Events at Powderham

Event List 2005 This list is correct at the time of going to press. However we are constantly updating events so it is advisable to check for the latest additions or omissions.

The Giant Inspirational Home and Garden Exhibition
4th to 6th March
A huge range of products for the home and garden from stands situated in the castle's State Rooms and adjoining pavilions, Open 10-6pm daily.

Coopers Spring Westcountry Antiques Fair
18th to 20th March
Coopers Antiques returns for a Spring Antiques Fair. Stands throughout the Castle and Marquee offering very high quality, beautiful antiques and paintings to admire and buy.

Teddy Bear's Picnic Bank Holiday
1st & 2nd May
More fun and games for children in the castle grounds (use your Family passport!).

The Society of King George Living History Encampment
29th & 30th May
See re enactors from the British and colonial armies in North America.

The Knights of Powderham
Daily from 29th May until 3th June. Then every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday until 17th July, then daily except Saturday till 5th September, then 7th 8th 11th Sep to finish. Shows from 3pm – 4.30pm. Great family entertainment as the Medieval Knights joust and jape in an outdoor arena. Horses, dazzling displays and the wicked Black Knight!
Separate admission applies £5 Adult, £3 Child, £14 family (2+2)

Official Opening of The Starcross Lodge to Powderham Country Store Cycle Path
and Summer Fete
Monday 30th May
At 11am we will be gathering at Starcross Lodge to open the new cycle path that now allows cyclists to travel easily all the way from Exeter Quay if they wish.
At the Country Store there will be entertainment and the opportunity for visitors to join in the largest Cream Tea celebration with ‘Do it For Devon’. Bring your bicycles and cycle up the path to the Country Store and join in the Fun.

Exeter Festival Pop concert - Wet Wet Wet
Saturday 2nd July
For 1 night only this legendary soulful pop group will perform their exciting new material and an incredible back catalogue of greatest hits. Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.seetickets.com or Exeter Festival box office by post from 29th April or by phone (01392 213161) from 5th May. Venue Deer Park.

Exeter Festival Finale Concert with Fireworks
Sunday 3rd July
The WNO Orchestra conducted by Carl Davis, with Baritone Sir Willard White and soprano Katherine Jenkins singing songs from the West End Shows. Tickets available from Exeter Festival Box Office by post from 29th April or by phone (01392 213161) from 5th May. Venue Deer Park.

32nd Annual Historic Vehicle Gathering
9th & 10th July
The 32nd annual rally of the Crash Box and Classic Car Club of Devon. One of the biggest and best-loved events in the West Country calendar. Over a thousand exhibits featuring veteran, vintage, steam and classic vehicles and exciting main ring entertainment. Venue Waterside.

BSO Last Night of the Proms
29th July
The West Country’s longest running and most successful Open Air Picnic Classical Concert. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra play all the old favourites - dress up, dine in style, or just relax and savour this fantastic concert, and enjoy the spectacular firework finale. Tickets available from our box office 01626 890243 or in person at the Estate Office. Venue Deer Park.

La Boheme
5th August
Opera Brava open air in the Courtyard. Tickets available from Northcott box office 01392 493493.

Carmen
6th August
Opera Brava open air in the Courtyard. Tickets available from Northcott box office 01392 493493.

Open Air Shakespeare in the Gardens
Friday 19th August
Theatre setup return to present "Love's Labour's Lost" with elegant Elizabethan costumes and music. Bring a picnic and chairs and rugs, sit back in the beautiful gardens and enjoy! Tickets available on 01626 890243 or in person at the Estate Office.

Western Counties Heavy Horse Working Day
21st August
The Estate plays host to working heavy horses demonstrating the farming methods of old. Ploughing, hay making, see these gentle giants perform and admire the skill of the horsemen. Venue Sawmills

The Battle of Powderham Castle
28th & 29th August
August Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday sees the Castle under siege with the Battle of Powderham Castle by the English Civil War Society. Enjoy a full day of thrilling activities as you step back in time, wonder through the fascinating living history encampments and experience life in the 17th Century. The deafening thunder of hooves and roar of cannon fire as over 1000 soldiers, cavalry and artillery proceed into exciting combat to re-create the fierce and bloody siege of 1645. Gates open at 10am activities start from 10.30am leading up to the main battle at 2pm.

Adult £12, Child (5-15) £6, Family £29 (Prices include entry to the castle and grounds)

Red Cross Marathon Team X Country Run
4th September
Team X country run, raising money for the Red Cross in Devon. Take part or just spectate!

The Knights of Powderham
7th 8th 11th September
Shows from 3pm – 4.30pm. Great family entertainment as the Medieval Knights joust and jape in an outdoor arena. Horses, dazzling displays and the wicked Black Knight!
Separate admission applies £5 Adult, £3 Child, £14 family (2+2)

Pampering Day
Thursday 15th September
Combine a touch of beauty therapy with retail therapy and treat yourself to a manicure or massage at the Country Store. 2 local beauticians will be on hand to offer various treatments and beauty advice. Special one-day only prices. Book now on 01626 891883.

Macmillan Coffee Morning
Friday 30th September
Customers are invited to come to the Country Store to paint a mug, have a cup of coffee and a piece of cake for £10.99 (£2 of this will be donated to the charity). Great way to have fun, support a worthwhile charity and leave with a piece of your own artwork!
Call to book on 01626 899060

Powderham Country Store Food Fayre
Saturday 1^st October
As part of Devon Celebration of Food we will be holding our own Food Fayre which will give local suppliers the opportunity to meet their customers, sample their products and talk about them. Ashburton Cookery School are supporting the event by holding cookery demonstrations throughout the day too. Open from 9 to 5. Entry is Free.
For more information call 01626 891883

Halloween Week
Monday 24th to Sunday 30th October (no Spooky Tour on Saturday).
Spooky Tours will be back on at Powderham Castle every afternoon at 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.15pm during Half Term week. A fun ‘ghostly tour’ of the castle for all the family where you can meet our friendly ghosts and characters from the past! The children, especially the younger ones will also enjoy Pumpkin carving and Face painting, free of charge, at the Country Store too.
Daily including Saturday from 1.30pm to 5pm (1.30pm to 4pm on Sunday)
Price for Spooky Tours is: £3.95 Child, £6.50 Adult, £18.90 Family (2+2)

Dress up for the Spooky Tours! come in a costume!

Pumpkin Carving and Face painting is free.

Castle Closes
Sunday 30th October
Another season comes to an end.

We will be opening next year on 9 April 2006

Michaelmas Fair
3rd November
Christmas Shopping Fair lots of gifts, crafts and delicious foods! Great for Christmas presents! Proceeds to Devon Service charities.

Coopers Westcountry Antiques Fair
11th to 13th November
A second serving from Coopers Antiques with a Christmas flavour Antiques Fair. Stands throughout the Castle and Marquee offering very high quality, beautiful antiques and paintings to admire and buy.

Kenton ~ Exeter ~ EX6 8JQ
Tel: 01626 890243 ~ castle@powderham.co.uk ~ Fax: 01626 890729