During the months of April and May, over forty thousand tulips will be in bloom in the garden, a spectacular sea of colour and a wonderful sight to enjoy in Spring.

It’s an annual delight that started in the Autumn of 2013, when 13,000 bulbs were planted in the herbaceous beds to give an early start to colour. Keen to evolve the tradition of tulips and with a mind to sustainability, Joshua Sparkes, our head gardener, has created a fresh new design for 2019 that allows tulips to have more of a perennial nature.

Velvety reds and purples will feature under a canopy of acid green, and oranges and whites intermingling with pinks. After the pared back minimalism of the Winter scape, it’ll be a Spring catwalk of colour bolstered with biennials to include; white foxgloves, delphiniums, wallflowers, purple hesperis and white honesty, purple and black kale and flowering rocket.

Two interconnecting swirls have also been planted with tulip bulbs to allow visitors to be able to wander through an immersive planting scheme of tulips either side. Later on in the year, the tulips will give way to wild flowers, providing a flower-filled six months of blooms.

To find out more visit…  www.fordeabbey.co.uk/event/tulips-in-spring/

During the months of April and May, over forty thousand tulips will be in bloom in the garden, a spectacular sea of colour and a wonderful sight to enjoy in Spring.

It’s an annual delight that started in the Autumn of 2013, when 13,000 bulbs were planted in the herbaceous beds to give an early start to colour. Keen to evolve the tradition of tulips and with a mind to sustainability, Joshua Sparkes, our head gardener, has created a fresh new design for 2019 that allows tulips to have more of a perennial nature.

Velvety reds and purples will feature under a canopy of acid green, and oranges and whites intermingling with pinks. After the pared back minimalism of the Winter scape, it’ll be a Spring catwalk of colour bolstered with biennials to include; white foxgloves, delphiniums, wallflowers, purple hesperis and white honesty, purple and black kale and flowering rocket.

Two interconnecting swirls have also been planted with tulip bulbs to allow visitors to be able to wander through an immersive planting scheme of tulips either side. Later on in the year, the tulips will give way to wild flowers, providing a flower-filled six months of blooms.

To find out more visit…  www.fordeabbey.co.uk/event/tulips-in-spring/

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival is one of Dorset’s largest science festivals.

Enjoy walks, talks, theatre, music, comedy, exhibits and lots of hands-on science for all ages. The Fossil Fair offers fun and rare fossils, minerals and jewellery.

Listen to experts from the Natural History Museum, British Antarctic Survey, Paleontological Association, Jurassic Coast Trust, Geological Society, Lyme Regis Museum and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

You can find out more information by looking at their website at… www.fossilfestival.co.uk/

The award-winning Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink returns for its 16th consecutive year on the May Day Bank Holiday,.

Attracting around 20,000 visitors, the three-day festival offers exceptional food and drink produced in the South West, alongside cookery demonstrations, workshop activities and the chance to meet producers and chefs, with over 100 exhibitors in two large food and drink pavilions.

The event is held in the stunning grounds of Exeter Castle Courtyard and Northernhay Gardens. Includes three evening music festivals, celebrity chefs, and plenty of great food, combined with a wonderful atmosphere.

For more information or to buy tickets visit: www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk/

A great music event for jazz and blues lovers at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis, over May Bank Holiday.

For dedicated jazzers and blues hounds alike, the Lyme Regis Jazz & Blues festival aims to bring the best of live music, both new and traditional, to the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis over the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

To buy tickets, please contact the Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre on 01297 442138.

For more info, visit their website: www.jazzjurassica.co.uk

This years Colyton Vintage Tractor Run will hopefully be taking place on Spring Bank Holiday Monday in May at the Colyton Memorial Sports Pavilion, but we are awaiting final dates from the events organisers.

A wide variety of vintage tractors will be on display at the Colyton Peace Memorial Playing Fields and visitors are invited to attend from 9am. Crowds will gather to line the streets to watch the procession of around 120 vintage tractors as they set off at 10:30am heading into the surrounding countryside and on to Hawkchurch Village Hall for arrival approximately 2:30pm.

Refreshments will be available at the start and finish of the route. A Great experience and day out!

You can visit their events page for more information hopefully at… www.colyton.co.uk/event/colyton-vintage-tractor-run/

Open Farm Sunday, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), is one of the farming industry’s biggest success stories.

Since the first Open Farm Sunday in 2006, over 1,000 farmers across the UK have opened their gates and welcomed people onto their farm for one Sunday each year.

It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old, to discover at first hand what it means to be a farmer and the fabulous work they do producing our food and managing the countryside.

To find out more and see what Farms are open to visit… Click Here

Bridport Food Festival is run by the Bridport Local Food Group, a volunteer run ‘not for profit’ group whose overall aim it to promote and support the areas fantastic food and drink industry and to encourage everybody to eat healthily and eat locally. The Food Festival is our showcase event where we are proud to celebrate our local produce, producers, retailers and hospitality outlets.

It was originally conceived by the West Dorset Food and Land Trust, with support from the Countryside Agency, The Marshwood Vale Magazine, Denhay Farms and Bridport Town Council, and was launched with the help of Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall in 2004. Since then the Festival has blossomed into a well-loved and hugely popular event, regularly attended by over 3000 visitors. It is a much loved fixture in Bridport’s food calendar!

You can find out more by visiting their website at… www.bridportfoodfestival.co.uk/

The 25th Anniversary of the Axe Vale Show will soon be upon us. This incredible family-friendly event, organised and run entirely by volunteers to raise money for local causes, is already deep into its cycle of preparation.

This weekend-long event held on the outskirts of the charming market town of Axminster, promises a plethora of things to do, see, taste and smell. There will be exciting entertainment in the ring and around the Showground for all the family to enjoy. Music, dancing, bouncing and shopping galore await you as well as a whole range of marquees, malls & demonstrations to wander through and enjoy.

Anne Swithinbank will be joining us in 2019. Seek her out to answer your gardening questions or attend one of her lectures. Whilst in the Floral Marquee take part in the new flower arranging demonstrations. Browse the Atkins Antiques Marquee, get some jewellery valued or try your hand at guessing the auction prices of a selection of objects. Our Toys and Hobbies, Craft and Food Marquees will not disappoint –there will be a magnificent range of wonderful offerings for you to enjoy. Don’t forget the family dog, as there will be a Dog Show both days as well as the opportunity to take part in some fun races and dog grooming demonstrations.

You can find out more information by visiting their website at… www.axevaleshow.com/

The Exeter Craft Festival, taking place over three days, on Thursday 5th, Friday 6th & Saturday 7th July 2018, will be a celebration of the very best artists & makers based in the South West and will take place as usual in the historic setting of Exeter’s Cathedral Green.

he Festival will be open from Thursday 10.00 – 5.30 pm, Friday. 9.30 – 5.30 pm, Sat. 9.30 – 5.00 pm

The combination of art, craft and entertainment has been an annual event for over 40 years and 2019 promises to be better than ever. Over 100 stalls in a unique tented village give the visitor the opportunity to see the work of the West Country’s best artists and makers.

For more information you can visit… www.exetercraftfestival.co.uk/

The Royal Navy International Air Day will take place at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset on Saturday 13 July 2019.

RNAS Yeovilton, the spiritual home of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, will open their gates to up to 40,000 visitors to enjoy the magnificent five hour flying display, meet our Armed Forces personnel and see their equipment up close.

There will also be a huge array of educational ground attractions from interactive Service displays to engineering fairs and state-of-the-art defence technology exhibitions. Families will also be able to enjoy trade stalls, arena displays, helicopter pleasure flights, simulators and fairground rides.

To find out more… Click Here

Following another successful year of Jurassic Fields Music Festival next years festival will take place on on the 12th and 13th July at Asker Meadows, Bridport and promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Jurassic Fields brings together not only some amazing top acts from around the country but will be showcasing the best music, comedy, food and entertainment the local area has to offer.

The Music Festival continues to catch the imagination of the public for what is becoming undoubtedly one of the best value for money music events in the country.

The event is once again packed with headlining acts together with the cream of local musicians; some established and some just starting out on their career; looking to make the breakthrough like their peers they are playing alongside.

To find out more… Click Here

Forde Abbey is beautiful stately home that has been modified over the years, and has been loving cared for over the last few generations, making a wonderful backdrop for the summer fair on the 25th of July 2019.

Activities include animal related entertainment, Ferret racing, Dog shows and competitions. You can bring your dog along (if well-behaved and on a lead) and they can enter the competition, too! As well as vintage cars and engines and model boats on the lake. Also, fly fishing tuition is available.

It’s also filled with live music, and so there will be musical entertainment all day. Foodies everywhere will be thrilled with the plethora of street traders selling food of all types and flavours. There is a farmers’ market and food avenue, plus 60 stalls in a shopping village which sell food items and craft gifts.

To find out more visit…  www.fordeabbey.co.uk/event/annual-charity-summer-fair/

Mid Devon Show is an award winning show in it’s 26th year this 2018! Plenty of entertainment and an adventure into local history, produce and the finest offerings available – exciting main ring events, motorcycle displays, ferret racing and music! Highlights also will include shopping, food, gardening exhibitions, fairground rides, music, farmyard animals, competitions, displays and countryside pursuits.

You will be spoilt for choice with eight hours of nonstop entertainment and an adventure into local history, produce and the finest offerings available right here in Mid Devon. Watch the exciting Main Ring events or wander into the Countryside Area.

Gates open at 9am, with free parking and dogs welcome on fixed leads.

You can find out more information by visiting… www.middevonshow.co.uk/

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week 2019 – Activities For Everyone

Staying at Monkton Wyld Camping and Caravanning Holiday Park means you are only 3 miles from Lyme Regis.

Come and spend the week next to the seaside while donating to an invaluable charity.

The is a huge range of activities and entertainment on to involve the whole family; such as:

– The Red Devils parachute team

– Beach treasure hunt

– Firefighting exercise and Defibrillator Demo

– Live Music and much much more.

The Lifeboat Week souvenirs are available to purchase from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park reception

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week 2019 – Activities For Everyone

Staying at Monkton Wyld Camping and Caravanning Holiday Park means you are only 3 miles from Lyme Regis.

Come and spend the week next to the seaside while donating to an invaluable charity.

The is a huge range of activities and entertainment on to involve the whole family; such as:

– The Red Devils parachute team

– Beach treasure hunt

– Firefighting exercise and Defibrillator Demo

– Live Music and much much more.

The Lifeboat Week souvenirs are available to purchase from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park reception

There has been a folk festival in Sidmouth in the first week of August every year since 1955, now attracting tens of thousands of visitors to over 700 diverse events with broad ‘something for everyone’ appeal.

With an ear to the past and an eye on the future, the festival features established stars and emerging talent; major concerts, lively roots parties; small intimate sessions; ceilidhs and folk dancing; storytelling; fun family entertainment and youth-centred sessions; hands-on workshops and spectacular dance displays; the best in South West crafts and the tastiest of local food and drink.

A quick look at The Sidmouth Folk Festival line up really shows the unique and broad appeal of the week long festival based in the Seaside town of Sidmouth. Whether you pop in for the day or stay for the whole week this festival really has something for everyone from smaller intimate shows to bigger concert size performances.

You can find out more by visiting their website at… www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/

The Melplash Agricultural Society Show is an agricultural exhibition, held at The West Bay Show grounds, Bridport, Dorset it has been running annually since 1847 and over 350 trade stands to witness!

Farming and agriculture really is at the heart of the show and visitors will be able to watch judging of the wonderful animals. There’s also a Discover Farming marquee – a must visit for those who are interested in learning more about food production and farming. A wide variety of activities and interactive demonstrations where you can experience of a variety of ‘Farm to Food’ activities.

A countryside arena where spectators can watch gun dogs, hawk displays, ferret racing and much more!  Enjoy the countryside, learn more about West Dorset as well as meet like minded people – there’s something for everyone!

You can visit their website for more information at… www.melplashshow.co.uk/

The Great Dorset Steam Fair is the World’s largest heritage and cultural event, showcasing Great Britain’s National industrial, agricultural and rich leisure history.

2019 marks the 51st Anniversary show starring 500 full size steam engines, a record breaking event!

If you’re looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out then you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Traditionally this English fair is held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside. Further directions are superfluous. Just find the village on the map, head in that direction and follow everyone else to the show.

From small beginnings this annual event has become one of the favoured places for those interested in how people lived, worked and played in bygone years and it is now widely recognised as “THE” National Heritage Show as well as being regarded as the leading show of its type in the World. The spectacle covers an enormous showground, at over 600 acres being one of Europe’s largest outdoor event locations. 2019 sees the show in its 51st year.

You can stand amazed at the variety of exhibitions and the sheer scale of the show means that there is always something new to see. For the first time visitor seeing the Great Dorset Steam Fair can be quite an awe inspiring and impressive site, a sea of marquees and attractions that can take your breath for a moment.

The show has something for everyone, whatever your interests! Maybe you are a collector, a steam fanatic, an exhibitor, a heavy horse fan, an avid camper, a music fan or just on holiday in the South of England over the August Bank Holiday weekend and fancy an excursion to what is described as the most remarkable show on earth!

For more information, visit… www.gdsf.co.uk/

Bridport Hat Festival ! The 10th Bridport Hat Festival will take place on Saturday 7th September 2019.

Bridport Hat Festival is a celebration of hats, a fundraiser for head-related charities and a giant summer-ending party for the town and its visitors – all run by volunteers. The most creative, quirky, stylish and inventive head wear combines with live music, multiple competitions, demonstrations, talks, displays, shows, a hat auction, games, hatted dogs (yes, hatted dogs) and much, much more, all ‘topped’ off by a HUGE mass hat-wearing photoshoot in Bucky Doo Square on ‘Haturday’. And all you need is a hat!

To find out more you can visit their website at… www.bridporthatfest.org/

Food Rocks was founded by Mark Hix in 2012 to celebrate the fantastic produce that the South West has to offer while raising funds for the Fishermen’s Mission and RNLI.

Each year the festival has grown and continued to raise thousands of pounds for the charities over the years.

We so look forward to this year’s weekend and the celebrity cheps that Mark invites, last year we met with Oz Clarke who was there just to enjoy the weekend and taste the amazing food that Mark and guest Chefs prepared.

The two-day food extravaganza curated by Mark himself, brings together the best of Dorset food and drink, celebrated chefs and local producers from the surrounding regions.

Both days will see a jam-packed programme of chef demonstrations, food and drink to take home, supper clubs and a raffle of amazing prices from all the producers and chefs. T

The event is free to attend and suitable for all the family.

For over 176 years Dorchester Agricultural Society has celebrated agriculture and rural life within the county of Dorset. The first exhibition was held in 1840 and this has now developed in to the two day Dorset County Show which takes place on the first weekend in September.

The Show encompasses competitive classes in: Cattle, Dairy Goats, Sheep, Pigs, Sheep Shearing, Horses, Show Jumping, Homecraft, Horticulture and Farm Produce

As well as these competitive classes the weekend showcases rural skills, local food and drink producers, Main Ring entertainment and a wide variety of trade stands. A good day out to be had!

You can find out more information by visiting their website at… www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk/

The Colyford Goose Fayre is a much loved local, traditional event where a large number of locals dress in medieval costume and form a procession which walks through the village. This colourful procession of hundreds of people follow the Mayor of Colyford and his lady down to Springfield to the accompaniment of music and jollity from the Mummers and the many providers of medieval music.

The fair still respects the medieval roots, with stall selling produce under tents, lots of refreshments and local goods available. Many medieval skills are also on display, such as archery, thatching and bodging. There is also plenty of entertainment from dancers and the mummers play, performed by locals.

We are awaiting the dates for 2019, but its normally in September.  For more information best to check their website of events at… www.colyfordvillage.co.uk/goose-fayre.html