There are a host of family friendly things to do in Totnes this summer and the team at Visit Totnes have put together a selection of events and activities perfect for the whole family. Even better, they’re free!

Odd Object Competition
15th-28th August.

See just how eagle eyed you are by visiting Totnes town centre and seeing if you can spot the odd one out in over 100 different shop displays.  Shops across Totnes are adding something to their displays that you wouldn’t normally see, like a spoon at the butcher’s or a battery in a boutique. The trail is free to walk around, or you can buy an entry form from Arcturus Books and be entered into a prize draw.

Dance with a Strictly Pro
15th – 18th August.

Former Strictly Come Dancing Pro Andrew Cuerden is hosting three free dance lessons for all ages. No matter what your age or ability, you are welcome to come and dance alfresco and learn some ballroom and Latin moves.

15th August – Totnes Market Square, 5.30-7.30pm

17th August – St Mary’s Churchyard, 4.30-7.30pm

18th August – Totnes Market Square, 4.30-7.30pm

More information is available here.

The Totnes Orange Race
16th August

Totnes’ famous Orange Races are back from 11 am on 16th August and are sure to ap-eel to everyone! The races date back to the Elizabethan times and commemorate a local legend which claims that Sir Francis Drake as a child dropped an orange and then chased it down the high street to avoid losing it. Whether that’s true or not remains to be seen, but it doesn’t stop the event being fun for all ages, whether you’re taking part or watching from the sidelines. There are races for various age groups, just meet at the Market Square to sign up before the races start and to receive your orange.

Find your Inner Gargoyle
20th August

Find your Inner Gargoyle is an hour long live theatrical circus performance taking place on and around St Mary’s Church in Totnes, starting around 8.30pm. The event will be using fire and pyrotechnics but is suitable for all ages and no booking is required.

Grand Parade
21st August

Either join in the Totnes Festival’s Grand Parade or sit back and watch. Starting at Steamer Quay at 2pm, the parade goes through town and ends at Borough Park at 5pm. Everyone is welcome to watch or take part, it’s free and there is also a workshop on 20th August so you can help make props and costumes. Find out more here.

LEAP
23rd August

Join MED Theatre for LEAP, a family friendly adventure taking place as part of the Totnes Festival. Combining education with entertainment, the piece is all about Devon’s rivers and the salmon that find their habitats being threatened. Donations are welcome to help fund MED Theatre’s work.

Catch the show at Vire Island at 10.30am, 11.30 am and 12.30pm, please bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.