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Quirky events you can only attend in Devon

29th October 2019

Categories: Visitor News

Here in Devon we’re pretty proud of our unique way of celebrating certain events, I mean, where else can you find a worm charming festival? All year around there are a number of events that bring the communities of Devon and our guests together to celebrate the weird and wonderful, so here are a few of our favourites.

Tar Barrel Rolling

While the rest of the country is standing around a bonfire watching fireworks, in the village of Ottery St Mary, crowds gather to watch volunteers carry flaming barrels around the town in a procession before celebrating with a big bonfire.
If you’re in the region, do make sure you attend, it’s a pretty spectacular sight!

Pot Walloping Festival

In the village of Westward Ho! in North Devon there is a strange tradition known as Pot Walloping, but it doesn’t have much to do with pots… Back in the 19^th century, the locals would throw back pebbles from the beach which had fallen from the ridge during the winter months. Until recently, every May there was a festival that stretches over several days with stalls, live entertainment and of course the throwing of pebbles. Sadly, Pot Walloping isn’t celebrated as it used to be, but there’s nothing stopping you visiting Westward Ho! and sorting through the pebbles on the beach!

The Tavistock Goose Fair

Yes, you read that right. Every year, the people of Tavistock celebrate this ancient fair in October, as the name suggests, it’s where people come together to trade geese. The tradition began back in the 12^th century and continues to this day, each year the locals, traders and visitors come together from across the country to discuss all things geese!

Pixie Day

We’re back in Ottery St Mary for this one, this summer celebration comes from an old folk tradition that commemorates local legends about the pixies that allegedly lived in the town. According to the story, the pixies that lived in the town were banished and forced to live in Pixie’s Parlour, a group of local caves. These days there is a re-enactment of the banishment as well as fireworks and other fun celebrations. The re-enactment comprises of local children capturing adults and dragging them into the town square.

Marldon Apple Pie Fair

This is a great one for those of you who love deserts. What may look like a traditional village fete to the untrained eye is actually a commemoration of George Hill, a resident who would drive a cart carrying apple pie to the St Mary Church Fair. The event first began in 1888 and these days we see a donkey cart pulling a big apple pie around the village, the crowning of an apple pie princess and then a large pie is baked and carried into a meadow.

The Hunting of the Earl of Rone

This is one of the more unusual events… This one takes place every May and involves the search for and killing of an imaginary person known as the Earl of Rone. No one is really sure where this tradition came from, but apparently the Earl of Rone is based on an Irish lord who fled home and took refuge in the forest near Combe Martin Beach. The whole thing starts on a Friday night and continues into Saturday with residents searching the woods for the Earl before a masked man appears in a donkey parade before being shot and carried to the beach to be thrown into the sea. It draws thousands of people every year who participate in the various elements of the event.

Have you ever taken part in any of these traditions? We’d love to hear your stories, get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.