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- Cool Things To Do 09.11.23
Cool Things To Do 09.11.23
Exeter Xmas Market, Sarah Millican, Wildcats, Dartmoor Walks
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Have a day out to remember at Devon’s largest Christmas market
With 117 festive Bavarian style chalets all twinkling with fairy lights, there’ll be an exciting seasonal atmosphere (video) at Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market starting a week tomorrow.
Buy locally made gifts and produce and enjoy bars, global street food, seasonal entertainment and free entry into the cathedral, and see the Light of Hope Star installation.
On the food menu is, of course, German sausages, a choice of Greek, Moroccan and Nepalese street food among others.
For presents there are stalls for homeware, clothes, toys, Xmas decorations and arts and crafts.
From Friday 17th November to Sunday 17 December 2023. Free.

Stand by for noise and LOTS of swearing
When Sarah Millican was a child, she wouldn't say boo to a goose. Quiet at school, not many friends, no boobs til she was 16. Now? NOW she is loud.
So says the publicity for Late Bloomer, her brand-new stand-up show at Plymouth Pavilions, where she explores her transformation.
Millican worked at a job centre until she was 29, but everything changed when she won the comedy award for Best Newcomer at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Now she makes regular TV appearances, has a following of 475,000 subscribers on YouTube and is planning more than 100 shows on this latest tour.
Her brand of observational comedy feeds off her life experiences including growing up, her marriage and divorce, and the battle of the sexes.
The show runs for about 2 hrs 20 mins including support act.
Tickets £37.90

Wildcat: Bad cat or good cat?
Learn about Britain’s rarest mammal and the idea of reintroducing it in Devon in an online talk in two weeks’ time.
You’ll hear from Devon Wildlife Trust experts who’ll explain the history and habits of the European wildcat, also known as the woodcat.
It’s similar to a domestic tabby but larger, stockier and with a black-banded bushy tail.
They were once widespread in England but their fur was prized and they were hunted because they killed rabbits, once a common food source for working people.
Places that could support wildcats in Devon are secret but are likely to be coastal scrubland or dense woodlands. They would be introduced from stock bred in captivity.
Thursday 23rd November, 6pm to 7pm. Find out more and register

Dust off your Quasimodo jokes for a tour of the cathedral bells
A new limited tour takes you into the second largest ringing peal of bells in the world in the roof void of Exeter cathedral.
The Bells & Beams Tour goes through the South Tower, Lead Room and into the Ringing Chamber. It includes a visit to the roof of the North Tower which boasts some of the best views in the city.
The bells have never previously been accessible to the public and are contained within protective cages.
There are 150 steps and the tour lasts for 1 hr 45 mins. Space is limited to 5 people per tour.
Monday 13th November at 2pm. Tickets £22.

Discover unexpected gems with expert guided walks on Dartmoor
Dartmoor is full of surprises and unexpected hidden gems, but it’s a lot easier to find them with someone with local knowledge.
As the moor has so many landscapes, you can choose a themed walk or get an expert guide to create an itinerary of things you’re most interested in.
Maybe archaeology is your passion, or you love hearing the myths and legends.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see the beautiful wild Dartmoor ponies or explore an ancient woodland.
Choose from walking companies Dartmoor Walks This Way, Dartmoor’s Daughter, and Paul Rendell, all approved by Visit Devon.

Enjoy a fun evening, creating this Christmas wreath with friends
[PARTNER] Get into the festive spirit with a Christmas wreath making workshop.
It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening with family, friends, or work colleagues.
Emma’s Flowers in Plymouth is taking bookings for popular wreath workshops in November and early December.
Ideal for beginners, the workshops include all the natural materials you need and full guidance as you build from scratch. Refreshments are included in the £45 price.
Here’s what Fiona said after attending a workshop last year: “We had such fun and would highly recommend. We all came away feeling accomplished and very much in the Christmas spirit. Thank you.”
Woolwell Centre, Darklake Lane, Woolwell, Plymouth PL6 7TR
Tuesday 28th November | 12.30pm until 3.30pm
Wednesday 29th November | 6.30pm until 9pm
Saturday 9th December | 10am until 1pm
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Listings
🌊 North Devon
NOVEMBER
Tomorrow
SUPERNATURAL | 👻 Learn how to hunt for ghosts in Ilfracombe’s “most haunted” location | Second Stage Pub, Wilder Road, Ilfracombe EX34 9AJ | Tickets £30
Saturday
WILDLIFE | 🦉 Take part in a guided walk around Appledore and see North Devon’s winter birds | Appledore Bridge, Appledore, Bideford EX39 1NL | Free
REMEMBRANCE | 🎺 Hear the Appledore Band and Barnstaple Male Voice Choir on Remembrance Day | Lavington United Reformed Church, Bideford EX39 2PZ | Adult tickets £6, children £2
Sunday
CRAFT | 🎨 Spend a day learning how to block print with designer Annabel Hill, and create a personalised printed tote bag | Studio KIND, Unit 3 Velator Way, Braunton EX33 2FB | Tickets £50
FILM | 🎬 Watch a collection of short films celebrating Devon surf history and culture | Proceeds go to a surf therapy charity | Croyde Village Hall, Croyde EX33 1LX | Tickets £11.55
Sat 18th
CRAFT | 🎨 Make ceramic Christmas decorations to adorn your tree | The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ | Tickets £37.06
Sun 19th
FESTIVAL | 🐟 Celebrate and learn about North Devon fishing heritage at the Clovelly Herring Festival | Clovelly EX39 5TA. Adult £8.75, child (7-16) £5.10
Wed 22nd
CRAFT | 🧺 Create your own weaved baskets from locally sourced willow | Quince Honey Farm, South Molton, EX36 3RD | Tickets £35.
Sun 26th
ENVIRONMENT | 🌊 Look after the North Devon coastline by taking part in a Woolacombe beach clean up with Plastic Free Woollacombe and the National Trust | Mill Rock, Woolacombe EX34 7HL | Free
SHOPPING | 👗 Want a more environmentally friendly wardrobe? | Visit the Vintage and Upcycled Clothes Market to find some lovely and unique pieces for your closet | St Mary’s Church Hall, Appledore EX39 1RL. 3pm to 7pm.
DECEMBER
Fri 1st
TRIBUTE BAND | 🎙️It’s back to the 1970s with the Bootleg Blondie tribute band and some of Debbie Harry’s greatest hits | Palladium Club, Bideford EX39 2DE | Tickets £16.50.
Sat 9th
CHRISTMAS | 🎄 Get your hands on some festive treats at the Bideford Christmas Market | Bideford Pannier Market, Bideford EX39 2DR | Free
Wed 13th to Sun 31st
THEATRE | 🎭 Immerse yourself in the magical and mystical world of Sleeping Beauty at this year’s panto | Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple EX31 1SY | Tickets
Tue 26th
FESTIVITIES | 🍗 Enjoy some mulled wine, music and a BBQ, at Clovelly’s annual Boxing Day BBQ | Clovelly Harbour, The Quay, Clovelly EX39 5TF. Free entry to the village.
Sun 31st
NEW YEAR | 🥂 Travel back to the 1920s with a Gatsby Gala Dinner | The Barnstaple Hotel, Barnstaple EX31 1LE | Tickets £55.
🐬 South Devon
NOVEMBER
Tomorrow
MUSIC | 🎤 For one night only watch rock band The Hunna live | The Foundry, Torquay TQ1 1ED | Tickets £25.58
Sunday
BALLET | 🩰 UK premier tour of Swan Lake by the Crown Ballet from Moldova | Exmouth Pavilion EX8 2AZ | Tickets from £23.10.
Wed 15th
CRAFT | 🎨 Learn mono printing and create a unique print with a glass of Prosecco in hand | Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard, Plymouth PL1 3RP | Tickets £30
Thu 16th
CHRISTMAS | 🎄 Take part in the festivities at Plymouth’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On | Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 2AA | Free
Fri 17th
TALK | 🎙️ Do you have a sense of adventure? | Hear all about explorer Ranulph Fiennes exciting experiences and tales from his trips from across the world | Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth PL1 3LF | Tickets from £35.10.
Sat 18th
CHALLENGE | 🥾 Run across Dartmoor at night | Burrator Noir 12-mile trail or 10km road race | Burrator Discovery Centre, Yelverton PL20 6PE | Registration
Thu 23rd to Sun 26th
ENTERTAINMENT | ⛸️ See all your favourite Disney characters at Disney on Ice | Westpoint Arena, Exeter EX5 1DJ | Tickets from £32.60
Fri 24th to Sun 26th
ENTERTAINMENT | 🦁 Celebrate Paignton Zoo’s 100th Anniversary with light displays, silent disco and festive food | Paignton Zoo TQ4 7EU | Dates available from November to January | Adult tickets £20.50, U16s £14.50
Mon 27th
NATURE | 🦅 Join a guided bird watching cruise on the River Exe and learn about winter species | Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth Marina, Pier Head, Exmouth EX8 1FE | Tickets £14.
Thu 30th
CLIMATE CHANGE | 🌍 In preparation for the next COP climate summit join the Climate Cafe and meet fellow eco warriors | Theatre Royal, Plymouth PL1 2TR | Free.
DECEMBER
Fri 1st
CHRISTMAS | 🎄 Immerse yourself in traditional Christmas at Tavistock’s Dickensian Evening with festive craft stalls, live music and entertainment | Tavistock Town Centre PL19 0AE | Free
Sat 2nd
WILDLIFE | 🐬 Spot dolphins, whales (maybe) and sea birds off the coast of Wembury Point and collect data for the Devon Wildlife Trust | Weather dependent | Wembury Marine Centre, Church Rd, Wembury PL9 0HP | Free.
Sun 3rd
FUN RUN | 🎅 Join the Plymouth Santa Fun Run and raise money for charity | The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LE | £15 entry fee.
Sat 16th
MURDER MYSTERY | 🔎 Can you uncover the murderer? Spend an evening solving a crime, along with drinks and a three course meal | The Box, Plymouth PL4 8AX | Tickets £55.
Sun 17th
COMEDY | 🎙️ Join The Comedy Show and see the best in stand up from around the world | Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Rd, EX1 1SN | Tickets
Want your event listed? Contact us.
🏆️ Win Devon Prizes
We find Devon prize competitions so you don’t have to. Entry is free unless stated. Closing dates are in brackets.
New! 🎅 A chocolate truffle advent calendar and a bottle of rum (12 Nov)
🌳 A 2-night stay at the organic and ethical Bull Inn, Totnes (15 Nov)
New! 🛏️ A 2-night stay in a 1970s retro house for up to 4 guests at Braunton plus a goodie bag (19 Nov)
😱 2 tickets to Beauty and the Beast at Exmouth Pavilions (21 Nov)
🌊 A 2 night-stay at Berry Barn, near Hartland, for up to 6 people (no closing date given)
🍺 A hamper of Devon-made drinks (rum, gin, beer and wine) worth £49.99 from Bays Brewery (25 Nov)
🎭️ A BIG night out in Plymouth for two people: theatre, meal and hotel (26 Nov)
🌲 A 2-night stay for a family of 4 at Dittisham Hideaway, Dartmouth, including a welcome hamper worth £500 (30 Nov)
🍸️ A limited edition South Hams boozy truffle collection box from Salcombe Dairy (30 Nov)
⛳️ A 2-night break for 8 people in a self-catering lodge at Woodbury Golf & Country Club, Exeter (30 Nov)
🍾 A 4-night stay in a shepherds lodge at Dittisham Hideaway, Dartmouth with a welcome hamper for two people worth a total of £1,000. (31 Nov)
🪙 A £200 voucher to spend at Exeter shops and restaurants (1 Dec)
⭐️ A “Golden” ticket to Devon attractions worth £1,500 (1 Dec)
New! 🍾 A luxury one-night stay and a three-course meal for two at The Collective at Woolsery near Bideford (31 Dec)
Terms and conditions apply. See individual websites.
Got a competition? Let us know.

The one and only way to eat scones, whatever they say in Cornwall
That’s all for this week.
With love, cream and jam, in that order.
😎 Andy, Esme, Lara and the Go Devon! team
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