The Exeter Daily - events

Libraries inspiring creativity with new season of events

News Desk — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 07:54:26 +0000

A new season of events from workshops to discos, theatre to films, storytelling to markets, is coming to libraries across Devon and Torbay from August to October this year.

The Get Creating season encourages communities throughout the county to get in touch with their creative side, whether participating in activities or watching performances, there is something for everyone, even if they wouldn’t describe themselves as creative. Most are offered free or at a very low cost.

It’s the second time Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs libraries across the county, has run the themed season. More than 4000 people took part in Get Creative activities last year. This year’s key events will take place in Barnstaple, Exeter and Paignton libraries.

Highlights include stop motion animation, photography workshops and a film screening about a dress made from nettles, plus the chance to have a go at spinning your own nettle yarn! Paignton has a puzzle solving trail around the library for all amateur sleuths, story time with Mama G and an 80s themed Library Lates. Exeter is hosting an array of events including family theatre, a marvellous makers market to tie in with the Summer Reading Challenge and an over-60s disco.

Plus there are many smaller events happening at libraries across Devon and Torbay throughout the season. Examples include a filmaking workshop at Crediton library, learning digital music production at Cullompton library and a dance class in Ashburton library.

In 2022, Libraries Unlimited secured a £720,369 grant from Arts Council England to boost its thriving programme of music, films, workshops and high quality community events between 2023 and 2026.

Rae Hoole, Creative Communities Producer from Libraries Unlimited said: “Our first Get Creating season was a great success. This funding from Arts Council England has been incredible, allowing us to put on a huge range of events for everyone across Devon and Torbay. There truly is something for everyone!

“The funding and experience we have built up during the previous seasons means the programme just keeps getting bigger and better. We are encouraging everyone to come

We hope people will bring their friends and families and who knows, they might discover talents that they never knew about and pick up some new skills along the way!”

For details of all events please visit Evolve - Events (librariesevolve.org.uk)

Roll up, roll up for free family fun on Exeter Quayside

Exeter News Blog — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:32:38 +0000

After the huge success of last year’s Summer at the Quayside, Exeter’s historic quayside area will again be home to a jam-packed programme of fun and quirky activities for all the family. Organised by the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust, free events will be taking place over the school summer holidays until Friday 1 September.

Expect theatre, art, workshops, entertainers, music, poetry, Storytelling, games, circus skills and much more, with everyone welcome and no booking required. The events take place under the Transit Shed, right in front of the Exeter Custom House.

Amongst the many highlights are Clive PiG - aka Mister Storyfella, who is an amazing storyteller, poet, songster and potato juggler. Literature Works have invited him along as part of the Quay Words programme to perform 'Commotion on the Ocean’ – tall stories from across the seven seas, to be taken with a pinch of salt!

Promenade Promotions, better known as Prom Prom are a team of old-fashioned entertainers, who mix up street circus, storytelling, games, puppets, all with a seaside theme. Back by popular demand, they will now doubt be bringing their two greedy seagulls and one very cheeky monkey. Other theatrical treats include Bird Box Theatre with their “exe-citing art and story workshops” and Above Bounds Theatre with the Silly Squirrel Pop-up Show featuring puppets and lots of laughs. And for something completely different, FeatherHeads will be offering 20-minute dance workshops, or the opportunity to have your photo taken with one of their giant featured friends.

Young art lovers will also have plenty to keep them occupied, with several brilliant local organisations providing workshops. These sessions include pop-up pottery fish painting with Helen McCormick Ceramics, botanical print making with Double Elephant Print and willow sun making with Weird Sticks CIC. Everything you make you will be able to take home with you at the end of the session.

There are a few big events towards the end of the summer holidays including The Summer Piazza Party on Wednesday 23 August. For this end of summer bash, we will be taking over the piazza area with circus skills, drum sessions and fabulous stilt walkers. We will also be hosting a series of creative workshops on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 August when families can help bring to life Exeter’s Whirlwind Giant and all those who dance in his wake. Everyone will then be given the opportunity to became stars of the show and join a procession around the quay.

Alan Williamson, Chair ECQT said; “As part of our commitment to make the quayside an exciting and thriving area for people to visit and enjoy, we put on a series of annual events aimed at both residents and visitors to enjoy. One of our most popular new events last year was Summer at the Quayside and we are delighted to be back with such a dynamic and colourful programme for all the family. With many families experiencing additional financial pressures at the moment, we are pleased to be able to offer all of these events for free. Do spread the word and we look forward to seeing you down on the quayside.”

The full list of activities, dates and timings is available on the website at www.exetercustomhouse.co.uk or keep an eye on the Exeter Custom House social media channels.

Families Enjoy a Big Wild Summer together at RSPB Aylesbeare

News Desk — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 21:41:30 +0000

The summer holidays are here, beckoning us to grab the sun cream and explore the great outdoors with our families. RSPB Aylesbeare nature reserve in Devon, is inviting families to enjoy a Big Wild Summer by hosting a series of fun, nature-themed activities for families to discover nature at their local RSPB reserve and all to celebrate Heath Week.

From, Pond Dipping to Nightjar Walks and exploring for Things with Wings - RSPB Aylesbeare can help the whole family spend precious time together, reconnect with nature, and make happy memories outdoors.

Event details

In Celebration of Heath Week 2023 come and learn how to Pond Dip like a Pro on RSPB Aylesbeare Common on Wednesday 26 July. The day is split into three sessions, 10.30-12 noon, 12.30pm-2.00pm or 2.30pm-4.00pm, which can be selected when booking your tickets.

Take a fun tractor trailer ride down to Five Ponds to discover pondlife of all shapes and sizes that make their home in our wondrous waterways. Our guides will be on-hand to help your family have a fun and educational experience. Who can find the longest, cutest, or strangest creature!?

On Thursday 27 July come and join us in search of Things with Wings. Did you know that RSPB Aylesbeare boasts one of the largest numbers of butterfly species of any RSPB reserve? The woodland fringes, streams and ponds are bursting with butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. Help us spot and learn about many different kinds of insects on the wing during summer. We will be visiting some areas not normally open to public access.

The day is split into two sessions, 10.30am-12noon or 1.30pm-3.00pm, which can be selected when booking your tickets.

Join us for an evening of Bats, Moths, and Nightjars on Friday 28 July, 9.15pm-11.00pm. Help our experienced guides to set up moth traps, use bat detectors to see which bats are swooping above your head and learn more about the amazing Nightjar before they fly back to Africa with their young.

Enjoy a special evening on our Nightjar Walk with our experienced guide looking and listening for the evocative Nightjar, on Saturday 30 July, 9.15pm-10.45pm. Listen for the strange 'churring' noise they make. If we are lucky, we may witness the unusual wing clapping behaviour.

For all events meet at the entrance to Aylesbeare Common opposite, Joney’s Cross car park.

To book / contact: events.rspb.org.uk/aylesbearecommon, or for further information email aylesbeare.common@rspb.org.uk

Venue: RSPB Aylesbeare Common, , Joney’s Cross car park. (This is off the A3052 opposite Aylesbeare Common entrance - SY 057897)

Matt Edwards, Visitor Operations Manager for the RSPB in Devon, said: “We’re really excited to welcome families to RSPB Aylesbeare for a summer of fun, nature-themed activities, to celebrate Heath Week. As we all make the most of the countryside, we’re also asking visitors to help our ground nesting birds by watching their step. Over half of England’s most threatened breeding birds nest on or near the ground, and our nature reserves are a safe space for many of them. We’re reminding visitors to please stick to the reserve footpaths, keep dogs on a lead, and please take any litter home. If we work together, we can create some wonderful memories in nature and help protect it at the same time.”

Connect your family with nature for free

Whether exploring nature in your garden, local area or an RSPB Reserve, the RSPB’s free award scheme Wild Challenge can help your family to spend more time in nature and help wildlife too. Simply register and pick activities from wildflower walks to building a minibeast hotel - there’s plenty to inspire! Find out more at rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge

Rosalind Allen, RSPB Education and Families Development Officer, describes: “With the high costs of living many parents are keen to find affordable ways to have fun, quality family time over the summer. Fortunately, the RSPB’s FREE Wild Challenge scheme includes 30 nature-based activities, inspiring families to get closer to nature, discover ways to help it, and earn awards at the same time.”

“The FREE RSPB Wild Challenges are flexible, and you can do many of the low or no cost activities in your local area or your garden, so no need to cover the cost of travel. By completing three Wild Challenge activities to ‘Experience Nature’ and three to ‘Help Nature’ you can progress through a Wild Challenge Award level. Whether you achieve bronze, silver or gold, the most important thing is to have fun together as a family discovering and helping the incredible nature living around you in Dorset.”

Taste East Devon announces new events for 2023 Food Festival

News Desk — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:03:56 +0000

Taste East Devon, one of the region's most popular food festivals, is thrilled to announce an array of exciting new events for 2023. This year's festival promises to be more delicious than ever before, showcasing the finest local produce, talented chefs and unique dining experiences that East Devon has to offer.

The festival, which runs from the 9th to the 24th of September, will feature a diverse range of events and activities that cater to all tastes and interests. From mouth-watering food markets and street food extravaganzas to immersive gastronomic workshops and exclusive dining experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The latest event to be added to the programme is ‘The Gut Health Revolution’ on the 13th of September. Join Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at Darts Farm for an educational morning of talks and tastings. This informative event will feature two talks and a panel discussion, followed by the opportunity to get books signed by Hugh and other special speakers.

Other new events include the fiery Spicy Night at River Cottage (13thSeptember), bringing flavours of the East to East Devon. A delectable ‘Taste of Tapas’ at Coldharbour Farm Shop and Field Kitchen (15th September), where you’ll enjoy delicious dishes made from the best local and seasonal ingredients. The ‘Knife and Pork’ event at The Nightjar Inn will be celebrating local pork from Kenniford Farm through mouth-watering pork dishes (20thSeptember). Join Bar Buoy for the 'Cocktail Compass': Tour, Talk and Tasting Event, where you can sip their expertly crafted cocktails while navigating through the world of mixology (21st September). Discover the secrets of pig keeping at Smallicombe Farm with their Pig Keeping Course with lunch (21stSeptember) and embark on a Farm to Fork Family Experience with lunch (23rd September), where your family can get stuck in with feeding the pigs, poultry and sheep.

Back by popular demand, The Salutation Inn's Devon Shellfish Dinner is returning on two evenings (12th and 13th September), when you can expect to find locally landed mussels, crab and lobster on your plate. The bustling Field, Fire, Ferment Food Festival is returning to Darts Farm (16th September), where you can meet their in-house experts and taste local artisan produce. The hugely popular ‘Sowing with Donkeys’ at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, is back (18th September). Enjoy a walk and talk with a member of the conservation team followed by a delicious afternoon tea at The Kitchen. The Two Drifters’ ‘Distillery In Action and Cocktails’ is back (23rd September) at the distillery, with the addition of their new cocktail bar and shop.

One of the annual highlights is the Ottery St Mary Food & Families Festival, taking place on the 9th of September. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the best of local food and drink. With demonstrations, a market, street food, and entertainment, it offers a fun-filled day out for the whole family.

Another not-to-be-missed event is Courtney’s ‘Big Pick’ and Open Orchards weekend (23rd and 24th September). Courtney’s Orchards will once again be opening their ancient Whiteways orchard for guests to explore, pick and press apples or simply relax and listen to live music with family and friends.

For those looking for a unique dining experience, The Jack in the Green’s Totally Devon Menu will be available for lunch or dinner, Monday to Saturday (excluding Tuesdays) from the 9th to 23rd September. This special menu showcases the region's finest ingredients and produce, providing a true taste of Devon. Mickey’s Beach Bar and Restaurant’s ‘Taste of Devon lunch menu’ will be available on Mondays to Fridays (between 11th - 22nd September) from 12-2.30pm, offering a range of seafood, meats and vegetables for all to enjoy.

Other exciting events include the Sidmouth Eats Boutique fringe event; Steak Masterclass and Lunch at High Grange Devon; the Kitchen Garden Tours & Lunch at THE PIG-at Combe; Vineyard Tour, Wine Tasting and Lunch at Lympstone Manor; Seaweed Foraging and Pressing with Ebb Tides Seaweed; Sidmouth Distillery Gin School; and many more. These events offer participants the chance to learn from experts, discover new flavours and immerse themselves in the rich culinary heritage of East Devon.

"We are delighted to introduce even more events for the third year of the Taste East Devon Food Festival," said Ruud Jansen Venneboer, Chair of Taste East Devon and owner of Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages. "This year, the festival aims to provide an array of truly unforgettable culinary experiences for our visitors, showcasing the incredible local talent and the diverse gastronomic offerings of East Devon. Whether you're a food lover, a cooking enthusiast, or simply looking for a great day out, we invite everyone to join us and indulge in the delights of our region."

The 16 day celebration is kindly supported by founder members River Cottage, THE PIG-at Combe, Darts Farm, Mazzard Farm, Otter Brewery, Deer Park Country House, East Devon AONB, Donkey Sanctuary, The Jack in the Green and Lympstone Manor.

To find the full programme of events visit the official Taste East Devon Food Festival website at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk. Details of how to book each event and accommodation providers can be found on the website. To stay up-to-date follow @tasteeastedevon on Instagram and Facebook.

South West’s largest classic American car show returns to Cofton

janeabsolutepr — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 09:48:44 +0000

Get ready to marvel at America’s finest classic cars right in the heart of Devon as the South West’s largest American car show returns to Dawlish Warren this summer.

Classic American vehicles from across the country will gather at Cofton Holidays from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th June 2023 for car enthusiasts to enjoy. Expect to see Mustangs, Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Pontiacs, Buicks, and Jeeps against the backdrop of live music, mouth-watering local food, competitions, entertainment and more as well as the much-anticipated mega car cruise.

This extraordinary celebration of iconic American cars and vehicles kicks off on Friday 23rd June with a party in the marquee. Entertainment includes the Cofton Crew at 7pm, followed by live music from Buddy Holly Tribute, featuring many of his greatest hits, including ‘That’ll Be The Day’.

On Saturday from 12pm-5pm there’ll be a host of fun activities for the kids to enjoy, including bouncy castles and inflatables, circus skills sessions, face painting and balloon modelling, as well as appearances throughout the afternoon from Cofton’s mascot and master of mayhem, Digby the dinosaur.

From 4pm, Cofton’s annual dog show takes centre stage. All dogs are welcome, and there are a host of categories to enter including best junior dog handler, best dressed dog, and best in show. Funds raised from the dog show will be donated to a local dog charity.

In the evening, the Fabulous 59 Ford will perform Rock ‘n’ Roll classics from the 50s, before a fantastic firework display at 10.15pm.

On the Sunday, over 200 of America’s best-known classic cars and vehicles will be on display from 10am-4.30pm, providing plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can weave in and out of the vehicles on display and get up close to their favourites to learn about their rich history and find out more from the owners. There will be prizes up for grabs too, celebrating America’s finest vehicles, including the Director’s Cup, Best Custom Car / Hot Rod, Best in Show, and the People’s Choice; the winner of which will be presented with an impressive trophy imported from the US.

In addition to great local food and ales, showgoers can look forward to live music from local singer and song writer Rich Cottell, and entertainment from the 10ft tall Bumblebee Transformer; every kid’s favourite.

Commenting on the show, Chris Jeffery, Director at Cofton Holidays, said: “The South West’s biggest and best Classic American Car Show is back with a bang. With live music, great food and drink, Cofton’s fantastic dog show, and amazing cars to see, there’s something for everyone.”

Tickets can be bought on the gate, costing £10 for adults and £5 for children. Anyone arriving in an American show car will have free entry for up to two people. Showgoers also have access to Cofton’s main facilities including the heated indoor and outdoor pool, high ropes, outdoor splash down area, pump track, restaurant, and pub.

Visitors also have access to miles of cycle paths and nature trails that take visitors through woodland, parkland and mature meadows to Dawlish Warren beach and nature reserve.

Visit https://coftonholidays.co.uk/coftons-american-car-show/ for more information.

Touring pitches for the weekend are available from £60 for two nights. Holiday homes are available from £355 from the Friday to Monday, lodges from £743, cottages from £414, and apartments from £445.

For more information on Cofton Holidays, including camping and caravan pitches, holiday homes, apartments and cottages, visit: www.coftonholidays.co.uk or call 01626 890111.

Budleigh Music Festival - tickets on sale now!

McQueenie Mulholland — Wed, 10 May 2023 09:57:01 +0000

Budleigh Salterton will soon play host to acclaimed musicians as part of this year’s Budleigh Music Festival, as tickets go on sale this week.

The week-long event, which starts on 30 June and is now in its 18th year, consists of both lunchtime and evening performances, and with ticket prices starting from £5 organisers are confident that there is something for everyone.

Artistic Director Jason Thornton, who is also the founder and Music Director of Bath Philharmonia, says that even those without any prior musical knowledge or experience will be inspired by the programme of events.

He added: “It’s a diverse programme with a great mix of musical styles and something to suit everyone. We want to throw open the doors to this year’s festival, and to tell people that they are welcome to come and enjoy live music with us.

“From our Choral workshop, featuring local singers and schoolchildren, which will open the festival, through to big hitters like BBC Radio 3 presenter and saxophonist Jess Gillam and renowned jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth performing alongside the Carducci Quartet - we’re absolutely thrilled with our line-up for 2023.”

With the opportunity to hear Chopin’s 1st Piano Concerto played by Lara Melda, and Britten’s Serenade by James Gilchrist (Tenor) and Ben Goldscheider (Horn), there is a rich tapestry of music. Other artists performing throughout the week include BBC Young Musician finalist Ethan Loch, an astonishing young pianist, blind since birth, and a fascinating collaboration, between Jennifer Pike (violin) Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash (sarod) and Anubrata Chatterjee (tabla) bringing together a blend of Indian and European classical music.

Kate Somerby, Chair of the Festival committee, said that having the chance to witness such a high calibre of music in East Devon is an opportunity not to be missed: “Watching these incredible musicians many of whom have an international performing career is such a privilege and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to do just that, here in Budleigh.”

She added: “I can’t wait to see the younger performers who feature in our lunchtime concerts, many of whom are just embarking on their careers. We will continue to watch their progress and are proud to play a part in their musical journey.”

Tickets are now on sale and are available at budleighmusicfestival.co.uk.