Devon Events

Agatha Christies – A Spiders Web
6th – 11th Sept 2010 – Little Theatre, Torquay
The renowned TOADS amateur theatre company present Agatha Christie's classic play. The plot follows the story of Clarissa, who discovers a dead body in her sitting room and attempts, with the help of her house guests, to dispose of it before her husband returns home. The web of deceit unravels over the course of the play in true Christie fashion. Tickets: Adults £10.00, Children and Concessions £9.00. Tickets available from Tourist Information Centres and the Little Theatre. Please note: there will be no performance on Sundays. Sponsored by Hooper and Wollen. Agatha Christie Festival Ticket and Information Hotline: 01803 408358.

Poltimore House - Opera Glass Autumn Opera Gala
10th September 2010 – Poltimore, Exeter
Opera Glass provide an evening of popular arias and ensembles from opera and light opera, performed by the cream of South West singers, Janet McDonald (soprano), Claire Powell (mezzo soprano), Chris Hunt (tenor) plus others to be announced. Accompanied by pianist Margaret Chave. This event is part of a summer season of fundraising events for the restoration of Poltimore House. www.poltimore.org Poltimore, Exeter, Devon, EX4 0AU, Tel: 07909 090475.

The Heddon Valley Festival & Beerfest
10th – 11th Sept 2010 – Heddon Valley
At the Hunters Inn, Heddon Valley, North Devon, EX31 4PY. Enjoy a wide variety of Live Music, Art & Crafts, Real Ales & Ciders. Heddon Valley, Parracombe, North Devon, EX31 4PY, Tel: 01598 763230

Fishstock – The Urban Seafood and Music Festival
11th September 2010 - Brixham
The second annual Fishtock festival returns to Brixham this September. Expect live entertainment, lots of scrumptious seafood and the chance to see working fishing boats up close and personal. The Brixham talented singer Rachel Jones returns for this years event, having extended the size of her band, which is made up almost entirely of youngsters from fishing families. The extensive line up is continuing to grow and is set to be a continuous stream of talented musicians and bands performing during the entire event. Fishstock Brixham will allow visitors to climb on board both modern trawlers and the classic heritage fleet. The 2008 event saw the "Lady Maureen" open to the public as the tide rose. Hundreds boarded her decks as she sat alongside the "Iris" (pictured), a 1921 built Cornish Lugger which has been lovingly restored by owner Toni Knights. "Sydo", Ginger Wright's 1954 Trawler , and the oldest working boat in the Brixham fleet, took part in the event to showcase the history of the Brixham fleet from past to present. The 2010 will also allow visitors to see for themselves the day to day living and working environment for Brixham fishermen, from years gone by to the modern boats of today. Expect a variety of chefs from across the region and London to delight the crowds and audience with their creations and don't miss out on the abundance of free samples that will be available to all. Expert fish filleting demonstrations are on the cards again for this year ranging from fresh crab to hand cooked white fish , fishcakes and other delicacies. If you love food, then this is where it is at! All this fine food can be washed down with fine wines, sparkling cider, local real ale or organic soft drinks. Brixham Quay, New Quay Lane, Brixham, Devon TQ5 8AJ. Tel: 01803 211211.

Town Criers Competition
11th September 2010 – Newton Abbot
Newton Abbot's town criers competition features criers from far and wide in this unique event. Courtenay Street, Newton Abbot, Devon.

Agatha Christie Festival 2010
12th - 19th September 2010
This year's sixth annual Agatha Christie Festival promises to be the best yet! Coinciding with the 120th anniversary of her birth. Expect a plethora of events to take place across the English Riviera including all-star theatre productions, a nostalgic tea dance, a period fete and much much more. Visitors from all over the world come to Torquay to enjoy our annual celebration of the Queen of Crime, so why not join them for a brilliant week of activities and events all celebrating her legacy? It would be a crime not to. More information at www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie/festival

Dating Costume, Killerton House, Exeter
Monday 13 September – 14.00 to 16.00
A chance to look at your family’s old wedding and christening photographs and date the fashion being worn. Killerton is a family home famed for costumes and comfortable living. An elegant 18th Century house with wonderful views and a warm welcoming feel. The house is open daily to end October and then open in December from 4th to 23rd 14.00 to 16.00. The gardens are open all year 10.30 to 19.00. Tel 01392 881345 or email: killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

Widecombe Fair
14th September 2010 - Widecombe
For generations the second Tuesday in September has been Fair Day at Widecombe-in-the-Moor, a celebration of Moorland life with something for locals and visitors alike. So what do you want from a country fair? Because this year, we have even more than usual. Animals? We have primestock and livestock classes to be judged including Widecombe’s own white-faced Dartmoor sheep. We have sheep shearing competitions (back by popular demand) running all day. Horses and ponies galore including a musical ride and Ben May and his Heavy Horses. You can even race your own dog against all comers! Competitions? The competitions aren’t just for the animals. Why not try your hand at bale-tossing or tug-of-war? Or even the Uncle Tom Cobley downhill race from the skyline to the Fair Field – choose your own way down (on foot of course!), you just have to get there first! Food? Local food and local produce are available throughout the day, with the usual beer tent, tea, coffee, cakes and lots of food stalls. And still there’s more – all day long in the main ring there is a series of events including parades, demonstrations and competitions. There is a display of vintage machinery including static engines and vehicles. Uncle Tom Cobley and the old grey mare will be there – you all know the song. Plus a lively commentary by Tony Beard – the Widecombe Wag. And this year there is a very special Rural Skills exhibit created by the children of Widecombe School. And it doesn’t stop there - but come and see for yourselves. It’s a wonderful day out for all the family whatever their age. Car parking is free with a courtesy bus to return you to the main car park. Admission is £7 with free entry for children. The fun starts at 9.00 am and goes on into the evening with most of the activities between 10am and 4pm. So join us on the FAIR FIELD at Widecombe on Tuesday 14th September. See you there!

Meet the Builders, Killerton House, Exeter
Wednesday 15 September – 11.00
A rare opportunity to step behind-the-scenes at Killerton
Killerton is a family home famed for costumes and comfortable living. An elegant 18th Century house with wonderful views and a warm welcoming feel. The house is open daily to end October and then open in December from 4th to 23rd 14.00 to 16.00. The gardens are open all year 10.30 to 19.00. Tel 01392 881345 or email: killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

Flower Festival
16th – 20th September - Ottery St Mary
Ottery St Mary Parish Church are holding a flower festival from Thursday 16 - Monday 20 September - “Show Time”! With Organ Recital by Michael Farley on Friday 17 September at 7.30pm. Coffee, lunches and teas available.

70s Evening at Colyton Station
17th September 2010 - Colyton
Celebrate Seaton Tramway's 40th birthday with a 70s evening at the Tramstop Restaurant, Colyton Station, Colyton. Ticket includes 70s buffet and entertainment with guitar vocalist Nick Taylor singing glam rock and soul. tram ride optional from Seaton Terminus. Tram departs from Seaton Terminus at 6.45pm and Colyton Station at 10.30pm. Join us for a great night out and help us celebrate in true 70s style! 70s dress optional. Advance booking essential, please call 01297 20375.

Lemonfest - Music Festival
18th September 2010 – Newton Abbot
Lemonfest is a new music festival to hit the South West, showcasing some of the biggest up and coming talent from around the country. It is a one day event to be held on the 18th September 2010 that is aimed to be our very own mini Glastonbury. There will be workshops, stalls and foods from around the World. It is an event that is open to all ages and will be running from 11am to 11pm. There will be something for everyone. As night falls and the workshops and stalls are packing up, the event will turn into more of a music festival. The Audience will be able to enjoy a beverage while watching some well known artists and bands and the night will finish off with a Headline act.

Events at River Cottage
20th September 2010 - Axminster
River Cottage HQ (Park Farm) is our base for running courses and events inspired by the philosophy of the original River Cottage – ranging from a night’s dining and entertainment, through to courses in foraging, curing, gardening, breadmaking, butchery and more. For full details please click on each individual event on the River Cottage website. Evening events are based around a four course set menu with welcome drinks and canapés, ending with coffee and petit fours. If you would like to bring your own wine, we don't charge corkage. We have a licensed bar serving excellent wines from £10 a bottle. All of our events cater for vegetarians and all dietary requirements. There is disabled access. Unfortunately we can't accommodate small children on our evening events. To book a ticket, you simply find an event or course that you are interested in and then you pre-book tickets. River Cottage also has a local produce store in Axminster, where we work with a wonderful collection of local and organic food & drink producers from the South West. We stock a wide selection of the very best local and seasonal provisions including milk, eggs, bread, meat, poultry, beers and wines. The Axminster Canteen annexed to the Local Produce Store serves meals during the day and is open for evening service and Sunday lunch.

Abbfest – Food and Drink Festival
24th – 26th September 2010 – Newton Abbot
Abbfest is a celebration of Devon Food and Drink, which takes place each September at Fermoys Garden Centre, Newton Abbot. The Festival is run by a Charitable Trust and all profits are distributed between local charities - in 2009, over £25,000 was distributed. We offer almost every beer in Devon and have 60 food and craft stalls to enjoy each year. There are cookery demonstrations, family entertainment and lots of live music to keep the whole family entertained. Local companies are asked to sponsor a barrel of their favourite beer or cider and if your Company would be interested in sponsoring us, please contact LIZ MERRITT This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This year we are delighted to welcome some new, exciting bands to the Abbfest stage. Duke Johnson and the Scorchers. The Duke and his band are a great new addition to the line up this year on the Friday evening. On Saturday we will be joined by The Fab Beatles - one of the most popular Beatles tribute bands in the UK. Fermoys Garden Centre, Totnes Road, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 5TN, Tel: 01803 813022.

Autumn Fairground Weekend
25th – 26th September 2010 - Lifton
The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is proud to present the National Fairground Collection. It is a facility unique in the UK, designed to capture the magic of a bygone age through exhibits, vintage engineering and stunning artwork displays.  The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction that provides a unique opportunity to view our Fairground Heritage in a beautiful rural location. Visiting Fair Organs, Engines in Steam, Models, Fairground Transport, Special Exhibits, Photo Displays, Trade Stands, Café & Gift Shop, Indoor Live Steam and Fairground Art. Vintage Fairground Rides (at extra cost and subject to availability) Static and working displays of Industrial Heritage Vintage Vehicles, Vintage Road Signs. New! Compton Theatre Organ. Tel: 01566 783425.

The Big Pick Up, Killerton House, Exeter
Sunday 26 September and Sunday 10 October – 14.00 to 16.00
Help to harvest the apples from the Killerton Orchard. Killerton is a family home famed for costumes and comfortable living. An elegant 18th Century house with wonderful views and a warm welcoming feel. The house is open daily to end October and then open in December from 4th to 23rd 14.00 to 16.00. The gardens are open all year 10.30 to 19.00. Tel 01392 881345 or email: killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

Two Moors Festival
30th Sept – 9th Oct – Various Churches Dartmoor & Exmoor
Classic FM's Festival in the South West. Classical concerts in churches across Dartmoor and Exmoor. Notable musicians for 2010 include Mark Padmore, Emma Johnson and the Aronowitz Ensemble as well as the Band of the Royal Marines and an expert on the alphorn! www.thetwomoorsfestival.com

Brazillian Festival
2nd October 2010 - Teignmouth
Copacabana comes to Teignmouth. Samba bands, Salsa, Capoeira and everything latin. Be prepared to dance till dark. On the Den at Teignmouth seafront. Samba bands from all over the South West, Salsa dancers and Capoeira shows, the unique Brazilian culture comes to Teignmouth. ChildrensAid bucket collection in aid of street kids in Brazil. Time:12:00:00 to midnight 12:00 until 19:00 at the Den and Triangle 19:00 until midnight at the South Pacific Pub

Fungi Foray in Killerton Park, Exeter
Sunday 10 October – 11.00 to 13.00
An exploration of fungi in the parkland at Killerton.
Killerton is a family home famed for costumes and comfortable living. An elegant 18th Century house with wonderful views and a warm welcoming feel. The house is open daily to end October and then open in December from 4th to 23rd 14.00 to 16.00. The gardens are open all year 10.30 to 19.00. Tel 01392 881345 or email: killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

Apple Day, Killerton House, Exeter
Sunday 17 October – 11.00 to 16.00
Celebrate the English apple with apples for sale, cider making and tasting. Killerton is a family home famed for costumes and comfortable living. An elegant 18th Century house with wonderful views and a warm welcoming feel. The house is open daily to end October and then open in December from 4th to 23rd 14.00 to 16.00. The gardens are open all year 10.30 to 19.00. Tel 01392 881345 or email: killerton@nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas Shopping Fayre - Westpoint, Exeter
26 - 28 November 2010
All your Christmas shopping under one giant roof at Exeter's Westpoint Arena! The south west's biggest festive shopping event lets you browse around a massive 300 stands packed with exciting and novel gift ideas. So many top quality Retailers, Craftworkers, Importers, Wholesalers and Food & Drink suppliers - you'll find a bigger selection here than your typical High Street and it's great fun for all the family. Free parking on site and a free Santa's Grotto. Admission only £3.50, seniors £2.50, kids free. Tel: 01271 378000 www.christmasshoppingfayre.com

Exeter Voices for Christmas
Tuesday 7th December 2010 7.30pm
Exeter Festival Chorus conducted by Nigel Perrin
Exeter Cathedral Choir conducted by Andrew Millington
All proceeds in aid of the Sheldon Long Barn Appeal. A rare opportunity to enjoy Exeter's finest voices massed in the magnificent setting of the Cathedral. This concert is a long overdue reprise of the first ever occasion the two choirs were brought together by the Society of Mary and Martha in 2002. Expect all sorts of heart-warming seasonal delights including Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols, excerpts from Handel's Messiah and much more. Tickets £22, £18, £14, £10  www.sheldon.uk.com/ExeterVoices Tel 01647 252752.