North Devon Christmas Lights
Hey Friends! I can't believe it is nearly December; I am getting so excited for Santa Claus to come to town! Even though our Devon holiday parks are now closed we are still getting into the Christmas spirit here!
The towns of North Devon will be lighting up and shining bright over the next coming weeks with fairy lights scattered everywhere and tinsel hanging from shop windows there are lots of Christmas light 'switch on' events across the area, bringing people together in community and Christmas spirit.
Ilfracombe Friday 25th Nov. - Supported by the cast of A Christmas Carol, Town crier Roy Goodwin will be switching on the lights in Ilfracombe this Friday. With a whole lot of festive events taking place over the weekend. After the light switch on there will be a Lantern Parade late night shopping, with street stalls, while you can also meet Santa who will be on his sleigh! On Saturday there will be the Fore Street Christmas Market, live music and bars during the day, before a Christmas party in the night. And on Sunday the festive fun continues for children with workshops, a disco and fancy dress competition. Then into Sunday evening there will be carol service, a Christmas parade and a fireworks display to end the weekend on a bang!
Holsworthy Friday 2nd Dec. - The Christmas light switch on will happen at 6.30pm when the town will also re-launch its late night Christmas shopping. BBC Radio Devon presenters Pipa Quelch and Mat Woodley will be doing the switch-on with Holsworthy's Devon County Councillor Barry Parsons. The Santa's On The Run event will be making its debut to Holsworthy this year. The 2km fun run sees walkers, joggers and runners dressed up as ol' Saint Nick all in aid of Children's Hospice South West. There will also be on stage entertainment including local musicians, while a Christmas market, street food and reindeer will also be there.
Appledore Friday 2nd Dec. - "Appledore Turning on the Lights" is slightly different to your normal Christmas light switch on, the coastal village creates their own DIY lights! After the streetlights were deemed not to be strong enough, there is not one single person to flick the switch – everyone who takes a Christmas light turns on their own. The event starts from 11am with a Christmas Craft Fair, at 2pm there will be a nativity play from Appledore Primary School, between 4pm and 6.30pm there is a treasure hunt around the village, while adults can enjoy mulled wine and mince pies between 5pm and 9pm. The Hubba Choir will sing in St Mary's between 6pm and 6.30pm, when Santa will arrive on the Quay in his unique gig-sleigh! Then the community switch on will happen at 7.15pm followed by Christmas Carols.
Bideford Sunday 4th December - Bideford's festive lights will be switched on at 5pm, the fun begins at 12pm with DJs Hopps and Chapple, from radio station The Voice. Children's Hospice South West's Santa Run is returning this year starting at 3pm on The Quay and quayside entertainment with children's fairground rides, stilt walkers and a magician! You can even meet your favourite characters including Pokemon, Paw Patrol, Minions, Two Super Heroes, Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy and Peppa Pig! Throughout the day St Mary's Choir, Bideford Town Band and Bideford Youth Pipe Band will provide musical entertainment, followed by reindeer parade through the town and an appearance from Santa himself. Fireworks will then take place at 6.45pm to end the fabulous day.
Clovelly Sunday 4th Dec. - Around 5pm Chris and Helen Pugsley from Westward Ho! will be lighting the village and harbour up! Appledore Junior Band will perform Christmas Carols by the harbour and you will be able to enjoy a hog roast, hot dogs, Christmas punch and other refreshments available at the Harbour and Lifeboat Station, and Father Christmas will pay a surprise visit. The event is al in aid of the RNLI, as well, with all proceeds going to the charity.
Post your Christmas light pictures on our Facebook page and spread the festive cheer!
