nov (To be confirmed), Dolton and Dowland

Contact: Rosemary Lock 
Phone: 01805 804254

Hatherleigh Carnival
Nov (To be confirmed), Hatherleigh

Contact: Mandy Wonnacott 
Phone: 01837 810678

Ilfracombe Fireworks
Nov 5 (Fri) (Date to be confirmed), Ilfracombe Rugby Club

Ilfracombe Rugby Club (on north side of A399, on eastern side of town). 6.30pm.

Barnstaple (Round Table) Fireworks
Nov 6 (Sat) (Date to be confirmed), Barnstaple Rugby Ground

at the Rugby Ground, Mill Road, Barnstaple
Gates open 6pm. Fireworks at 7pm. Admission: £3 per adult.

Clovelly Herring Festival 2010
Nov 21 (Sun), Clovelly

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.uk/events for latest details.

Barnstaple Christmas Lights Switch-On
Nov 21 (Sun), Barnstaple

Lynton & Lynmouth Christmas Festivities
Dec (Date to be confimed), Lynton and Lynmouth

Contact: Lynton TIC on 01598 752225

Ilfracombe - Lighting of the Christmas Lights
Dec 1 (Date to be confirmed), Ilfracombe

Late Night Shopping in Barnstaple
Dec 2 (Thurs), 9 (Thurs), 16 (Thurs), 21 (Tues), 23 (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 (near Minehead) by Candlelight
Dec 3 - 4, Dunster

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

RHS Garden Rosemoor
Dec 5, Great Torrington

Christmas Food Fair
from 10.00am - phone 01805 626800.

Dulverton by Starlight
Dec 5 (Sun) (Date to be confirmed), Dulverton

12 noon until 7.00pm 
See: www.dulvertonbystarlight.co.uk

Clovelly Christmas Lights (in aid of the RNLI)
Dec 5 (Sun), Clovelly

Procession starts at about 4 pm 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,
with a fireworks grande finale. Entry free from 2:00 p.m. Small parking charge.

Barnstaple Pannier Market 
Every day until Christmas Eve, Barnstaple

Every day including Sundays and on Late Night Shopping nights (until 9.00pm).

West Down
Dec (Date to be confirmed), West Down

The Christmas Story– a walk around the village, singing carols and watching the Christmas story unfold -leaving the Square at 6.30pm.

Bideford New Year's Eve Riverside Party
Dec 31, 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.