Plenty for nostalgia lovers today, myself included.

It’s back to the 70s as pop legends 10cc come to Plymouth, old-fashioned vinyl listening sessions start in Exeter, and the evergreen slapstick of Laurel and Hardy is re-enacted live in Barnstaple.

But it’s the Royal Marines Band that gives me a shiver down my spine and goosebumps reminding me of the glory days of the Royal Navy.

It may be wet and windy, but we can make our own weather…

Yours in Devon,

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the 25% discounts for a cheeky coastal getaway in Ilfracombe. More below.

Load up on Rubber Bullets

With the unforgettable Rubber Bullets, I’m Not In Love and Dreadlock Holiday, 10cc were one of the biggest acts of the 70s.

Even though the original members split nearly 50 years ago, the old hits still resonate and have kept versions of the band on tour around the world.

Of the founders, only Graham Gouldman (above) remains, and you can be part of Not Another Bloody Greatest Hits Tour at Plymouth Arena (formerly Plymouth Pavilions).

7.30pm, Saturday 14th March. Tickets: from £48.74

Fringe Extra Barnstaple

One of the best Laurel and Hardy tribute acts is part of a 4-day Barnstaple arts festival next month.

Fringe Extra Barnstaple includes comedy, drama, spoken word, music and poetry productions. Here’s a selection:

• Last Dance Saloon: What happens at a Buenos Aires tango retreat

• The Ghost of Thornwood Junction: Weird events on a railway line

• Belly Flop: Falling into motherhood

• We’re All Storytellers: Samantha dons the mantle of The Fabulist

There’s a full list of performances here

Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd February, ThePlough@StAnnes.

Tickets £6-£8

Save 25% on a North Devon coastal break

[Partner Offer] Tempting thought isn’t it? Coastal winter break, handy for the SW Coast Path and all the other natural beauty of North Devon and Exmoor.

I’m thinking brisk walks with a sea or moorland view, picnic lunch or afternoon tea out, then back to base for a nice hot soak.

North Devon Resort in Ilfracombe has several accomodation options including pet-friendly, sea view or easy access, in your choice: budget, superior and residences (new 3-bedroom with hot tub).

Plus the site has an indoor heated pool, sauna, treatment room, soft play, play zone, café, restaurant and bar.

The deal is the same. 25% off all bookings for February (conditions apply). Check them out here

Love a good marching band

Military precision and stirring music brings me out in goosebumps and His Majesty’s Royal Marine Band always gets my skin tingling.

Not only can they play and march at the same time, they’re a symphony orchestra, big band, dance band, jazz band, corps of drums and chamber group.

And they keep morale up in the Royal Navy.

Who can listen to A Life on the Ocean Wave, Rule Britannia and Heart of Oak, the official navy march, without coming over all patriotic?

7.30pm, Wednesday 11th February, Exmouth Pavilion. Tickets: £17-£19. U18s £1 with a full price paying adult.

Exeter’s new Listening Club

Once a month, members of The Listening Club gather to listen to a single album, played in full, from start to finish — no interruptions, no background noise, no distractions.

The record is announced on the night. It’s a chance to slow down, log off, and give an album your full attention.

Afterwards there’s space for optional conversation, reflection, and discussion, but no pressure to speak.

The Listening Club takes place on the second Tuesday of the month at 12 Bar Music & Social in association with Devon art and men’s mental health Alright Mate?

7.30pm, Tuesday 10th February. Pay what feels right: £3 / £6 / £9

Are we connected on Facebook?

In 2026 I’ll be posting more events and features including prize competitions and exclusive offers on the Go Devon! Facebook page.

If you’re not following already and want to stay in touch, visit the page. You can watch Rame and Lara walk across a treacherous Dartmoor bog.

Devon Curiosities #92: National Plant Collections

Did you know there are 42 national plant collections in Devon?

Thinking ahead to spring and summer on a damp January day, these caught my eye:

Cyclamen: Winkleigh. Open days on 6th, 13th and 21st Feb.

Agapanthus: 2 collections, in Okehampton and Chulmleigh. Best time: Jul to Sep.

Astilbe: In 20 acres at Marwood Hill Garden, Barnstaple, with tea room and plant centre. Best time: Jun-Aug.

Lupin: 100 varieties in a new display house at Westcountry Nurseries, Bideford.

Oak: 600 specimens of the mighty tree at the Quercus Charitable Trust, Tiverton. Open days from Mar to Sep.

Buddleja: 80+ cultivars in the garden of manor house Shapcott Barton Knowstone, South Molton.

See the complete list of Devon collections here

MEMBER POLL

Last week’s result

Which is the best heritage railway in Devon?

Winner: South Devon Railway!

WHAT ELSE IS ON?

🌊 North Devon 

🐬 South Devon

🏆️ Get lucky! Win Devon leisure prizes

FEATURED: 🧱 A 3-night stay for up to 10 people in the architect designed Secular Retreat near Salcombe, worth £1,995 (31st Jan)

An overnight stay for 2 at the Cary Arms & Spa, Torquay, with breakfast and 2 hours spa entry, worth £350 (EX/TQ postcodes only) (30th Jan)

🧀 A hamper of local cheeses, charcuterie and quince jelly delivered to your door (31st Jan)

♨️ A luxury hot tub caravan break for 4 at Whitehill Country Park near Totnes (31st Jan)

🌳 A 2-night West Devon woodland cabin stay for 2, with 1-night dining, sauna and massage, worth £500. (31st Jan)

NEW! £££s A £1,000 holiday voucher for Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Budleigh Salterton. (Answer: Jenna Ortega) (2nd Feb)

⚔️ A Battle of Eden dinner for 2 at Bovey Castle, Dartmoor (8th Feb)

🐄 A 2-night stay for 2 at Fowlescombe Farm near Ivybridge, food included (9th Feb)

⭐️ A 5-star holiday park break in South Devon worth £662 (12th Feb)

NEW!  A 2-night stay for 2 at Bovey Castle with daily full English breakfast, a 3-course dinner, champagne afternoon tea, private Land Rover estate tour and one activity: golf, archery, shooting, off-road 4×4, or cider and sloe gin making. (23rd Apr)

Did you win something? Let me know

More competitions here

New member? Catch up here

❓️ What’s your guilty pleasure?

🌠 Do parallel universes exist?

🌟 Special offers for Devon locals 

🔥 Unique and offbeat shows 2026

That’s all for this week. Thanks for being a member.

NEXT ISSUE  Daffodil Day

Andy, Esme and Lara