Visit South Molton Tourist Web Site
1 East St  South Molton  Devon  EX36 3BU  
Tel 01769 574122 (+44 1769 574122)  

enquiries@visitsouthmolton.co.uk  

What's On in and around South Molton

Where an event has its own web site or email address a link is shown. Otherwise please email us with your enquiry.

September 2010
3rd

Comedy at The George presents - Robbie Bonham, David Whitney, MC Paul B Edwards

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £9.50, 4 for the price of 3 on pre booked tickets

3rd

A.J's Big Band presents - Big Band Classics from The Glen Miller era

at the Regal Theatre, Minehead

8.00pm

Tickets: Adults £12.50, Friends £12.00, ES40's/Students £6.00

The highly acclaimed 17 piece band makes a welcome return to Minehead with a packed programme featuring some of the all time favourites from the swing era including Miller, Basie and Goodman classics. In celebration of its 25 years of playing across the West Country the Band's new CD, Fascinating Rhythm, contains a superb fusion of vibrant instrumentals mixed with beautiful ballads from A.J's popular vocalist Paula Mitchell. An unmissable night of big band entertainment at its best.

4th

Coffee Morning for Chulmleigh Parish Church

Town Hall, Chulmleigh

9.00am - 11.00am

4th

RNLI Raft Race

at Minehead Harbour

Entertainment starts 11.00am Race 2.45pm

Over 50 rafts battling the seas in a 4.5 mile race. Live music, craft and market stalls with spectacular firework display

Fun and Entertainment all day

4th - 19th

Open Studios

There has been a great response to the call for artists to take part in this year's Devon Open Studios event which will take place from September 4th - 19th.

Event coordinator, Linda Hajdukiewicz said "I have been delighted at the number of people who have come forward this year, both artists who have taken part before and those new to the event."

She continues 'its great to see artists and makers coming forward from previously under-represented areas, such as Torbay. There is so much talent in Devon and we will continue to work hard to raise the profile of the event ensuring even more visitors for 2010.

4th

Scarecrow Competition

Burrington

Cream Teas at the Village Hall 2.00pm - 6.00pm

Entries by 31st August

4th-5th

Gardens Open for North Devon Hospice

Deer Park, Barnstaple

4th/5th

North Molton Quilt Club Quilt Show

Old Village School, North Molton

10.00am - 4.00pm

£1 Entrance or Free on Saturday with Village Fayre Catalogue

4th

Bideford Regatta

Traditional Regatta with rowers from all over the South West competing on one of the finest courses.

4th

Coffee Morning for Chulmleigh Parish Church

Town Hall, Chulmleigh

9.00am - 11.00am

4th

Porlock Carnival

Carnival procession starts at approx 6p.m. ending approx 7.30p.m. Prize giving presentation held at Porlock Village Hall from 7.30p.m. Licensed bar, refreshments and children's disco All welcome. Toilets, disabled access, free car parking. Dogs welcome

5.30pm - 9.30pm

5th

Working/Ploughing Day with South Molton Vintage Rally Club

at Furzebray Farm, George Nympton Road, South Molton

from 10.00am

5th

Bridwell Park Country Fair - in aid of NSPCC

Uffculme (5 mins from Jct 27 off the M5 - EX15 3BU)

10.00am - 6.00pm

Admission: Adults £4, Children 5-15yrs £2, Under 5's Free.

A Fun Day out for all the family.

Attractions: Classic Car/Vehicle Rally, Archery, Fencing, Steel and Folk Bands, Skittles, Climbing Wall, Fair Ground Rides, Fun Dog Show, various Craft and Trade Stalls and many more.

5th

Lobster and Crab Feast in support of the National Lobster Hatchery.

Clovelly harbour (Normal admission charges apply)

from 10.00am

We pay tribute to Clovelly's famous lobsters and crabs with a day of live folk music, street performers, a lobster hypnotist, quay kitchen, wine and beer tasting, local stalls, live exhibits, photographic exhibition and entertainment for the children too.

The Red Lion Harbour bar will be offering delicious seafood, crab and lobster platters, each with a complimentary glass of champagne.

In aid of the National Lobster Hatchery at Padstow, who will bring along a tank of baby lobsters, which will be later released into the sea.

5th

Plant Fair - Plant Heritage (NCCPG)

Rosemoor, Torrington

10.00am - 3.00pm

Entry: Normal RHS Garden Fee, Free to RHS and NCCPG members

Refreshments and Free Parking

5th

Vintage Tractors/Machinery Working/Ploughing Day with South Molton Vintage Rally Club

at Furzebray Farm, Georgenympton Road, South Molton

from 10.00am onwards

9th - 12th

Porlock Arts Festival

A varied programme of literature and arts based events and competitions. The festival includes appearances by well-known artists and authors.

Facilities in village.

Booking required

9th-12th

West Buckland Festival

West Buckland Festival is a festival of music, entertainment and leisure, held in a small village on the edge of Exmoor.

This year we will be supporting Shelter Box who respond instantly to natural and manmade disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are most in need.Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless

9th-12th

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once a year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

10th -12th

Seailfracombe

11th

Bideford Carnival

Carnival starts at 6.00pm.

The Massed Pipes & Drums will be parading on the Quay after the carnival at about 7.45pm

11th

Rock N' Reggae Concert

Pannier Market, South Molton

from 5.30pm

Tickets: £10.00

The evening will include some top class entertainment, featuring some of the best tribute acts to be found in the Uk.

11th

Live at The George presents - Jack Lawrence with Richard Plank

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £8.00

12th-19th

the Agatha Christie Festival 2010

Murder, Mystery & Mayhem on the English Riviera

Murder, mystery and mayhem are on the cards as the English Riviera prepares for its annual Agatha Christie Festival, the biggest event of its kind in the world. This September will see an extra special celebration of the life and works of the prolific author, for it is the 120th anniversary of her birth.

A huge number of events are set to take place over the week-long celebration including all-star theatre productions, a 1930s 'village' fete, guided walks, book signings, murder mystery dinners, train and boat trips, garden parties and a very special charity open-water swim. There will also be a birthday fireworks display on Torquay seafront on Wednesday 15th September, the day of her birth.

The festival is in fact a triple birthday celebration. The world's most famous Belgian 'Hercule Poirot' first exercised his "little grey cells" in Agatha Christie's very first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, back in 1920, making this year his 90th anniversary. Miss Jane Marple also made her first appearance in a full-length novel in The Murder at the Vicarage in 1930.

This year, fans of Christie will also be able to meet up and discuss stories as Breezes Cafß at the Princess Theatre in Torquay opens its doors for the duration of the festival.

14th - 15th

Tour of Britain (Cycling)

Minehead to Teignmouth and Tavistock to Glastonbury

14th

Widecombe Fair

Widecombe in the Moor

Gates open at 9.00am

Entry: Pedestrians £7.00, Children under 16 years Free.

A minibus shuttle service operates between the Fair Field and the car parks at Southcombe Hill to return visitors to vehicles.

15th - 18th

Barnstaple Fair

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 would 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.

18th

Barnstaple Carnival

The procession starts at 6.00pm. 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.

18th - 3rd October

Somerset Art Weeks

A two week showcase of visual arts at venues across Somerset

This year's Somerset Art Weeks will be an Open Studios event taking place from Saturday 18th September to Sunday 3rd October, when around 200 studios/venues across the county will be open to the public featuring over 300 local artists. The event will focus on individual artists in their working environment looking at how they work, their inspiration and creative processes.

A diverse range of artworks will be showcased from pottery, glass, basketry and watercolour to textiles, wood and metal work as well as print, photography and several site-specific installations. Artists of regional and national repute such as James Lynch (painting); Pauline Rook (photography), Jenni Dutton (ceramics), Janette Kerr (painting), Rod Page (wood), Tom and Kim Atherton (glass) and Michael Fairfax (site-specific installation), will be opening their studios alongside an increasing number of emerging talented artists including Lucy Brown (ceramics) and Kitty Hillier (painting).

19th

Barbecue in aid of St Johns Church, Chittlehamholt

at Simmons Farm, Chittlehamholt

from 2.30pm

Entrance: £5, Under 12's £2.50

Cake & Produce Stalls, Raffle, Guess the name of the dog, Ponds and Garden, Pets Corner

19th

Doone Run

The Doone Run is one of the most enduring runs in the renaissance of running in the UK.

Established over 25 years ago just a couple of years after the first London Marathon.

Since then many high profile races have come and gone, the Doone Run has never been high profile but in the back of many runners it always been the 'one to do', some time later.

This year is 'later' it's the one to do. With "Off Road Running" becoming more popular this race has been described by some seasoned runners as one of the toughest they've done. Yet despite that, it takes in one of England's most picturesque landscapes.

19th

Open Day at Sea Lock (Lord Rolle's Canal 1823 - 1872)

at Landcross, Bideford

Starting at 2.00pm

Entrance charge of £2 per person to include an exhibition of pictures, maps, photographs and found artefacts.

You are invited to come and see the state of restoration of Lord Rolle's Sea Lock.

Refreshments will be available on sale.

24th

Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care

Town Hall, Chulmleigh

9.00am - 11.00am

24th

Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

Parish Hall, Kings Nympton

10.00am - 2.30pm

24th

Open Day at South Molton Museum

25th

Blues at The George presents - Jim Crawford

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £7.50

25th

South Molton Carnival

South Molton Carnival with Floats, Walking Entries, South Molton Town Band and Events in the Pannier market.

12.00noon - Crowning of the Queen, Assemble 4.00pm, Judging 5.00pm, Carnival starts at 6.00pm leaving from Southley Road/Cattle Market.

As in previous years, in the evening there will be a Fair in the Pannier Market

25th/26th/27th

Lynton & Barnstaple Railways Autumn Steam Gala

at Woody Bay Station on the A39 between Lynton & Blackmoor Gate

Featuring visiting L&B steam loco replica LYD + our resident locos, AXE and SID Real Ales, Hog Roast, Model tent and free entertainment for the kids

25th - 27th

Lobster and Crab Feast in support of the National Lobster Hatchery.

Clovelly harbour (Normal admission charges apply)

from 10.00am

We pay tribute to Clovelly's famous lobsters and crabs with a day of live folk music, street performers, a lobster hypnotist, quay kitchen, wine and beer tasting, local stalls, live exhibits, photographic exhibition and entertainment for the children too.

The Red Lion Harbour bar will be offering delicious seafood, crab and lobster platters, each with a complimentary glass of champagne.

In aid of the National Lobster Hatchery at Padstow, who will bring along a tank of baby lobsters, which will be later released into the sea.

25th - 3rd Oct

Appledore Book Festival

We have some really exciting authors and speakers to take part in this our 4th year. There is a range of people, including mystery-writers, children's authors, historians, politicians, poets, biographers, screen writers, and good old-fashioned story-tellers.

26th

Exmoor Sponsored Walk - in aid of North Devon Hospice

Entry: Adult £5, Children under 16 £2.50

All 3 routes finish at Hawkridge (OS Ref 05854306):

9.00am - Hawkridge Circular (14.5 miles) 10.00am - Marsh Bridge to Hawkridge (10 miles) 12.30pm - Tarr Steps to Hawkridge (4.5 miles)

All walks have greeters and guides, while refreshments can be purchased at Tarr Steps.

26th

Exmoor Charity Horse Ride

11.00am

£15 entry including refreshments

Taking place alongside the Exmoor Sponsored Walk this breath-taking trek will start and finish at Colland Cross, Hawkridge (OS Ref 05854306).

Refreshments will be provided at Tarr Steps.

October 2010
1st-4th

Moorland Mousie Trust 10th Anniversary Day

11.00am - 3.00pm

Join the ponies, staff and volunteers at the Exmoor Pony Centre to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the charity.

1st

Comedy at The George presents - Al Pitcher

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £10.00

1st - 10th

Exmoor Food Festival

Food, glorious food. A diverse selection of foodie events set in the stunning scenery of Exmoor

The 2010 Exmoor Food Festival provides a showcase for local produce from a variety of independent food and drink producers based in the scenic Exmoor area.

Events over the 10 day period, from 1st to 10th October, range from indulgent cream teas to informative farm visits, from tasting platters to a beast of a brunch, high teas on the platform of the West Somerset Steam Railway to a pleasant meander around the Minehead Farmers Market. And there is the chance to see and taste a wealth of local food and drink under one roof at both the Exmoor Food Fair and the Lyn Food Fest. It is all here for you to see, devour and enjoy!

2nd

Dulverton Carnival

Floats arrive from 6.00pm, Judging at 7.00pm, procession starts from 7.30pm All roads closed from 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Local carnival with illuminated floats, samba band, street entertainment. A great atmosphere.

Dogs welcome

7th - 17th

Two Moors Festival

Classic FM's 'Festival in the South West' using rural churches as venues across Exmoor and Dartmoor

Pick up a brochure from South Molton Tourist Information

9th

Folk at The George presents - Peggy Seeger

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £12.00/£11.00 conc

15th - 17th

Porlock Red Deer Rutting Weekend

National Trust safaris to view Red Deer rutting; jeep safari; falconry; jazz and dinners with accommodation

17th

North Devon Foodfest

22nd - 24th

Baring-Gould Folk Festival

Okehampton

This intimate and friendly festival is like coming to Devon to meet old friends. The diverse programme is inspired by the folk song collecting, travel diaries and novels of Sabine Baring-Gould.

You will hear a whole range of great artists from Devon and beyond with plenty of chances for you to get up close and personal.

There's concerts and ceilidhs and you can join in at singarounds, sessions and workshops. Plus there's our very own Conker Competition (the conkers are provided), and this year, the Festival Feast - like an old-time harvest supper with songs and music.

For those who love to sing or play, why not take part yourself with the Festival Choir or the Festival Orchestra workshops and performances?

Okehampton is a delightful old market town nestling on the northern slopes of Dartmoor.

The comfortable indoor venues are all within very easy walking distance of each other, right in the town centre, with car parks, cafes and shops nearby.

22nd

Blues at The George presents - Toby Walker

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £9.00

28th-31st

Hartland Arts and Crafts Autumn Fayre

Hartland Parish Hall ( in centre)

10.00am - 5.00pm daily

Free Entry

Locally (only) Quality Handmade Crafts & Jewellery, Driftwood, Paintings, Toys, Fancy goods, Preserves, Confectionery available for purchase.

Refreshments Available

Wheelchair Access, Free Parking in Adjacent Car Park

November 2010
5th

Comedy at The George presents - Jo Caulfield

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £12.00

5th

Ilfracombe fireworks display plus 'World Famous' virtual bonfire

7th

Exmoor Beast

1000 cyclists endure a 100 mile course for the intrepid

20th

Blues at The George presents - Gordie Tentrees Band and John Wort Hannam

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £8.50

21st

Clovelly Herring Festival

Clovelly Harbour Normal admission charges apply

from 10.00am - 4.00pm

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. Jim MacCool, founder of National Poetry Month, will perform his show of infectious verse and toe-tapping Celtic rhythms.

Mike Smylie will return with his 'Kipperland' exhibition and smoking delicious kippers and bloaters and there will be net making, flax processing, knitting and a curragh on show, plus masses of stalls.

27th - 28th

Christmas Fayre at Chambercombe Manor

28th

Folk at The George presents - Dick Gaughan

George Hotel, South Molton

7.00pm

Tickets: £10.00

December 2010
3rd - 4th

Dunster by Candlelight

5.00pm - 9.00pm

Dunster turns its back on the present and lights it's streets in the soft glow of candle lanterns

3rd

Christmas Comedy at The George presents - Matt Green and Joe Rowntree

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £9.50

4th - 24th

Santa Trains

Enjoy a train ride on the West Somerset Railway and meet Father Christmas

4th

RNLI Christmas Extravaganza - Ilfracombe

5th

Dulverton by Starlight

Dulverton is transformed into a twinkling delight of white lights and Christmas trees

5th

Christmas Lights in support of the R.N.L.I.

Starting from the Visitor Centre Entry free from 2:00pm Small parking charge.

About 4.00pm

Clovelly is magical to visit at any time but Christmas is truly special so don't miss this fund-raising event in aid of the RNLI that everyone in the village looks forward to - the switching on of the Christmas lights. A brass band leads the procession down to the harbour. Then there's mulled wine, a barbecue, Christmas carols and Father Christmas makes a surprise visit. At 5.00pm the switch is thrown and suddenly the entire village and harbour are lit up. It's a fantastic sight and there is a grand finale of fireworks to finish off.

10th

Blues at The George presents - Spikedrivers

George Hotel, South Molton

8.30pm

Tickets: £8.50

11th - 12th/ 18th - 24th

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (Woody Bay) Santa Special

13th - 15th

Carol Trains

Popular Carol Trains hauled by heritage steam locomotives to recreate the era of Christmas gone by

31st

Bideford New Year's Celebrations

April 2011
22nd-29th

Fantastic Fudge Hunt

Clovelly Village

Normal opening hours. Normal admission charges apply.

Twenty fudge stones will be hidden along the main street of the village every day during Easter week and each one is a winner.

They are numbered underneath and if you find Fudge Stone No. 20, you win a whole kilo of yummy Clovelly fudge in eight different flavours

May 2011
28th-30th

Clovelly Celebration of Local Ales and Cider

Red Lion and New Inn bars, Clovelly

Normal admission charges apply

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 will be more ciders on offer this year, given the increasingly popular trend.

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 to support North Devon's brewers and cider makers.

June 2011
16th-19th

South Molton Olde English Fayre

Fayre Day 18th: Market Stalls, Crowning of the Queen, Floral Dance. Events all day for all the family.