What’s On in North Devon in November 2019

1st November 2019

What’s On in North Devon in November 2019

Well, it’s been another mad month in North Devon, the time has flown by, and just like that - it’s November!

With Bonfire Night abounding, and Christmas just around the corner, it’s going to be another busy few weeks, packed full of events and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re a local looking to fill the diary, or you’re lucky enough to be visiting us this autumn, sit back, relax, and keep reading to discover what’s not to be missed in North Devon this month.

w/c 28th October

The month is starting off on a high, with Faeland performing at St Anne’s Arts & Community Centre in Barnstaple on the 1st November. Described as ‘uplifting acoustic-folk-pop with a touch of the mystical’, this one won’t be one to miss if you’re a lover of live music.

November 2nd is going to be a busy day. Catch Puppet State over in Atherington, putting on a fantastic puppet theatre performance of ‘The Man Who Planted Trees’ - sure to be a brilliant, multi-sensory take on the environmental classic, originally penned by Jean Giono, this heartwarming tale will be suitable for the whole family, and particularly poignant in the current world.

Meanwhile, over in Westward Ho!, you’ve got a unique opportunity to learn about the village’s haunted history. Taking place in the curious location of Seafield House, the evening will consist of talks with local historians and mediums, and follows the annual Day of the Dead celebrations on October 25th. 

Of course, that’s not forgetting Bonfire Night - and while the 5th of November isn’t for another week, a multitude of firework displays will take place on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of November, at Woolacombe, Braunton, Torrington, Barnstaple and Appledore. You can find more information about where to catch North Devon’s 2019 fireworks right over here. 

w/c 4th November

Photo Credit: The Big Sheep

This week, it’s the main event - Bonfire Night itself, and the best place to celebrate if you want to see the fireworks is undoubtedly at The Big Sheep in Bideford. Always a great night with some truly incredible displays, wrap up warm and enjoy the show from 7.45pm, or come down a little earlier for a special toddler display at 6pm.

Across the way, a slightly different celebration will be going on, as over in Shebbear, the Devil’s Stone Festival begins. An annual event believed to predate Bonfire Night itself, the villagers gather to turn the mysterious stone each year to prevent misfortune befalling the village. An ancient tradition with some really intriguing local history behind it, make sure to visit and experience this at least once - it takes place every year on November 5th.

Anyone wishing to catch their last rides on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway should ensure they visit this week, as the railway closes for the season on the 8th November. Don’t miss out, it’s your last chance until 2020!

The week ends on a great note in Braunton, with Encore! Musical Theatre Group’s ‘A Night at the Musicals’, performing some of the best-loved songs from musicals past and present. 

w/c 11th November

Photo Credit: Rosemoor Gardens 

It’s going to be a big week at Rosemoor Gardens, with two of their best-loved winter exhibitions beginning from the 14th. The Winter Sculpture Exhibition showcases incredible, individual artists, with many new names appearing at this year’s event. What’s more, all of the exhibited pieces are on sale, so it’s a great chance to procure some amazing pieces for your own garden. 

Rosemoor ‘Glow’ Garden Illuminations will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, with beautiful colour-changing lights twinkling all over the garden and extending towards the lake, with a brand new route for 2019. It’s not a sight to miss, particularly with many sculptures being lit up to create added touches to the display. The Garden Kitchen Restaurant will also operate later, with a family-friendly menu, so why not make a night of it?

Get into the Christmas spirit over at Arlington Court on the 16th, with their Christmas Fair. Local stall holders will be selling a range of products, with everything from food, toys or cards and decorations available.

Finally, celebrate the ‘silver darlings’ of Clovelly at their annual Herring Festival, which pays homage to the maritime heritage of the village whilst promoting sustainable fishing. As always with their events, there’ll be plenty to do, from live music, street performers, crafts and face painting, to cooking tips and delicious seafood samples to try. 

w/c 18th November

Just in time for Christmas is the Winter Sale at Dartington Crystal - be sure to pop in as early as possible to grab some gifts, because you could get up to 75% off selected lines!

On the 22nd, expect another jam-packed evening at Westward Ho!, with the WHAAM Variety Performance returning for another year at The Pierhouse, where you can catch some really talented local acts. 

Yet another opportunity to shop for beautiful, unique Christmas gifts arises at Rosemoor’s Christmas Craft & Design Fair, with some of the South West’s most talented traders gathering from the 22nd - 24th November. Or, head back over to Arlington Court, for a family Christmas Trail - explore the beautiful grounds, singing Christmas carols along the way, on the 23rd of November or one of the several other dates that follow. 

w/c 25th November

On the last week of the month, North Devon really begins to get into the festive spirit.

One event not to miss is Combe Christmas, one of our best-loved seasonal events over in Ilfracombe. Kicking off on Friday 29th with the light switch-on following a festive parade, you’ll also have the chance to meet Santa, sing carols, and enjoy late night-shopping at a variety of locations on the High Street. The event will then carry on over to Saturday and Sunday, with the Ilfracombe Christmas Market making a bold return, accompanied by some great local acoustic musicians and choirs, the infamous Combe Christmas Bar, and at the end, an informal parade followed by fireworks.

You can also get into the festive spirit - and buy your loved ones some Christmas treats - over at Affinity in Bideford, who will be hosting Bideford Christmas Market on the 30th November between 12pm and 8pm.

Then, head over to Braunton Parish Hall for a fun-filled Christmas party with Soul Intention, who will be raising both the roof AND money for the North Devon Hospice. There’s no bar, so save some money and bring your food and drink with you. This event is ticketed, so make sure to get yours while stock lasts.

Yep, you’re going to be busy this November! More Christmas markets and light switch-ons are to be announced, so keep an eye on our blog to get the best of the festive lowdown. And if you’re planning on attending any of these events already, or you’ve just been inspired to do so, make sure to head over to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to tell us - and have a great month, everyone!