October Highlights. A celebration of North Devon Coast and Countryside events

How lucky were we to be still basking in sunshine on the North Devon Coast throughout September, a summer of supermoons, spectacular sunsets and sunrises. For camera-happy lovers of the coast and countryside like me there is never a bad time for a walk along the beach or waiting for the golden glow of Autumn in a wooded valley or spotting fancy fungi in the fallen leaves. The Big Sheep will be bringing some sunshine to a normally gloomy month with some more family fun events including "Bonkers for Conkers, a Giant Veggie Competition and of course a Spooktacular Halloween Festival. It's harvest time, and there was a bumper crop of apples, gourds, pumpkins, squashes and vegetables in the kitchen garden at Rosemoor last weekend just in time for the annual Apple Day. Bringing the Octoberfest to a close is a Cider and Folk Festival at the Landmark in Ilfracombe and a Great Firework Display and Bonfire Celebration at Ilfracombe Rugby Club. Another lover of the countryside is artist Richard Long. His Contemporary Art in the Countryside ARTIST ROOMS On Tour will be running at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum until the 10th January 2015. For a night at the movies check out web sites for the Bideford Film Society or the Plough Arts Centre. As you all get ready for Guy Fawkes Night, remember, remember Don't Tidy up Mrs. Tiggy. The beginning of November is when hedgehogs normally settle down for  the winter so this is a time to be extra vigilant. Devon Wildlife Trust advise leaving bonfire building as late as possible.

11th October Bonkers for Conkers at the Big Sheep. Are you bonkers about conkers and think you have what it takes to become Devon’s first ever Conker Champion? If so, register now to take part in the 2014 Devon Conker Championships which is being held at the BIG Sheep in Bideford, on Saturday 11th October.

18th October GIANT Veggie Competition at the Big Sheep. Try your hand at gardening this year and enter our GIANT Veggie Competition - we will be on the look out for Vegetables of all shapes and size for our competition. If you would like to enter please email nicola@thebigsheep.co.uk for an entry form

24th October FREE courses ‘All things wood-fuel’ this Autumn with Northern Devon NIA From 2015 all woodlands will only be eligible for grant aid if an approved management plan is in place. Learn what is required in the plan, how to access the grant and hear advice for those wishing to write the plan themselves or to contract the services of a professional. View details

25th October Halloween Festival at the Big Sheep "FUN BY DAY & SCARY BY NIGHT" HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL The South West's BIGGEST and BEST Halloween Festival. Halloween at The BIG Sheep promises to be the best yet! Enjoy the happy, fun side of Halloween at the "Fun by Day" Halloween or the spookey scary side at the Scary…

31st October Great Firework Display at Ilfracombe Rugby Club Bonfire and fireworks with disco and BBQ until late. www.visitilfracombe.co.uk

31st October to 2nd November Landmark Folk & Cider Festival. Local ciders, folk music and other entertainment. www.northdevontheatres.co.uk  

For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal  

North Devon Tourist Information Centres
Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre, North Devon Museum, The Square, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 9LS
Bideford Tourist Information Centre, Burton Art Gallery, Kingsley Road, Bideford, EX39 2QQ 
Braunton Tourist Information Centre The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1AA
Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre Cross Street, Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 ODH 
Holsworthy Visitor Information Centre: The Memorial Hall, Holsworthy, 
Torrington Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington   
lfracombe Tourist Information Centre The Landmark Theatre, The Seafront, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9BX
Lynton Tourist Information Centre Lynton Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6HT T
South Molton Tourist Information  1 East Street, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3BU 
Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre The Esplanade, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7DL 
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 To add an event go to North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle Community Calendar