festivals
Devon County Show
Glorious Green Man Event
Festival Season
With a host of festivals, organised by the city council, on the horizon, we take a look at some of the other outstanding events that are sure to find a place in your social diary. From music to comedy, crafts to cuisine, we have it all covered.
The Dart Music Festival
11 – 13 May www.dartmusicfestival.co.uk The annual three day Dart Music Festival is now in its 21st year. The event will be held from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th May 2018 in the port and town of Dartmouth, at the mouth of the River Dart. With over 100 performances spanning almost every musical genre, the festival offers an eclectic mix of orchestral, rock, choral, blues, opera, folk, and jazz performances at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues including two churches, the bandstand in the Park, outside the castle, and various hotels, pubs, and restaurants, throughout the weekend. And its all FREE to listen to! The Dart Music Festival's motto is Music for All. Since it's
Exeter Pride 2018
12 May www.exeterpride.co.uk Celebration theme to Exeter's 10th LGBT Pride AN explosion of colour, positivity and pride will take place in Exeter on Saturday, May 12 - and everyone is invited to come out and and celebrate. Exeter Pride is one of the South West's biggest celebrations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) communities in the region. A key annual event in the city's calendar, this year will mark Exeter Pride's 10th anniversary. There will be a colourful rainbow flag parade from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay
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Gardens It will featuring thousands of people, roller skaters, Street Heat samba band, a fire engine, an ambulance, Morris dancers, police officers, representatives from community groups and organisations, and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag. The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Lesley Robson, will lead the parade to the main stage in Northernhay Gardens, where a full programme of events and activities will take place.
Devon County Show
17 – 19 May www.devoncountyshow.co.uk There’s only one place in Devon where on just three days of the year the county is revealed in all its glory! We’re looking forward to treating our visitors to the best of food, farming and entertainment all in one day. Farming is at the very heart of the Show – stockmen and women from the county and beyond will be competing in the show ring and agricultural machinery and suppliers will be out in force. There’ll be literally thousands of animals – from exceptional livestock to dazzling Arab horses, family ponies, canine superstars competing in the pedigree Dog Show, lofty alpacas and pigeons, rabbits and guinea pigs. We’re putting together a thrilling programme of day-long entertainment.
Glorious Green Man Event 26 – 27 May 10am - 4pm www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk After a rather damp and chilly start to Spring,
Dart Music Festival Mount Edgcumbe Country Park are once again celebrating the re-birth of the year by constructing a huge Green Man figure made from materials found at the park (his creation will begin from 2 May onwards – if you want to help then volunteers are always welcome). This is the 6th annual Green Man event here at the park and will be a fantastic mix of entertainment provided by local bands Rootz Mill and Space Cowboys, circus acts, morris dancers, Arrow Barrow Display Team, The Age of Chivalry (medieval knights) and much more. Once again traditional family activities will be running throughout the event along with food and craft stalls. There will also be live music from the Pirates of St Piran, Talons and Scales (birds from the Owl Sanctuary), wood turning crafts, vintage fairground rides, stilt walks and living statues, bouncy castles, beer tent, and the obligatory hog roast. Fun for visitors of all ages! The Green Man himself is the culmination of a wonderful community project. He is the result of cooperative work between the Park’s gardeners, a host of local volunteers and many artists from across the Tamar Valley. Each year he changes and takes on the personality of the storm damage materials available to the team. Everyone comes together to create the backdrop for an exciting family day out. Ample parking is available very close to the event and free transport will be running to transport visitors between the car parks, the event and the Barrow Centre. There will also be additional ferries running along-side the regular Cremyll Ferry service from the Barbican and Royal William Yard to allow regular crossing opportunities from Plymouth. This event will also see the launch of the new and improved miniature railway here at Mount Edgcumbe. Operated by volunteers with the proceeds going towards the upkeep of the park, the train will be running throughout the weekend. Although there is a charge for all-day car parking the event is free for all to enjoy. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and follow the progress of the Green Man as he grows. For further information on this and other events, check our website.