Fishy Goings-on in North Devon
Clovelly's Maritime Festivals: A Celebration of Coastal Heritage
Clovelly, a olde-worlde, photogenic fishing village in North Devon, hosts four captivating maritime festivals throughout the year. Each event showcases the village's rich coastal heritage and offers visitors a unique glimpse into traditional seafaring life. Let's explore these delightful celebrations:
1. Discover the Delights of the Clovelly Seaweed Festival
As spring blossoms into summer, the charming village of Clovelly in North Devon prepares for one of its most unique and exciting events: the Clovelly Seaweed Festival. Held annually on the last Sunday in May, this vibrant celebration showcases the diverse world of seaweed and its myriad benefits.
A Festival with a Purpose
The Clovelly Seaweed Festival is more than just a day out; it's an educational experience highlighting seaweed's importance in our ecosystem and daily lives. From its nutritional value to its potential in sustainable living, seaweed takes centre stage in this one-of-a-kind event.
What to Expect
Visitors to the festival can look forward to a plethora of activities and attractions:
- Culinary Delights: Sample innovative dishes featuring seaweed as a key ingredient. From savoury snacks to sweet treats, you'll be amazed at the versatility of this sea vegetable.
- Educational Talks: Learn from experts about the different types of seaweed and their uses in food, health, and industry.
- Hands-on Workshops: Get involved in craft activities and cooking demonstrations that showcase the practical applications of seaweed.
- Live Music: Enjoy the festive atmosphere with performances by local musicians.
- SeaweedForaging: Join guided walks along the coastline to identify and collect various seaweed species.
A Community Effort
The Clovelly Seaweed Festival isn't just about education and entertainment; it's also a charitable event. All proceeds from the festival support North Devon Hospice, a vital local charity that provides care for those with life-limiting illnesses.
Plan Your Visit
Mark your calendars for the last weekend in May and prepare for a day of discovery and delight on the Sunday at the Clovelly Seaweed Festival. Whether you're a food enthusiast, an eco-warrior, or simply looking for a unique day out, this festival promises something for everyone.
Visit the official Clovelly Seaweed Festival website for the most up-to-date information on the festival, including specific dates, ticket prices, and special events.
Come and immerse yourself in the fascinating and tasty (really!) world of seaweed at this one-of-a-kind maritime festival. It's an experience you won't soon forget!
2. Clovelly's Lobster and Crab Feast
Typically held in September, the Lobster and Crab Feast is a seafood lover's paradise. The next festival is scheduled for 8 September 2024. For more information, visit the Clovelly Lobster & Crab Festival 2025 website.
This mouth-watering event celebrates Clovelly's renowned sustainably caught lobsters and crabs. Visitors can savour a variety of delicious seafood dishes while enjoying live folk music. The festival also features:
- Cookery demonstrations showcasing local seafood
- Craft stalls displaying unique handmade items
- Beer tastings for those who fancy a pint
- Prize draws for a magnum of champagne
- Family-friendly activities like street theatre, balloon modelling, and face painting
It's a brilliant day out that combines culinary delights with maritime tradition, perfect for food enthusiasts and families alike.
3, Clovelly Maritime Festival
The Maritime Festival usually takes place in July, with the next event planned for 20 July 2025. For more details, check out the Clovelly Maritime Festival website.
This lively festival is a joyous celebration of Clovelly's maritime heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the coastal atmosphere with a range of activities:
- Exciting yacht races in the bay
- Traditional Punch and Judy shows for the little ones
- Demonstrations of ancient fishing techniques
- Local craft exhibitions and sales
- Various children's activities to keep the young ones entertained
The Maritime Festival offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about the village's history while enjoying a fun-filled day by the sea.
4. Clovelly Herring Festival
Held annually in November, with the next celebration on 17 November 2024, the Herring Festival pays homage to Clovelly's past as a thriving herring fishing port. For event details, visit the Clovelly Herring Festival page.
This unique festival celebrates the 'Silver Darlings' of the sea - the herring. Visitors can look forward to:
- Tasting a variety of herring specialities
- Watching skilled chefs demonstrate herring recipes
- Enjoying live music performances
- Browsing local food and craft stalls
- Learning about traditional herring fishing methods and their importance to Clovelly's history
The Herring Festival is not just about food; it's an educational experience highlighting the importance of sustainable fishing practices while celebrating local culinary traditions.
Each of these festivals offers a unique perspective on Clovelly's maritime culture. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a memorable day out, these events promise an authentic taste of coastal life in North Devon.
Stay nearby at The Old Chapel in Clovelly, a beautifully converted chapel that sleeps eight and is set on 10 acres of meadows with beautiful sea views.
Where To Stay: View more holiday cottages in North Devon.
Read More North Devon Blogs
· A Year in the Wilds of North Devon: July to December
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· How to Spend Seven Days in North Devon – and Seven Cottages in Which to Stay
· My Favourite Beaches in North Devon
· Weekend Theatre Breaks in North Devon at The Barnstaple Fringe Fest
· Six Secret Beaches in North Devon and Cornwall
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