Thursday 15 November 2012

Christmas sparkle in the West Country...



Just 40 days until you’re allowed to unwrap those presents under the tree. Are you starting to think about what to buy your loved ones this year? Need some inspiration? Towns and villages across the West Country are gearing up to spread some festive cheer and dazzle you with gift ideas...

In Barnstaple, Devon, soul singer Beverley Knight will switch on the Christmas lights on Thursday 22nd November in order to coincide with the first of Barnstaple’s late night Christmas shopping nights. Get wrapping at F6.

Real reindeer will be visiting Newquay, Cornwall, on Friday 30th November – perhaps to snap up some unique presents at Newquay’s first Christmas food and craft festival. There’s also a magical children’s lantern parade, late night shopping and of course Christmas lights to be switched on at 7pm. See the reindeer at The Hotel Victoria from 3pm to 6.30pm. Play reindeer games back at Q4.

Q30, St Agnes
St Agnes tucks into a Feast of Lanterns on Sunday 2nd December, with a lantern procession through the village before Giant Bolster switches on the Christmas lights including those illuminating a huge Christmas tree in the village centre. It all takes place to seasonal tunes played by the St Agnes Silver Band – and mulled wine is available to keep you warm. Tuck into a feast of your own back at Q30.

Gather around the bandstand to watch the Padstow Carolers perform a selection of traditional Christmas hymns at the Padstow Christmas Lights Switch-on on Sunday 2nd December from about 6pm. Enjoy more festivities at the Padstow Christmas Festival from 7th to 9th December. Carry on singing at P51.

K33, Clovelly
Also on 2nd December, the Torridge Male Voice Choir will be singing along to a local brass band on a procession down to Clovelly harbour. At about 5pm the switch is thrown and the entire village and harbour are lit up. Fireworks, a hog roast, punch and mince pies follow and Father Christmas is rumoured to be planning a surprise visit. Ho, ho, ho back to K33.

Use the Advanced Search facility on our website to help you pick just the right place to enjoy the Christmas season in the West Country.

Top picture credit: Ashley Coombs