If you are stuck for something to do over the weekend, take a look at East Devon what’s-on events for July 3 until July 12 – free entry flower festival, Brownie celebrations, music events.
July 3- July 5 – flower festival
If you have never been to Harpford Church flower festival, near Newton Poppleford, East Devon, now is your chance because the biannual event is back, from Friday, July 3 until Sunday, July 5.
But be warned, if you miss this year’s event there is a two-year wait for the return of the much-anticipated flower festival.
This year’s theme is kings and queens, depicted in flowers and floral displays, on show at St Gregory’s Church, Harpford, open 10.30am until 5pm over the three-day festival.
Admission is free.
As well as the floral exhibits, there will be a plant stall and tombola. Light lunches and cream teas are available in Harpford village hall.
The church flower festival draws to a close on July 5 with a Sunday evening Songs of Praise service at 6pm. All are welcome.
A spokesperson for the event said: “Held only every two years, Harpford Church’s famous flower festival is back this weekend. Nestling beside the River Otter on the East Devon Way, this 13th century gem, generally a haven of tranquility, will be buzzing with activity.
“Come and marvel at “Kings & Queens” arrayed in flowery finery and fittingly displayed in this stunningly -beautiful environment. Admire the floral interpretations and soak up the scent.
“Added attractions include a quiz, light lunches, cream teas, tombola and our hotbed of horticultural interest – the much-prized plant selection.”
Visitors can also see some of Harpford’s flower festival history at this year’s event.
July 5 – anniversary celebrations
Colyton Brownies pack is celebrating its 100th birthday with a party at the Strawbridge Youth Centre downstairs hall, Coly Road, on Sunday, July 5, 2pm-4pm, for all former youngsters, leaders, helpers and volunteers.
Before the milestone event, the group is gathering a host of history from 1926 to the present day, charting the 1st Colyton Brownies across the last century.
Event organisers want to hear from those with information about the Colyton Brownie pack in a bid to preserve the history for future Girlguiders.
Karen Rattew, Colyton Brownies Brown Owl, said: “We are trying to build as complete a picture as possible of the unit from its founding in 1926 to the present day.
“We would be very grateful for any information, records, photographs, newspaper cuttings, newsletters, meeting reports, log books, programmes, or references relating to Colyton Brownies.”
Hoped-for information includes names of Brown Owl, Tawny Owl, Snowy Owl and other leaders through the years.
Also:
• Dates of leadership changes
• Photographs of Brownies, leaders, camps, holidays, Thinking Day events and celebrations
• Newspaper reports mentioning Colyton Brownies – references, photographs, newspaper cuttings, leader names, camp reports, annual reports, anniversary celebrations or records relating to 1st Colyton Brownies from 1926 onwards
• Records of anniversaries, special events and community projects
• Information about meeting places used over the years
• Memories from former Brownies and leaders
• Any documents covering the early years of the unit.
Email information to colytonbrownies@gmail.com
July 7. Free event
Pictured here is the Exmouth Good Afternoon Choir with the town mayor, Councillor Graham Deasy. Photo: with permission.
Admission is free to the Exmouth Good Afternoon Choir concert on Tuesday, July 7 in Holy Trinity Church, Rolle Road from 12.30pm until 2.30pm.
The free concert will be followed by refreshments and a collection held for the choir’s 2026 chosen charity, Devon Air Ambulance,
Grenville Jones, Good Afternoon Choir founder, said: “This will be a very special concert in Exmouth with a mix of music to suit everyone.
“Exmouth Good Afternoon Choir are raising money for Devon Air Ambulance who they voted as the charity they will support throughout 2026.”
July 12 – fundraiser
A.J’s Big Band will be performing in Budleigh Salterton, with al proceeds going to the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity. Photo: with permission.
An afternoon of jazz and swing big band music plus cream tea in aid of Royal Devon Hospitals Charity is on in Budleigh Salterton on Sunday, July 12.
A.J’s Big Band, now in its 45th year, will be at Budleigh Salterton Public Hall, Station Road, from 3pm, with a special afternoon of music and songs from the golden age of swing and jazz, with memories of the Glenn Miller Orchestra and other legendary big bands.
Tickets for the event are £17 (£5 cream tea optional) with all proceeds to Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.
There will be a raffle on the day and space for dancing.
Buy tickets at: Ticket Source 0333 666 3366. Budleigh Tourist Info. 01395 445275. The Topsham Bookshop 01392 877895 and Royal Devon Hospitals Charity 01392 406333.
- Email your free what’s on community events and fundraisers, to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
