It feels like Christmas is upon us, so why not get ahead and tick off that present list?

There are unique antiques at Exeter (see below), local crafts at MAKE Southwest and Thelma Hulbert Gallery (see last week’s issue for details of both) and I’ll be covering makers events as we hear of them — you shouldn’t be short of ideas.

Yours in Devon,

P.S. More of you are sending me details of your events. Thank you. Could you do me a favour? Tell your friends about Go Devon! so more people can enjoy all that Devon has to offer. They can subscribe here

Chances are you’ll find one at the International Antique, Home & Vintage Fair at Westpoint, Exeter.

Organisers claim it’s the biggest and the best antiques fair in the South West.

Hundreds of items you won’t find on the high street, and who knows you might have that Bargain Hunt moment.

Onsite catering means you can make it a day out. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome.

Admission: £10 early entry Saturday, £7.50 standard entry

The Muddy Dog Walk at River Dart Country Park involves water, jumps, tunnels, weaves and “temptation alley” games. All in aid of the Animals in Distress charity.

For those who prefer a gentler stroll, there’s a less challenging route through the South Devon countryside.

8.30am, Sunday November 22nd. Registration £20 (plus sponsorship pledge of £50). Spectators £3.

Only a few tickets left for The Nutcracker in Exmouth later this month.

This charming fairy tale captures the spirit of the holiday season with the story of a doll that turns into a handsome prince.

Based on Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score has become annual Christmas fixture.

7.30pm, 20th November, Exmouth Pavilion. Tickets: £32

Expect songs written by the teenage Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook at the start of their partnership and rediscovered on an old cassette recently.

Back then the musical vision of the founders wasn’t matched by their musical abilities. Now they feature of the band’s latest album, Trixies, set in a fictional nightclub.

Folk and punk singer-songwriter Billy Bragg supports.

7.30pm, Tuesday 1st December, Plymouth Pavilions. Tickets: £57.29 to £77.24

Something different to look forward to in January — an expert talk on pantomime through the centuries.

“Oh No It Isn’t! — 300 years of pantomime not being as good as it used to be” will be given by Alan Caig, former Head of Museums for Exeter City Council an amateur actor and ex-theatre manager.

It’s a light-hearted look at how the genre developed from Italian street theatre to becoming the financial bedrock of theatres around the country.

7pm, Thursday, 14th January 2027. Leonardo Hotel, Exeter. Tickets: £5

Can lasers and lights beat fireworks?

No - 52%

Yes - 48%

Anna said no and added: “Its Firework Night not Laser Night. Fireworks to music are the best”

Richard chose yes and commented: “Much kinder to wild and domestic animals”

Teena said yes: “No noise!”

Jeff said: “We need all types of things to keep our heritage alive”

It’s one of the best local Christmas lights displays in Devon, if not the country, and a testament to hard work and community fund-raising.

Part of the Uffculme in Lights appeal is the striking canopy looking like a sparkling spider’s web above the village square.

Tiverton Town Band will be there to celebrate the lighting up, which traditionally draws crowds to walk the streets and admire the dedication and ingenuity behind the displays.

In St Mary’s Church you can see the indoor Festival of Light, a collection of illuminated Christmas trees intended to convey the festive message without words.

From 6pm, Saturday, 28th November 2026. Switch-on location

FEATURED: 🌳 A week at the dog-free Parkland camping site near Kingsbridge for 2 adults and a caravan, motorhome, campervan, or tent, to be taken whenever you like (6th Jan)

NEW! 🏇 A festive day out at Exeter Races for you and 9 friends with free admission and discount racecard, food and drink vouchers (10th Nov)

🌊 A cosy 2-night escape for 2 with breakfast both days and dinner and drinks for 1 night at The Masons Arms, Branscombe (10th Nov)

NEW! 🎄 A luxury escape to Plymouth with a 1-night stay at Fox on the Hoe apartment, a £100 voucher for Plymouth Christmas Market and 2 standard class return train tickets with GWR to Plymouth (19th Nov)

♨ A two-night cosy cabin stay in Devon, including a private wood-fired hot tub, BBQ with pizza oven, a fire pit, plus £100 to spend at Tesco Whoosh! (22nd Nov)

NEW! 🌶 An autumnal chilli gift box including 2 chilli jams and jellies, 2 sauces and 1 chilli chocolate (26th Nov)

NEW! 🎄 A festive day out in Exeter for up to 5 people with Sleeping Beauty pantomime tickets worth £149 and £125 in shopping vouchers. (entrants must have an EX or TQ postcode) (30th Nov)

More competitions? Click here

Did you win something? Let me know

🎆 Bonfire night with a twist

🎉 Vaudevillean

🔥 Flaming festivities

🌳 Wild words

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

NEXT ISSUE Beauty and the Beast

Andy, Esme and Lara