Devon is not just about cream teas …. East Devon is a hotspot for foodies, festivals, medieval fayres and of course fun! Here are our top tips and highlights of local events this Autumn:
CANDLES ON THE COBB IN LYME REGIS: Sunday, 28 August
The hugely popular and emotional event has captured the imagination, not only of the people of Lyme Regis, but worldwide. Returning on Sunday 28 August 2022, Candles on the Cobb offers people the opportunity to sponsor a candle in memory of a loved one while raising money for Lyme Regis Youth Projects, British Red Cross and Cancer Research UK.
The event is a truly wonderful spectacle where thousands of tea-light candles illuminate Lyme Regis’ iconic Cobb harbour wall. In addition, a giant crown will be illuminated on the sandy beach to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Buy a candle in memory of a loved one and be a part of this spectacular event. More info: https://candlesonthecobb.com/
LYME FOLK WEEKEND 2022: Friday, 2 September – Sunday, 4 September
Lyme Folk Weekend is one of the most popular events of the summer, and one big reason is that the festival unearths some wonderful young local artists. This is a three-day festival of free music and dancing, including two outdoor stages, open air ceilidh, workshops, shanty singing, storytelling and Morris dancing along the seafront. There are three stunning headline concerts – and an extra special bonus matinee performance in the Marine Theatre who will play host to a number of the UK’s finest folk musicians. For full details of all the headline acts and to book tickets visit www.lymefolk.com
Hix Oyster Celebration: Saturday, 3 September: 10.30am -4.30pm
This event at our local beach, Lyme Regis, is free to enter with stands from our local oyster growers, local drinks producers and seafood from Sally’s Fish Camp (for the non-oyster eaters) along with music throughout the day from the Lyme Folk Weekend.
Mark Hix MBE will kick off the native oyster season with the official HIX Oyster Celebration, an all-day event honouring the life and times of the oyster on the Deck of The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis. Enjoy a series of talks and tastings exploring the heritage of the great British mollusc – joined by like-minded oyster growers and experts Nigel Bloxham (Crab House Café, Billy Winters, Portland Oysters) and Pete Miles (Dorset Oysters). Joined by James McCarthy of Red Panda and East Kitchen + Bar who will serve Asian style dressed oysters. Guests will discover oysters from around the Southwest of England. Enjoy your oysters paired with an array of drinks including English sparkling wine from Lyme Bay Winery, Beer and cider from Palmer’s Brewery and cocktails from Black Cow pure milk vodka and Somerset Distillery. This is great opportunity to meet the producers and enjoy local beer, wine and spirits. More info: https://theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk/hix-oyster-celebration/
BRIDPORT HAT FESTIVAL: Saturday, 3 September 2022: 10am – 10pm
The 2022 Bridport Hat Festival is a celebration of hats and a fundraiser for head-related charities, where the locals and folk of Bridport wear their best or most unusual hat.
The festivities will be opened by the Mayor at 10am in Bucky Doo Square followed by a programme of music by young local musicians until the mass photo at 1pm and judging of the various “Best Hatted” competitions. The ‘HatFest’ Garden Party also commences at 10am at the Millennium Green where there will be folk music from local musicians, Hat Hurling, Best Hatted Dog competition and other attractions. Hot and cold food, tea & coffee, ice cream, prosecco will be served throughout the day plus a licensed bar until 6pm. And all you need is a hat! More details:www.bridporthatfest.org
THE BEAR TRAIL COLOUR BOMB 2022: Saturday, 10 September & Sunday, 11 September: 10:30am/2:00pm
The Bear Trail with 30 muddy obstacles is transforming into the ultimate colour explosion! What’s included:Neon sunglasses, 3 hour slot packed with colour explosions, Unlimited course completions in each slot, Live music, 30 obstacles and unlimited mud!,Meet and greet with Boston the Bear! Start at the tunnel obstacle for a safety briefing and colour explosion start! If you arrive late, you may miss this! Purchase tickets: https://www.thebeartrail.co.uk/colourbomb2022/
EXMOUTH OPENWATER TRIATHLON: Sunday, 11 September: 8am
Back for 2022 is the British Triathlon Federation accredited Exmouth Open Water Triathlon with a Sprint distance race alongside Olympic and Novice swim distance races. Races will be an enjoyable, challenging, and a friendly event that will appeal to both newcomers and seasoned athletes alike. The event can be completed by individuals or as a relay team where each team member completes a single discipline.
Race HQ, start and finish, and transition will be located at the East end of Exmouth beachfront by Orcombe Point on Queens Drive. The swim will start in waves from the beautiful sandy beach and enters the calm waters for a fully marshalled, single lap swim.
Competitors will then head out of Exmouth on an undulating, single lap, bike course with a mix of open and closed roads. The flat run leg is an out and back along the seafront promenade towards the marina with amazing views in both directions and great PB potential.
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LITERARY FESTIVAL: Wednesday, 14 – Sunday, 18 Sept
A popular Literacy Festival, set in a seaside town in East Devon with its pebble beach and spectacular Triassic red sandstone cliffs, attracts fantastic authors and speakers, contemporary fiction authors, poets, travel writers, sports journalists, scientists, food writers, historians, economists and current affairs commentators. More info: www.budlitfest.org.uk
COLYFORD GOOSE FAYRE: Saturday, 24 September: 2pm
Colyford Goose Fayre is a traditional fayre dating back to medieval times, much more than just your average village fete!
A large number of villagers and friends dress in medieval costume and form a procession starting at the Elms. This colourful procession of many hundreds of people follow the Mayor of Colyford and his lady down to Springfield to the accompaniment of much music and jollity from the Mummers and the many providers of medieval music.
Goods are sold under tents and various produce is available – honey, pancakes, ram-roast, pottery, leather – and of course beer, tea and cakes. Numerous medieval style skills are on show with metalwork, bodging, thatching and archery as well as children’s entertainment in the quintain and the greasy pole.
Among the entertainers there are mummers, strolling players, dancers and the highlight of the afternoon, the mummers play. More info: www.colyfordvillage.co.uk
AXMINSTER CARNIVAL: Saturday, 17 September 8pm
The tradition of Carnival has existed in Axminster, East Devon for over 100 years. The directors and committee members collectively organise and fundraise to host an annual carnival parade. It is part of the East Devon Carnival Circuit and an excellent night out.
POWDERHAM CASTLE FOOD FESTIVAL Saturday, 1 October & Sunday, 2: 10am -5pm
This foodie event that celebrates the South West’s finest food and drink producers. With plenty of tasty treats, demos and talks, and some of the most notable traders in the Southwest – this year will be hard to beat!
The festival is held in the grounds of the beautiful Powderham Castle and promises to provide a fantastic family foodie fun day out for the whole family.
Promoting the very best of Southwest food and drink in such glorious surrounding makes the Powderham Food Festival a very special event, with hundreds of food and drink stalls to browse and plenty of live demonstrations to enjoy. More details here: https://www.powderhamfoodfestival.com/
Taste East Devon Festival September 3 – 18, 2022:
A 16-day food and drink festival like no other! East Devon’s renowned producers, chefs, restaurants and venues have joined forces to present Taste East Devon Festival with a series of events taking place across our beautiful coast and country. From farm feasts to brewery open days, seafood tasting experiences to BBQs and parties: some events will be ticketed, some will be open freely for all. Full events list: https://www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk/events
A few highlighted @tasteeastdevon events from our friends:
Lympstone Lunch & Vineyard Tour Wednesday, September 14: 10:30am – 2:30pm
Enjoy a delicious lunch and visit to the beautiful Lympstone Manor vineyard, on the southwest-facing parkland overlooking the beautiful Exe estuary. https://www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk/events/lympstone-lunch-vineyard-tour
Garden BBQ at Heron Farm Thursday, September 15: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Our friends at the picturesque Heron Farm are opening their doors and hosting a garden BBQ for all to enjoy on Thursday, September 15th 12pm-5pm including live acoustic music.
East Devon Lunch at High Grange Friday, September 16: 11:00am – 3:00pm
A showcase of fantastic East Devon Producers cooked by Luke Vandore-Mackay at High Grange Devon.
Now back to Cream Teas!
Stay with us this Autumn during a 3-night weekend or 4-night midweek * and enjoy one of Linda’s famous freshly made cream teas for free! To qualify simply quote ‘freecreamtea’ in the booking notes.
Stay with us this Autumn
Imagine a wonderful, peaceful lush Devon country break? – no crowds, no rushing around, just time to relax and enjoy autumn sunshine?
Whether strolling through our beautiful natural meadow, exploring country lanes and quiet sandy beaches, or savouring the delights of local cuisine, luxury glamping at Lower Keats ticks all the boxes.
Take a look at our Autumn offers https://lowerkeatsglamping.co.uk/special-offers/ including special deals for 2-night stays, couples, dogs, and even a free cream tea; pick a safari lodge and get closer to your amazing autumn break.
Linda’s famous cream tea