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A Perfect Setting for Weddings, Corporate functions, Events - and a great family day out. 

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 Special Events 2008
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EVENTS are as much a part of Powderham as the Castle and parkland. There cannot be a more perfect setting for a spectacular Last Night of the Proms concert, Last Night of the Powderham Promsfireworks, vintage car festival, civil war re-enactment, university balls, weddings and many more.

Each summer the renowned open-air concerts are held. Powderham has attracted performances by many famous stars such as Sir Elton John, Status Quo, Blue, Jools Holland, to name but a few.

Our events are run hand in hand with the visitor attraction. Whether you visit the Castle as an event go-er or day visitor we feel sure you will enjoy it. Powderham is a place full of special memories for so many people; it is wonderful that the events and visitor attraction business helps us achieve that.

We hope that you will find some thing of interest from our events list and look forward to welcoming you here. 


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.


February

Coopers Antiques Fair

Cooper Antiques Fair
Friday 8 - Sunday 10
11am – 5pm

A wonderful selection of exceptional antiques to admire and buy including period oak and country furniture, jewellery, paintings and porcelain. For more information visit www.cooperevents.com

Admission £4.50

 

March

Powderham Castle opens for a new season
Thursday 20 March
Castle is open 10am to 5.30pm (last guided tour 4.30pm)

Come and enjoy a guided tour of this stunning Castle, relax in the beautiful grounds and meet our friendly animals. A truly great day out for the whole family!

Adult: £8.50, Child:£6.50, Senior: £7.50, Family: £24.00

 

Easter fun week at Powderham Castle

Easter Fun Week-end
Friday 21 to Monday 24 (ex Sat)
Egg decorating in Servant’s Hall   11am-1pm and 3 - 5pm

Decorate an egg to take home, follow the Easter egg trail around the grounds, spot the golden eggs on a tour of the Castle rooms and join in the daily egg rolling competition at 2.30pm too!

Included in admission.

 

4th Silly Mini Sunday
Sunday 23
Expected arrival 1.40pm

Almost 100 minis will be passing through the grounds of Powderham in convoy on Easter Sunday to raise funds for Children’s Hospice Southwest. Come and support the colourful event. For more information visit www.minifinity.com

Included in admission.

 

April

Spring Watch

Powderham Springwatch
Sunday 6 to Friday 11

A wonderful time of year to visit Powderham and see some fascinating wildlife behaviour at the rebirth of the season. Plenty of nature based activities for children. Follow the ladybird trail around the grounds to win a prize. Spot the butterflies inside on a guided tour of the Castle.
Springwatch Face painting and other activities in the Servants Hall from 10.30, 12.30 and 2.30 and Nature Trail Fun outside at 11.30 and 1.30.
Included in admission.

 

Civil War - Living History Day

Civil War – Living History Day
Sunday 1
3
Starts at 11am

Step back in time to 1645 and the English Civil War. The Castle was a Royalist Garrison busy fending off the Roundheads. See the military weapons display, camp kitchen, period music and learn about life at that time.

Included in admission.

 

Powderham Horse Trials

Powderham Castle Horse Trials
Friday 18 to Sunday 20

Powderham will once again hear the pounding of horses hooves across the parkland as eventers compete in cross country, show jumping and dressage at this 3 day event. For more information visit www.powderham-horse.co.uk or contact 01404 871296

Different admission applies.

 

Organ restoration at Powderham Castle

Organ Restoration – Conservation in Action
Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24
10.30am – 4.30pm

The 1760 organ, which has been lying dormant in the Music Room for many years, will be undergoing much needed remedial work. All guided tours will offer the chance to see conservation in action and meet local organ builder Michael Farley.

Included in admission.

 

May

Morris Dancing

Morris Dancing
Monday 5
12.30pm and 2.30pm

Celebrate May Day with the famous Exeter Morris Men. They brighten up the courtyard with jingling bells, music and dance.

Included in admission.

 

Bug's Life

Bug’s Life
Sunday 18
Join the Bug Hunt at 11.30am (weather permitting)

See some amazing minibeasts up close, learn about their habitat and handle them if you dare!

Included in admission.

 

Wizard Week

Wizard Week
Sunday 25 - Sunday 1 June (ex Sat)
12.15pm and 3.15pm

Wizards gather your hats and wands and join us for a spellbinding week. Help the Castle’s wizard, Wacky Wiglog do magic tricks, follow the wizardry trail and see mysterious owls up close and learn about their fascinating behaviour.

Included in admission.

 

June

Sunday 1st - See Wizard Week above

Father's Day

Father’s Day
Sunday 15

Dads go FREE

We are inviting Dads to visit for FREE when accompanied by a paying child.

Golf and other wonderful activities they will love. Treat Dad to a day out he’ll remember!

 

July

35th Historic Vehicle Gathering

35th Historic Vehicle Gathering
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6
10am – 5pm

The Crash Box and Classic Car Club of Devon will be displaying an enormous range of classic and nostalgic vehicles from our motoring history. Why not make a day of it on the Sunday with a visit to the Castle in the morning. Contact 07858 189584 or visit www.cbccc.net

Adult £7, Child/Senior £5, Family £18

 

Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey Displays
Wednesday 23 July - Sunday 31 August (except Sat)
 2.30pm

See majestic birds of prey including falcons, hawks and owls. Audience participation, particularly for youngsters, features prominently in the demonstrations, which give a fascinating insight into the birds' natural habitat, diet and behaviour. Included in admission.

Included in admission.

 

Boyzone in concert at Powderham Castle

Boyzone in Concert
Friday 25
8 pm (Gates open 6.30pm)

Destined to be one of the ultimate events of our live music calendar. All five original members - Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham and Keith Duffy together again.

Tickets are £37.50 plus booking fee and P&P and go on sale from Friday 8 February at 9am. Telephone 01626 890243 Monday to Friday during office hours only.

Personal callers for tickets please go the Estate Office - open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

 

The Greatest 80s Party Ever Concert

The Greatest 80s Party Ever Concert
with Massive Firework Finale
Saturday 26
8 pm (Gates open 6.30pm)

A stunning line up of Eighties artists performing for one night only.
The Weather Girls; Bananarama; Rick Astley;
Paul Young; Belinda Carlisle; Heaven 17; T’Pau; Midge Ure;
Nick Heyward; Toyah

Tickets are £37.50 plus booking fee and P&P and go on sale from Friday 15 February at 9am. Telephone 01626 890243 Monday to Friday during office hours only.

Personal callers for tickets please go the Estate Office - open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

 

Katie Melua in Concert
Sunday 27
8 pm (Gates open 6.30pm)

Katie Melua will complete the line-up of artists for the weekend of concerts at Powderham Castle when she performs on Sunday 27 July.

In the last four years Katie Melua has sold more than 7.5 million albums and has had a string of chart hits including “If you were a sailboat”, “Closest thing to Crazy”, “Nine Million Bicycles” and “What a Wonderful World”, along the way she has become the top selling British female artist. Now's your chance to see Katie perform in the glorious setting of Powderham Castle. Bring a picnic and enjoy this wonderful evening.

Tickets are £37.50 plus booking fee and P&P and go on sale from Friday 22 February at 9am. Telephone 01626 890243 Monday to Friday during office hours only.

Personal callers for tickets please go the Estate Office - open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

 

Knights and Princesses Week at Powderham Castle

Knights & Princesses week
Sunday 27 - Sunday 3 August (ex Sat)
11.15am and 3.15pm

Hear ye, hear ye! All young knights and princesses of the land dress up and join in the fairytale fun with Fairy Charlotte.

Included in admission.

 

August

Friday 1st and Sun 3 Aug - See Knights and Princesses Week above

Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey Displays
Wednesday 23 July - Sunday 31 August (except Sat)
 2.30pm

See majestic birds of prey including falcons, hawks and owls. Audience participation, particularly for youngsters, features prominently in the demonstrations, which give a fascinating insight into the birds' natural habitat, diet and behaviour. Included in admission.

Included in admission.

 

Peter Pan

Heartbreak Productions presents - Peter Pan
Sunday 3
6.30pm (Gates open 5.30pm)

This open-air production promises unforgettable fantasy, magic and humour in a never-ending childhood adventure on the island of Neverland. Come early with a picnic and join Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends for some great family entertainment. To book call 01626 890243

Adult/Senior £12, Child £8, Family (2+2) £32

 

Open-Air Shakespeare at Powderham Castle

Open-air Shakespeare Production - All’s Well That Ends Well
Thursday 7
7.30pm (Gates open 6.30pm)

This magical story tells how Helena, the orphaned daughter of a Renaissance healer, inherits his remedies, cures the ill King, and as a reward is given in marriage to Bertram, the man she loves. However it takes all her skill to ultimately win his love. To book call 01626 890243

Adult £9.50, Senior £7.50, Child £5.50

 

Pirate Week

Pirate Week
Sunday 10 - Sunday 17 (ex Sat)
11.15am, 1.15pm and 3.15pm

Ahoy, me hearties! Get your togs on, grab your shipmates and sail on down to Powderham to meet our very own Capt Jack Sparrow. Hear his tales of the Caribbean, join in pirate tomfoolery and discover your very own treasuaaaarh!

Included in admission.

 

Open Air Opera - Carmen

Open-air Opera - Carmen
Friday 15
8pm (Gates open 7pm)

The music, full of extravagant melody and rich in operatic hits has captivated audiences over the decades. The energy and passion in the dramatic story of Carmen promises you a vibrant and unforgettable evening. To book call 01626 890243  or  01444 443000
Website: www.operabrava.co.uk

Adult £25, Child £10

 

Open Air Opera - The Marriage of Figaro

Open-air Opera - The Marriage of Figaro
Saturday 16
7.30pm (Gates open 6.30pm)

The Marriage of Figaro, a joyful farce in which we witness the foibles and intrigues used to reveal the indiscretions of a philandeing nobleman, Count Almaviva. Some of Mozart’s most sublime music features in this bittersweet yet uplifting comedy.
To book call 01626 890243  or  01444 443000
Website: www.operabrava.co.uk

Adult £25, Child £10

 

Open Air Theatre - Little Women

Open-air Theatrical Performance - Little Women
Thursday 21
7.30pm (Gates open 6.30pm)

Theatreworks perform their much acclaimed theatre production in the relaxed setting of the Pleasure Garden. A show that will stir up many emotions and is sure to warm your heart on a summer evening. Bring a picnic.  To book call 01626 890243

Adult £12, Child £6, Family (2+2) £32

 

Teddy Bear Week

Teddy Bear Week
Sunday 24 - Sunday 31 (ex Sat)
11.15, 1.15 and 3.15

Join in the teddy bear party fun with Build-a-Bear workshop, follow the teddy trails around the grounds and meet our own ‘Big Ted’. Every child that brings their ted along will receive a fun-size teddy to take home!

Included in admission

 

September

Nature Night - Trees

Nature Night - BatsNature Night – Trees & Bats
Wednesday 3

Join John Hunt, Parish tree warden for a woodland walk and Tim Crawshaw, of South Devon Bat group for a slide show and evening of bat detecting. Bring a picnic tea. Children over 12 very welcome. To book call 01626 890243

£8.00 per person

 

Cancer Research UK 10K Run

Cancer Research UK 10K run
Sunday 14

Run through the stunning grounds of Powderham Castle and fundraise to help more people survive cancer.
Register at
www.cancerresearchuk10.co.uk

 

Powderham Relay Marathon 08
Run for the Red Cross

Sunday
28

Can you run a marathon in 10k?
Team up with three friends, run 10 kilometres each and together you can complete a marathon! You will be running to raise funds for the British Red Cross and every penny raised will help to save lives.
Your supporters can get into the castle spirit, enter the family fun run and feast on a delicious hog roast as they cheer you on!

Contact: Louisa Thraves LThraves@redcross.org.uk  01392 353 274

Web : www.redcross.org.uk/events
Facebook: Powderham Relay Marathon

 


October

Stride Devon sponsored walk

Stride Devon
Sunday 1
2

Raise money for breast cancer research by joining this sponsored 10k walk around the beautiful grounds of Powderham Castle. Contact 01395 282705 or email sylvia.arlett@cancer.org.uk
 

 

A Celebration of Autumn and Apples

A Celebration of Autumn & Apples
Sunday 19

Lots of fruity fun for everyone. Tastings, trails and activities for children. 

Included in admission

 

Spooky Tours

Spooky Tours
Sunday 26 - Sunday 2 November (ex Sat)
12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.15pm

Come and meet our fascinating residents from the past and enjoy a tour of the Castle in a different light. Kids will love to dress up in their spookiest outfits to see if they can scare the ghosts! Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Suitable for 5-12 year olds and brave mums and dads! (Please note there will be one regular guided tour at 10.30am during this week)

Normal admission prices apply

 

November

Sun 2 Nov - See Spooky Tours above

Michaelmas Fair
Thursday 6
10am to 3pm

A food and craft fair with stands throughout the Castle in aid of the Devon Armed Forces charities.

Admission £3

 

Coopers Antiques Fair

Cooper Antiques Fair
Friday 21 - Sunday 23
11am – 5pm

A wonderful selection of exceptional antiques to admire and buy including period oak and country furniture, jewellery, paintings and porcelain. For more information visit www.cooperevents.com

Admission £4.50

 

December

 

Opera By Candlelight

Opera by Candlelight
Sunday 14 
6.30 to 8.30pm with a 30min interval

A delightful evening of candlelit opera and carols set in the splendour of the domed music room. Repertoire includes arias and duets from the operas Cosi fan Tutte, the Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro and Die Fledermaus.

Adult £20, Students/Children £10 Plus P&P

To book call 01626 890243