Wednesday, 09 June 2010
North Devon Festival Time!
Ah well, life's not all bad. After all, it's North Devon Festival month! I'm far too busy trying to cram as much in as humanly possible before it's all over for another year. So far, the Showcases at Lilico's by Amy Newton and Peter Bruntnell are proving to be as excellent as I'd hoped! Tonight we'll see what it's like at the White Horse, where Kat Marsh is playing.
The problem with this festival really is the amount of choice: there's so much to do, and never enough time to do it all! So, what are you interested in?
Art
The Art Trek has over 100 artists and craftspeople exhibiting their work over three weekends. This is spread around the entire region, and often involves a visit to the artist's home! Every artist I have visited in past years has always been extremely welcoming and friendly, so it's a great way to learn about the inspiration and perspiration that goes into the art, as well as view lots of prettiness!
Alternatively, if you're interested in creating your own art, you could take part in the art walks led by Linda Gordan, for £9.50 (£6 if you're 12-18 years old). This even gives you the chance to exhibit your finished piece both online an in several local venues, including Barnstaple Library!
If you're more interested in the artists of the future, then check out the Ilfracombe Schools Arts Festival, to see a diverse range of art forms on display.
Music
The Barnstaple Fringe is absolutely fantastic, and there's a wide range of music to hear, often on the same night! My particular faves are the ones at Lilico's (as mentioned above), which just so happen to be free. If you're interested, the rest of the Amy Newton gigs are as follows: 10th June, John Hogg and Dominic Greensmith, supported by Becky Loney; 17th June, Tarrbaby, supported by Katie Kerslake; 24th June, Katie Marie, supported by Jenna. Peter Bruntnell's remaining showcases will be: 14th June, Owls, supported by Nick Saunders; 21st June, Alex Highton, supported by Jim Jones and Dave Little; 28th June, Oldboy, supported by Maple Canyon.
And, of course, there's the Lynton & Lynmouth Music Festival which is an entire weekend of cool music for free! What more need I say, other than I'd not miss it for the world?!!
Drama
As part of the Fringe, there'll be plenty of action in the TheatreFest. This involves 69 performances by 23 different companies over four days. Each show costs £4 to see (£2 for concessions) and there are three venues (not including the Boston Tea Party, where taster sessions will be running): the Inn on the Square, the Baptist Church and a mystery venue, yet to be revealed...
Or, if you like to see people dressing up in old-fashioned clothes, why not check out the Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration? I've never been to this before, but would very much like to see Queen Victoria, a Suffragette's Rally and a Mock Court! On the way to Ilfracombe, and in keeping with the Victorian theme, there's Arlington Life 1883, where a cast of characters who lived and worked on the Arlington Estate at that time will have some stories to tell of what their lives were like.
Sports
If you like surfing, you'll love Goldcoast Oceanfest, which is a Surf & Music Festival that also involves some beach volleyball, football and skating. Headlining are The Magic Numbers, with at least 25 other live acts to see, too.
Perhaps cycling and raising money is more your thing? Then get involved in the Devon Coast to Coast Challenge from Plymouth to Barnstaple, and raise money for the North Devon Hospice! If you prefer running, you might be more interested in the new off-road North Devon Marathon, which is based around Woolacombe, and is also in aid of the North Devon Hospice.
I hope I've mentioned something that's whetted your appetite, but if not, check out the North Devon Festival Website to find out about other events - there are simply far too many for me to mention here. And enjoy!
