Devon gets the “R factor” for May Bank Holiday
With apologies to Simon Cowell, Devon will be bracing itself for the “R” factor this May Bank holiday weekend. From swashbuckling and sea shanties at a pirate festival to the eccentric custom of worm charming, Devon has an entertaining weekend of events from the traditional to the unusual that all strike the Right Note! For more events and information on accommodation in Devon, including late availability and special offers check out: www.visitdevon.co.uk. Brixham in South Devon will host the Brixham Pirate and Shanty Festival (Friday 30 April- Monday 3 May). Captain Jack and his crew will be attempting to break the record for the greatest number of pirates gathered together in one place. One thousand, four hundred and sixty nine is the record to beat, so dress up and practise your best “Oh Arrr, me hearties” for the special pirate talent competition “the Arrr factor” and a weekend of swashbuckling fun, music and mayhem is guaranteed. For more details: www.brixhampiratefestival.co.uk or www.englishrivieria.co.uk. From pirates to another family favourite - the teddy bear! Powderham Castle near Exeter, which is set in a beautiful deer park on the banks of the River Exe, is hosting a teddy bear’s picnic on Sunday 2 May – Monday 3 May. (11.30 - 1.00pm and 2.30pm). Children can bring along their own teddy and be given their own fun sized teddy to take home, meet Big Ted and enjoy a family picnic at this stunning and historic setting. Ticket costs £9.50 for adults, children under five go free, children 5-14 £7.50 or a family ticket costs £26.50. Check out: www.powderham.co.uk and www.exeterandessentialdevon.co.uk. The traditional way to greet the coming of May is with maypole dancing which will be part of the bank holiday celebrations at Crealy Adventure Park near Exeter. Children who take part in the great Crealy treasure hunt will also be given a free toy (Saturday 1-3 May). On Monday Crealy will be celebrating St Alexander’s day so every child named Alexander will gain free entry to the park with its vast array of indoor and outdoor attractions. Prices to Crealy include a Group Ticket for four people at just £12.95 per person; see www.crealy.co.uk for more details of opening times and prices for park passes and offers. All eyes may be on the picturesque village of Blackawton in South Devon for the 29th International Worm charming festival which takes place from 11.00am on Sunday 2 May. Competition is fierce but there is plenty of entertainment for all the family, with Morris men, live music, may pole dancing and a toast to the worm before this gloriously English and eccentric festival gets underway. www.wormcharming.co.uk www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk Plymouth Summer Festival launches from 1 May with a season of exciting cultural events starting with the Barbican International Jazz and Blues Festival (1-9 May), including live music, top acts and workshops. Visit: www.visitplymouth.co.uk. Volkswagen fans will head for Newnham Country Park near Plympton for the Plymouth Volksfest (28 -31 May). A chilled out family friendly weekend is promised with classic Volkswagens on display, live music, camping and children’s entertainment laid on all weekend. Tickets in advance are £45.00, Weekend pass is £60.00 or £30.00 for individual day tickets. See: www.visitplymouth.co.uk and www.plymouthvolksfest.co.uk Thousands of eager runners are expected to turn up for the Plymouth half marathon on Sunday 30 May at Plymouth Hoe and Plymouth City Centre, the venue for talented mountain bikers who will be showing off their talents at the Extreme Mountain Bike Event 29 - 30 May. Check out: www.visitplymouth.co.uk for more details. Head for North Devon and the great outdoors for the 10th annual North Devon and Exmoor Walking festival (29 April – 7 May) With 84 guided walks this is one of the largest walking festivals in the UK. There are walks to suit all members of the family, through some of the county’s most stunning landscapes. Guided walks cost between £6.00 - £8.00 and there are more details from: www.walkingnorthdevon.co.uk. For details of accommodation for the festival see www.northdevon.com. About Visit Devon Visit Devon is the destination management organisation responsible for promoting Devon to the world. The organisation acts as a voice for tourism in Devon and its aim is simple - to increase the number of visitors to Devon by promoting the county as a year-round destination for business or leisure. The organization brings together, adds value to and enhances the work and activities undertaken by the six Area Tourism Partnerships across the county. Visit Devon is committed to growing the tourism sector sustainably, increasing the skills within the industry, and raising the quality of the visitor experience. Visit Devon is a public-private partnership limited by guarantee. The not for profit company comprises of nine member organizations including the six Area Tourism Partnerships (Exeter and Essential Devon, Visit Plymouth, North Devon+, The Dartmoor Partnership, The English Riviera Tourist Board, and Visit South Devon) Devon County Council, The Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (Data), and Devon Farms.Visit Devon is the trading name of Destination Devon Ltd.
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