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May 2012
| Monday 7th | Meet Peppa Pig at The Big Sheep Meet Peppa Pig for breakfast or at intervals during the day as well as the other exciting rides at The Big Sheep. |
| Friday 11th | Lake & Streamside Walk at Rosemoor The planting along the stream and around the lake is one of the highlights of Rosemoor in the spring. There is a huge range of plants that thrive in damp and boggy conditions and provide a wonderful display of foliage and flowers, from the mighty Gunnera to the colourful Primula.This walk will look at many of these plants and will also cover practicalities of cultivation. A comprehensive plant list will be provided to participants |
| Saturday 12th -Sunday 13th | Plant Fair and National Collections Show at Rosemoor This popular Plant Fair has grown in size and interest since it was first held at Rosemoor over a decade ago. There will be a wide variety of rare and unusual trees, shrubs and perennials from local nurseries on display and for sale under the Plant Heritage banner. The spring Plant Fair also houses an exhibition of National Collections including some from Rosemoor. A must for all keen gardeners and collectors. For more information on the National Collections holders or the |
| Saturday 12th | Bonsai Exhbition at Rosemoor The Japanese art of bonsai is meant to evoke the essential spirit of the plant being used: in all cases they must look natural and never show the intervention of human hands. The North Devon Bonsai Society is a friendly group of enthusiasts who welcome all from the absolute novice to the highly skilled and will be on hand to discuss the art of bonsai. |
| Saturday 12th -Sunday 13th | Spring Vintage Weekend at Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Expect to see anything and everything of a certain vintage. If you own a vintage vehicle - bring it along - FREE entry for every owner. |
| Friday 18th | Plants for Difficult Places - a Walk at Rosemoor Most gardens have difficult areas and Rosemoor is no exception. See how the Rosemoor garden team deals with difficult planting conditions. This walk will provide ideas and inspiration for reliable but interesting plants suitable for challenging positions, such as dry and shady, poorly drained or windy sites. |
| Saturday 19th -Sunday 20th | Bee Weekend - with the Bee Team at Rosemoor Local beekeepers, producers of honey, honey products, beeswax candles, polish and soap, plus the local Swarm Liaison officer will be in the Plant Centre to share their knowledge. There will be talks at 11.30am and 2pm on both days about plants to attract bees, the difference between honey bees and bumble bees, swarms, and general information about these fascinating insects. There will also be honey and bee-related products for sale in the Plant Centre. |
| Saturday 19th -Sunday 20th | Superhero Weekend at The Big Sheep Every child has a superhero they love from Spiderman and Superman to Batwoman... Now's your chance to meet your hero and spend the day dressed as your favourite superhero. Every child dressed in costume will be granted free entry when accompanied by 1 full paying adults. |
| Thursday 24th | Meadow Magic at Rosemoor Recent years have seen a burgeoning interest in the cultivation of wildflower meadows. Join Mat on this walk around Rosemoor’s now well established meadows and discover how to start your own meadow or wild flower area. Mat will identify and discuss the wildflowers we have planted in our meadows and how to manage them plus how to increase diversity in your wildflower area. End of season management of meadows will also be covered |
| Saturday 26th -Monday 28th | Clovelly Celebration of Local Ales and Cider Join us at our special Celebration of Ales and Ciders, where you can enjoy a range of 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, given the increasingly popular trend. |
| Saturday 26th -Monday 27th | Quentin Blake exhibition at Rosemoor Quentin Blake is one of Britain’s best-loved and most successful illustrators and children’s authors. His first drawings were published in Punch when he was 16. He has illustrated over 300 books with writers such as Michael Rosen, Joan Aiken, and most famously of all, Roald Dahl. Quentin Blake writes and illustrates his own books as well and has also illustrated classic books for adults. |
| Sunday 27th | Meet Peppa Pig at The Big Sheep Meet Peppa Pig for breakfast or at intervals during the day as well as the other exciting rides at The Big Sheep. |
June 2012
| Saturday 2nd | New Inn Street Party in celebration of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee A street party in this most picturesque of streets to celebrate this royal occasion. See website for more information |
| Sunday 3rd -Tuesday 5th | Jubilee Beer & Music Festival - Ilfracombe Jubilee celebration ales from local breweries and live music from local acts and bands including iFunk, Auction for the Promise Club, Jenna Witts and Drop Static. Our legendary festivals are synonymous with laid-back enjoyment and great entertainment |
| Monday 4th -Tuesday 5th | Diamond Jubilee - at Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Special trains and treats to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. |
| Monday 4th | An Outstanding Day of Fun at The Big Sheep Celebrating National Family Week with ND Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (AONB) www.explorethecoast.org This fun day out will involve creative workshops using recycled driftwood and willow to 'Digging into History', a mini archaeological dig for budding young historians. Complete the National Trusts Birds and Beast quiz, and make a mini -beast hotel for your garden. Plus North Devon's 'Mrs Recycle' opens a can of worms showing just how brilliant worms are at recycling. |
| Thursday 7th -Sunday 10th | Appledore Visual Arts Festival Appledore Visual Arts Festival was the UK's first annual Visual Arts Festival and has influenced and inspired other festivals across the globe. The four day Festival offers high quality and original programming in a beautiful and historic estuary setting. With an audience of over 7,500, the Festival is recognized as a major event in the region |
| Thursday 7th | Smile Day for National Smile Month at The Big Sheep Children who bring along their old tooth brush can exchange it for a brand new one with Torrington Dental Practice’s friendly Colin the Croc. The Practice’s friendly dental team will also be on hand sharing some very simple messages with the children in a fun and engaging way to help them take good care of their teeth. |
| Saturday 9th -Sunday 17th | Ilfracombe Victorian Week - Ilfracombe Ilfracombe's bygone days are celebrated in this annual event. Visitors & locals alike dress up in magnificent victorian costumes and parade at an array of venues throughout the week. The whole week culminates in a promenade concert followed by spectacular firework display. |
| Sunday 10th | Family Fun Dog Show at Chambercombe Manor A fun Dog show sponsored by Dogsbody. The Pet Carer and Canine Behavourist. Rosettes to third place and doggy treats for all entrants. The show will be compered by popular magician Kieron the Mighty. Gates will be open at 11.15am. All classes to be judged by Shaun Ellis (the Wolf Man) a celebrity wolf expert and naturalist. |
| Friday 15th | Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - A Plough Arts Theatre Production At Castle Hill Tickets available from The Plough Arts Centre 01805 624624 |
| Saturday 16th | The South West Chocolate Festival as The Big Sheep A great gathering for all the South West's choc-o-holics! A day to forget the waistline and indulge in all things sweet. Enjoy watching our chocolate chompers as they compete for the title of the "Southwest Chocolate Chomping Champion" |
| Saturday 16th -Monday 18th | GoldCoast Oceanfest - Croyde Bay GoldCoast Oceanfest, celebrates it’s 14th production since 1999! As always, the popular event promises to turn summer’s longest day into the most exciting weekend of the year, loaded with adrenaline-fuelled inspiration to get even the slackest couch potatoes, up and out of their sofas. Croyde Bay, with its magnificent beach and breathtaking surroundings, lays host to a myriad of sport events on the beach and in the ocean. The arena overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is complete with a festival village incorporating adrenalin zones, children’s activities, education kiosks plus there’s great food and drink facilities. The music stage offers live entertainment from over 20 bands over the weekend, in the coolest festival setting anywhere in the world. |
| Sunday 17th -Saturday 1st | Hartland Abbey Outdoor Theatre For the first time we are delighted to annouce that Hartland Abbey will be the setting for an Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre, Torrington. |
| Sunday 17th | Fathers Day - at Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Just for Dad, come and try your hand at driving a diesel loco for FREE |
| Sunday 17th | Fathers Day - at The Big Sheep Treat Dad to a fantastic Fathers Day present this year at The BIG Sheep. A perfect day for Dad and the kids. You can prove to everyone that Dad's just as big a kid as the little ones! Dad's visit for FREE when accompanied by 1 full paying child under 16 on Fathers Day. |
| Sunday 24th | UK Farm Olympics at The Big Sheep Raising funds for North Devon Hospice We're looking for teams of 4 to take part in a series of barn-yard games - all ages welcome. Entry cost = £10 per person + sponsorship (all money raised goes to ND Hospice) This event is for a whiole day of fun activities based at the BIG Sheep! Teams must pre book - please telephone either: Rebecca at the ND Hospice on 01271 347204 or Claire at the BIG Sheep on 01237 472366 |
July 2012
| Sunday 1st | Country House Vintage Fair and Vintage Car Rally at Castle Hill For more details visit WWW.COUNTRYHOUSEVINTAGE.COM |
| Sunday 1st | Meet Thomas the Tank Engine & the Fat Controller at The Big Sheep Thomas the Tank Engine and The Fat Controller are making their debut visit to The BIG Sheep in Bideford on Sunday 1 st July. They will both be saying goodbye to the other engines, Edward, Henry, Percy and Gordon and travelling from the Island of Sodor to see their North Devon fans. |
| Sunday 8th | Help for Heroes Day at The Big Sheep Show everyone who your favourite hero is and come dressed as a nurse, soldier, policeman, fire officer, paramedic etc. and entry will be free of charge when you are accompanied by a full paying adult or child. This is a charity event for the Help for Heroes Charity. |
| Sunday 8th | The UK National Sandcastle Competition at Woolacombe Beach The UK Sandcastle Competition is the perfect family day out. Enjoy the splendour of Woolacombe beach's 3 miles of golden sand, while watching teams create masterpieces in the sand. There is music, live entertainment and a samba band to create a true carnival atmosphere on the day. |
| Saturday 14th | Lundy Gig Row 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 |
| Sunday 15th | Clovelly Maritime Festival The day will be packed with attractions, including Punch & Judy, maritime themed entertainment, great shanty singers, and local stalls. Enjoy fresh seafood or a succulent spit roast on the quay and delicious, fresh strawberry and cream teas at the New Inn. |
| Sunday 29th -Saturday 4th | Appledore Regatta 2012 The Appledore & Instow Regatta is a week of events organised for all to enjoy and where possible are encouraged to take part and have fun. Their new website will be open for viewing in Feb 2012 |
| Sunday 29th | Family Fun Day at Chambercombe Manor Including stalls, bouncy castle, treasure hunt, races, magic show and childrens talent contest. |
| Sunday 29th | Appledore and Instow Regatta A celebration of all things maritime! |
| Monday 30th | Woolsery Agricultural Show A quintessential English rural show, run entirely on a volunteer basis by local farmers. There are many classes including crafts, cattle and sheep, together with horse and pony competitions. You'll find trade and exhibition stands and there will also be stalls of locally made craft and food. Children will also be kept entertained with fairground rides and a bouncy castle. It's a great summer day out for all the family! |
August 2012
| Wednesday 1st | The North Devon Show at Umberleigh Barton Farm Held at Umberleigh Barton Farm on 1st August, the North Devon Show is back for 2012. The North Devon show has something for everyone, making it the best agricultural event in the region. We celebrate North Devon's agricultural roots with livestock shows throughout the day, including horses, sheep, beef & dairy cattle, and poultry & pigeons. |
| Thursday 2nd | Outdoor theatre production of - Much Ado About Nothing - at Castle Hill Tickets available from The Plough Arts Centre 01805 624624 |
| Saturday 4th -Sunday 5th | Clovelly Lifeboat Weekend Keeping Clovelly's lifeboat on alert for emergencies round the clock takes effort and dedication. 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. There'll be a sponsored swim from Bucks Mills to Clovelly on Saturday and lots of contests on Sunday including a cross dressing-up race, 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. Also lots of local harbour stalls. |
| Wednesday 8th | The Railway Children - Open Air Theatre at Chambercombe Manor By Heartbreak Productions Tickets available at: www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk |
| Saturday 18th | Clovelly Gig Regatta DATE NOT YET CONFIRMED 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. |
| Saturday 18th | Recycling your Rags at Arlington Court & The National Trust Carriage Museum. Join our drop-in workshop and learn the art of rag rug making. See how old clothes and bedsheets can be made into colourful creations. Have a go, learn the basics and be inspired to take up the craft.. |
| Saturday 18th | Outdoor theatre production of -The Railway Children - at Castle Hill Tickets available from The Plough Arts Centre 01805 624624 |
| Tuesday 21st | Marwood Hill Open Air Theatre Folksy Theatre presents 'Much Ado About Nothing' by William Shakespear |
| Saturday 25th -Monday 27th | Mini grand Tour (Small Cars Big hearts) This is an amazing event that takes place around Westward Ho! each year. Over 200 mini assemble in Westward Ho! before starting a convoy drive through the North Devon Countryside. It takes about 20 minutes for all the cars to go past and is a great sight to see. They all do it for charity. |
| Saturday 25th -Monday 27th | A Mystic Fayre & Paranormal Extravaganza at Chambercombe Manor If you would like further information please email us at chambercombemanor@btconnect.com for further details. |
| Friday 31st -Tuesday 4th | Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival A wonderful and surprisingly lovely weekend is how locals and visitors alike have summed up the 2011 Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival weekend. Sea Ilfracombe has seen significant growth since its first year with well over 50 events over the weekend, and the organisers are already working on the 2012 festival which will run from Friday 3st August to Sunday 2nd September, such is the planning needed to host what is becoming a hugely successful festival. |
September 2012
| Saturday 1st -Tuesday 4th | Nowhere Island Drops Anchor at Ilfracombe Visitors to Ilfracombe this summer should look out for an extraordinary sight. Nowhereisland, a new island nation originating from the Arctic, is voyaging around the south west’s spectacular coastline, as part of an epic voyage of over 500 nautical miles during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This new island nation is planned to be in Ilfracombe between the 1st and 4th September* and will be anchored in the historic harbour during the Sea Ilfracombe Festival. |
| Sunday 2nd | Lobster and Crab Feast Pay tribute to Clovelly's famous lobsters and crabs with a day of live folk music, quay kitchens, beer tasting, local food stalls, prize draw, arts and crafts stalls. For the children there's face painting, a creative workshop and storytelling, walkabout magic, balloon modelling, street theatre and N. Devon A.O.N.B.'s event-themed craft activities. |
| Saturday 29th -Sunday 30th | Annual Autumn Gala - at Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Our regular autumn event when we feature special trains as well as providing something for all the family to enjoy. |
| Saturday 29th -Sunday 7th | The Appledore Book Festival Born of Appledore’s successful fight to save its library, the Festival continues to promote access for all, especially young readers, to wonderful words and ideas. 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! |
October 2012
| Sunday 7th | Meet Scooby Doo at The Big Sheep Everyone’s favourite scaredy dog Scooby-Doo is planning a trip to The BIG Sheep in Bideford on Sunday 7 th October 2012 to meet his North Devon fans. He’ll be packing a car full of Scooby snacks for the journey and trying his best to be a brave dog on his own without his trusty sidekicks; Shaggy, Daphne, Fred and Velma. |
| Saturday 27th -Sunday 4th | Halloween Festival at The Big Sheep Ghoulish ghosts, haunted hayrides, wicked witches, scary skeletons. You'll not find a scarier Halloween Fesival in the South West. Halloween Party Nights over the Halloween weekend. Dates to be confirmed. |
| Sunday 28th | Charity Fireworks at The Big Sheep Are you brave enough to try something completely new and walk on hot coals? You can do this, plus raise money for some amazing causes with the Jaden Cornelious Foundation. 2011 was the first charity firewalk at The BIG Sheep which raised money for Caroline Thorpe Childrens Ward at Barnstaple Hospital and The Chemotherpy appeal for North Devon. If you'd like to take part or to find out more call Cathy Edwards from the Jaden Cornelious Foundation on: 01271 371343 or email Cathy on: cathy.edwards@orange.net |
November 2012
| Monday 5th | Guy Fawkes Firework Party at The Big Sheep Bonfire and burgers - Fireworks and Fun - Boogying and Bopping! A fireworks party to to remember! |
| Sunday 11th | Armistice Day - at Lynton & Barnstaple Railway AXE, our resident loco served in France in WW1 and is dedicated to those who served on the railways of the western front - A day when we remember those who gave their life for their country. |
| Sunday 18th | Clovelly Hearing Festival In the 18th century, a hundred boats fished for herring out of Clovelly. This festival is held in support of sustainable fishing and to celebrate the herring, the Silver Darlings of the sea. There'll be herring specialities, wine and cider, traditional shanty singers, street entertainment and Jim MacCool will be performing his show of infectious verse and toe-tapping Celtic rhythms as part of the 10th anniversary of National Poetry Month (October) of which he is the founder. |
December 2012
| Monday 31st | Bideford New Years Eve Celebrations Bideford has now twice been heralded in the national press as hosting one of the top ten New Year's Eve events in the world! The town puts on a host of activities, is closed to traffic and revelers enjoy the festivities in fancy dress. The people of Bideford really look forward to this annual event and every year thousands of people dressed in inventive costumes ranging from vampires to Disney characters flock to the town centre to enjoy the outdoor roadshow and dancing. |
