Need some ideas about things to do in November and December in Barnstaple andNorth Devon? Here is a great showdown of things not to be missed and ideas for keeping the entire family entertained now the evenings are drawing in.
Switch On and Kick Start Your Christmas:
Now the bonfire parties have died down and you are all out of sparklers, everyone's switched to the next big event..... With a few weeks left to prepare, we give you suggestions on big things that are happening, where to shop and how to get into the Christmas spirit.
The Big Switch on: Towns in North Devon will be celebrating the start of Christmas by adorning high streets and popular community spots with twinkly lights and decorations. Barnstaple, Bideford, Clovelly, Ilfracombe and South Molton are throwing big parties with Barnstaple Switch On starting the festivities by having Brit award winners Blake performing to huge crowds. There will be a choir singing beautifully in the Pannier Market and activities for the kids.
Buy Local and support skilled crafts people shop with lots of events all over North Devon:
Connect and Create Fest at the Pannier Market Barnstaple on 22 December. An independent marketplace that will feature an array of local businesses, traders, arts and crafts, musicians and food and drink.
There is a wonderful Christmas Fayre at Pilton community College-including Christmas Carols by the Pilton School Choir. Come along and join in! Everybody is welcome!
There are a selection of Christmas craft fairs and markets in North Devon including Ilfracombe, Braunton and South Molton. Click here for more info.
We will also be holding a competition for the best dressed Christmas Shop Window in Barnstaple. So if you see a great shop front be sure to tweet us or Facebook us your picture with a chance of winning!
Preparation for the Christmas party needs to start early. Whether it’s booking the venue, arranging who is going or sorting Secret Santa for the office. So here are a few ideas on how to make your works do explosive for all the right reasons.
If you need to book your Company Christmas Party head for somewhere that has the best festive parties around and be sure of a magical time Try the Cedars Inn Barnstaple.
Portmore Golf Park also serve amazing food at lunchtimes and for evening functions - it could be a perfect spot for a family Christmas meal - Bring granny too! Or check out their Golden Coast Big Band Nights on selected Sunday evenings.
Lilico’s in Barnstaple is always a great venue for meals, drinks and live entertainment. Why not have an informal get together this Xmas and enjoy a relaxed Christmas do!
Still time to get into shape:
If you are trying to shed some pounds pre Christmas so you can fit in your fav outfit and make some room before a gluttonous blowout that is Xmas day, here are some fab ideas to get in shape:
If you’re a fan of Strictly why not take the lead and join a dance class. With a plethora of styles from street to ballroom check out these dance sessions from Project Dance North Devon
If you are really up for a challenge call on the help of personal trainer Jon Barnett Fitness with Total Workout Training in Barnstaple and surrounding areas you can look and feel fit this Christmas.
Whatever else!!
LiveView Photo and Optics Show 2015 – A camera extravaganza great for gift ideas for photography lovers.
Mission Motorsport Race, Retrain, Recover. A special evening hosted for the Forces Motorsport Charity with surprise guest speaker!
Check out ALL the dates that Santa is visiting Barnstaple in December........well he has to be sure you've all been good boys and girls before Christmas Day! And a sure fire way to melt your heart.
Supporting Over and Above it's Charity Christmas Jumper Day in Barnstaple – Get festive and laugh at all the silly jumpers. wear them proud and loud in your office or shop on 11th December.
Blood donation – When giving is top of the agenda, don’t forget the best present to give this year – Life! With many accidents of the festive season both at home and on the roads Christmas is a time when stocks of blood run low. So please if you do anything this year, give blood.
CLICK HERE for even more local events.
Or if you are hosting an event and are in need of some promotion let us know HERE or email details to barnstaplebuzz@thebestof.co.uk
Whatever Christmas holds for you, plan early and make sure you have time to put your feet up too!
