Josie Sims of the Appledore Knitting Group will talk about the history of the Appledore Gansey and give demonstrations of how to knit this very special garment.

Friday 15 September 2023 – 10.30am to 11.30am
Ticket: £8
 

Local historian David Carter will lead small groups around the churchyard looking at a random sample of some of the people who ended up here. Ship-owners and shipwrights, mariners and merchants, sailors and lifeboatmen – they are all buried at St. Mary’s churchyard. Meet outside St. Mary’s Hall. 

Friday 15 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)
Saturday 16 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)

NEW DATE ADDED:
Wednesday 20 September 2023 - 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)

Ticket: £8
 

Visit Sandy Brown’s studio next to the Community Hall, where you will see a range of Sandy’s work including Temple, a large-scale installation originally commissioned for an exhibition held in the grounds of Chatsworth House.

Friday 15 September 2023 – 11am to 5pm
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Illustrated talk with local plant writer Pete Yeo about Myrtle Groves, Streets and Cottages. 

Friday 15 September 2023 – 12.15pm to 1.15pm
Ticket: £8
 

Faced with an uncertain future after a destructive relationship ends, writer and journalist Jade Angeles Fitton returns to her childhood roots, finding comfort in the solitude offered along the North Devon coast. From spending many months on Lundy, her island stories will form a large part of this inspirational talk, as she celebrates solitude in the natural world.

Friday 15 September 2023 – 2pm to 3pm
Ticket: £10

For 200 years Maria Branwell’s contribution to the success of her daughters – Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë – was largely overlooked. In her ground-breaking biography, author and journalist Sharon Wright reveals an astonishing life full of scandal and sorrow, passion and adventure.

Friday 15 September 2023 – 3.45pm to 4.45pm (Please note the start time of 3.45pm and not 3.15pm as stated in the brochure) (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £10
 

Join local artist and illustrator, Clare Willcocks, to explore Appledore through watercolour sketches.  Meet outside St. Mary’s Hall.
Friday 15 September 2023 – 4pm to 5.30pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £18

The Trustees welcome Benefactors, Sponsors and Friends of the Festival to join them at a VIP party to launch this year’s Festival with music, wine and good company.

Friday 15 September 2023 – 6pm to 6.45pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £25 includes wine, nibbles & ticket for Hugh Bonneville’s event

Hugh Bonneville is one of Britain’s most accomplished actors, familiar to audiences around the world for his roles in Notting Hill, the Paddington films, and Downton Abbey. Join us for this very special evening to hear Hugh discuss his illustrious career and share entertaining stories from his life. 

Event kindly sponsored by The Collective at Woolsery

Friday 15 September 2023 - 7pm to 8pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £18

Photo credit Gavin Bond

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

The New Atlantic Wave Art Exhibition returns to the Festival, after its very successful first year. Come to see works by over 30 local artists and makers - everything from seascapes to abstracts. 

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 (excluding Thursday 21 September)
From 10am until 30 mins after each day’s last event in St Mary’s Church or Hall

FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Local historian David Carter will lead small groups around the churchyard looking at a random sample of some of the people who ended up here. Ship-owners and shipwrights, mariners and merchants, sailors and lifeboatmen – they are all buried at St. Mary’s churchyard. Meet outside St. Mary’s Hall. 

Friday 15 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)
Saturday 16 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)

NEW DATE ADDED:
Wednesday 20 September 2023 - 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)

Ticket: £8
 

Traditional boat builders may call on years of expertise, but a team from the SS Freshspring, a historic steamship based in Bideford, will show you how even a first timer can create their very own clinker-built boat.
Saturday 16 – Sunday 24 September 2023, 10am to 10.30am
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Draw your favourite animal and colour in a poster with popular artist, Jonny Lambert, as he leads young readers through a woodland trail in this latest adventure of Bear and his best friend Bird. 

Saturday 16 September 2023 – 10.30am to 11am and 11.30am to 12pm
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

A fun-filled Trail Blaze around Appledore’s Market Street and the Quay for your children to enjoy. Storytelling, poetry writing, drama and improvisation games, a hunt for children’s book characters & much more…

Saturday 16 September 2023 – 10.30am to 3pm
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Come and meet some of the talented authors we have in North Devon, who are known collectively as Literary Fusion.
Saturday 16 September 2023 – 11am to 5pm
FREE entry – no ticket required

To mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s first folio, InVerse Films presents a series of five film shorts voiced by an all-star cast including Tom Baker, Eliza Butterworth and Cerys Matthews, and created by award-winning filmmaker Jack Jewers.

Saturday 16 September 2023 – 12.30pm to 1.30pm
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Jolyon Maugham KC, founder of the Good Law Project in 2017, believes that the law can also put power into the hands of ordinary people. Maugham reveals the story behind some high-profile cases and offers a bold new vision of how the law can be made to work for all people fighting against injustice.

Saturday 16 September 2023 – 2.15pm to 3.15pm
Ticket: £10
 

Author and broadcaster, Iain Dale, takes us through 1,200 years of British history & tries to answer why the British monarchy has survived when so many others have not.

Saturday 16 September 2023 – 4pm to 5pm
Ticket: £12 (Please note the price of this event is £12 rather than £10 as stated in the brochure)

Dr James Greenwood, the resident vet on BBC’s Morning Live offers a fascinating insight into the world of veterinary medicine. With warmth and humour, he describes the highs and lows of life as a West Country vet, and how it’s the animals themselves that have helped him through challenging times.

Saturday 16 September 2023 – 5.45pm to 6.45pm
Ticket: £10

Andy McNab will be discussing the second book in his bestselling Special Ops series, The Rescue: The True Story of the SAS Mission to Save Hostages from the Taliban, the thrilling retelling of a real-life hostage rescue mission. He will also introduce Shadow State, the first in a fast-paced gripping new fiction series set in the dark world of cryptocurrency and cyber warfare.
Saturday 16 September 2023 – 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Ticket: £15
 

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

The New Atlantic Wave Art Exhibition returns to the Festival, after its very successful first year. Come to see works by over 30 local artists and makers - everything from seascapes to abstracts. 

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 (excluding Thursday 21 September)
From 10am until 30 mins after each day’s last event in St Mary’s Church or Hall

FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Local historian David Carter hosts a guided walk which will be of interest to anyone who wants to know more about Appledore’s past.  

Sunday 17 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)

NEW DATE ADDED:
Saturday 23 September 2023 - 10am to 11.30am

Ticket: £8
 

A laugh-out-loud memoir of what it means to be a young priest in the twenty-first century. With stories from the Reverend’s ministries in Liverpool and London this a love letter to the Church of England.

In conversation with Alexander Larman

Sunday 17 September 2023 – 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Ticket: £10
 

Join local reconciliation ecologist and nature mentor Pete Yeo for a guided coastal walk, high on wellbeing and wonderment. This walk starts and ends at The Glorious Oyster, Instow Sandhills. 

Sunday 17 September 2023 – 2.15pm to 3.45pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £8
 

Using previously unpublished and, often sensational, archive material and letters the author, Alexander Larman, uncovers the compelling story of how the Royal Family united to help the country through the conflict of war, and the monarchy to survive.

Sunday 17 September 2023 – 3.15pm to 4.15pm
Ticket: £10

 

Join us for an al fresco seafood feast made with foraged local ingredients, and get tips from our experts on cooking with foraged foods.  
Sunday 17 September 2023 – 4pm to 6pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £30

A celebration of the way song inspires and heals us, from the cradle to the grave with singing therapist, teacher & performer, Julia Hollander. The Choir then makes a welcome return to the Festival with a new selection of songs, as well as some old favourites including their number 1 hit, Wherever You Are.

Sunday 17 September 2023 – 5pm to 6pm, then 6.45pm-8.15pm
Combined Adult Ticket: £23  
Combined Under 18’s Ticket: £17
 

A celebration of the way song inspires and heals us, from the cradle to the grave with singing therapist, teacher & performer, Julia Hollander.

Sunday 17 September 2023 – 5pm to 6pm
Ticket: £10 (OR £5 when purchased as a combined ticket with Chivenor Military Ladies Choir) SEE SEPARATE EVENT

The Choir makes a welcome return to the Festival with a new selection of songs, as well as some old favourites including their number 1 hit, Wherever You Are.

Sunday 17 September 2023 – 6.45pm-8.15pm
Adult Ticket: £18  /  Under 18’s Ticket: £12
OR BUY A COMBINED TICKET FOR JULIA HOLLANDER’S WHY WE SING AND MILITARY LADIES CHOIR AND SAVE £5
 

Run by Jo from Space Detectives, this journey will investigate some of our planetary neighbours and explore what is beyond our Solar System and how we fit into the wider Cosmos, with guided Stargazing.
Sunday 17 September 2023 – 8.30pm to 10pm
Ticket: £12

Local wildlife expert, Martin Unwin, will take you on a delightful walk to discover the exciting bird life that can be found along the Appledore coastline. 
Monday 18th September 2023 - 9.00am to 10.30am (New date added) (Starts at the Lifeboat Station and finishes at Skern)
Friday 22 September 2023 – 9.30am to 11am (SOLD OUT) (Starts and finishes at the Lifeboat Station)
Sunday 24 September 2023 - 11.30am to 1pm (SOLD OUT) (Starts and finishes at the Lifeboat Station)
Ticket: £8

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

The New Atlantic Wave Art Exhibition returns to the Festival, after its very successful first year. Come to see works by over 30 local artists and makers - everything from seascapes to abstracts. 

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 (excluding Thursday 21 September)
From 10am until 30 mins after each day’s last event in St Mary’s Church or Hall

FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Start the week in the company of local author, Veronica Henry, as she talks about her career in writing and her brilliant new book Thirty Days in Paris over coffee and a patisserie.

Monday 18 September 2023 – 10.30am to 12 noon (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £12 to include Coffee & Patisserie
 

The astonishing inside story of Wirecard’s multi-billion-dollar fraud by award winning journalist Dan McCrum.

Monday 18 September 2023 – 10.45am-11.45am
Ticket: £10

Immerse yourself in a full afternoon clay workshop with world leading ceramic artist and local resident, Sandy Brown.  

Monday 18 September 2023 – 12pm to 5pm
Thursday 21 September 2023 – 12pm to 5pm

Ticket: £75

Alex Rowson, a writer and award-winning TV documentary maker based in Bideford, sheds light on Alexander the Great, one of the most important figures of the ancient world.

Monday 18 September 2023 – 12.30pm to 1.30pm        
Ticket: £10

 

Felice Hardy tells the dramatic true story of how her mother and grandparents escaped to London from Nazi-occupied Vienna. Her grandmother, a tennis champion was forced to stop competing because of her Jewish heritage, but moved to London then qualified for Wimbledon in 1939.

In conversation with Susan Sandon

Monday 18 September 2023 – 2.15pm-3.15pm    
Ticket: £10
 

Celebrating the unsung hero of the plant world with a unique blend of poetry, nature writing and memoir with author and poet Elizabeth-Jane Burnett.

Monday 18 September 2023 – 4pm to 5pm
Ticket: £10
 

Join us for a glass of wine, nibbles and great music prior to Jeremy Bowen’s talk in this exclusive event for Friends and AppleFactors. 

EVENT CANCELLED

The BBC’s acclaimed international editor, Jeremy Bowen, has been reporting from the front line for almost four decades. He will be talking about his extraordinary life from Bosnia to Libya, Iraq to Ukraine and more.

EVENT CANCELLED 

Jo from Space Detectives will take you on a journey onboard the International Space Station – to see the life and work of astronauts in space.  
Monday 18 September 2023 – 8.30pm to 10pm
Ticket: £12

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

The New Atlantic Wave Art Exhibition returns to the Festival, after its very successful first year. Come to see works by over 30 local artists and makers - everything from seascapes to abstracts. 

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 (excluding Thursday 21 September)
From 10am until 30 mins after each day’s last event in St Mary’s Church or Hall

FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Local historian, David Carter, recently discovered a couple of references to interesting events which give a unique view of life in the 1420s.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 10am to 11am
Ticket: £8

Dr Todd Gray talks about the book 'Barnstaple 1640-1670' which focuses on a period in which North Devon prospered on the sales of its pottery and woollen cloth to markets throughout Europe.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 11.30am to 12.30pm
Ticket: £8

A collection of film snippets will show various activities which have been immortalised on film around Appledore and in the Torridge estuary including the Kathleen and May, Regattas and the Royal Jubilee.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 1pm to 2pm
Ticket: £4

A story about a best-selling novelist who sold twenty million books Caroline Hart, real name, Charles Garvice, a pipe-smoking Northam Town Councillor, by Nick Arnold, Festival Patron & Author.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Ticket: £8

Afternoon tea with international bestselling author, Amanda Prowse, one of the UK’s most prolific writers of bestselling contemporary fiction.

Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 2.45pm-4.45pm     
Ticket: £19.95 includes Cream Tea (and glass of prosecco available on the day for £5)
 

Peter Christie's latest talk looks at the 'Home Front' in this area and how men, women and children were affected by the 'War to end all Wars'.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 4pm to 5pm
Ticket: £8

Joe, co-founder and lead baker of The Appledore Bakery, will teach you how to make handmade artisan sourdough bread. Participants will be able to take away their own sourdough starter.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 4pm to 6pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £20

Since the Norman Conquest, the English have looked back to the Anglo-Saxon era with nostalgia. Marc Morris examines the history of the golden age, sifts the contemporary evidence, and asks whether the reality bears any resemblance to the legend. “An absolute masterpiece” Dan Snow

Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 5.45pm to 6.45pm      
Ticket: £12
 

A fantastic opportunity to sample a number of handcrafted gins, each made from botanicals blended on the banks of the River Lyn - from the multi-award winning gin distillery, Wicked Wolf. At the end of the evening each guest can choose their favourite gin to be served with tonic and garnish.

Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Ticket: £25 includes gin & nibbles
 

Lisa Jewell’s latest novel None of This is True is another nail-biting psychological thriller, full of mystery and suspense.

Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Ticket: £12
 

Let Terry Bailey guide you through Appledore’s winding lanes, alleys and churchyards with their stories of haunting and unexplained happenings.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday 20 September 2023 - 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Friday 22 September 2023 - 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £8

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

The New Atlantic Wave Art Exhibition returns to the Festival, after its very successful first year. Come to see works by over 30 local artists and makers - everything from seascapes to abstracts. 

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 (excluding Thursday 21 September)
From 10am until 30 mins after each day’s last event in St Mary’s Church or Hall

FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Hear all about the past and present of Appledore’s fishing and mussel farming industry.  This event is kindly hosted by The Devon and Cornwall Fish Company Ltd.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 10am to 11am (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £8

Local historian David Carter will lead small groups around the churchyard looking at a random sample of some of the people who ended up here. Ship-owners and shipwrights, mariners and merchants, sailors and lifeboatmen – they are all buried at St. Mary’s churchyard. Meet outside St. Mary’s Hall. 

Friday 15 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)
Saturday 16 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)

NEW DATE ADDED:
Wednesday 20 September 2023 - 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)

Ticket: £8
 

Traditional boat builders may call on years of expertise, but a team from the SS Freshspring, a historic steamship based in Bideford, will show you how even a first timer can create traditional oars for a clinker boat, presented as part of the Seafaring Charities Day at the Community Hall.

Wednesday 20th September 2023
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

John Bradbeer delves into how North Devon serviced the colonies of Maryland and Virginia by providing everything from shoes and pottery to millstones, all of which were traded for tobacco. 
Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 11.30am to 12.30pm
Ticket: £8

A fascinating look at some of the women of Appledore who worked hard to maintain the homes and families of their menfolk – many sailors and ship builders.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 1pm to 2pm
Ticket: £8

Harland & Wolff’s General Manager at Appledore, Tom Hart, shares an update on progress made at the Appledore shipyard over the last year and the Group’s vision for the future.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Ticket: £8

Chris Fuller, Torridge District Council’s Economic Development Officer, will outline plans for the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre at Middle Dock which was awarded the largest ever funding deal for northern Devon, £15.6m from the Levelling Up Fund.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 4pm to 5pm
Ticket: £8

A number of local seafaring charities will be joining us again to tell you about their work and perhaps pass on some tales of derring-do!  
Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 11am to 5.30pm
FREE entry – no ticket required

Please note: this event will be held in the Community Hall, not the Social Club as originally listed

The Simple Life follows Sarah Beeny and her family – husband Graham and their four sons - as they move from London to create the perfect home in Somerset and live a simpler life. She will also talk about her 2020 cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of home to well-being.

Kindly sponsored by Mitchell & Dickinson, Bideford

Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Ticket: £12
 

The remarkable story of Suzanne Heywood, who was taken out of school by her parents to sail around the world on their yacht, Wavewalker.

In conversation with Laura James

Wednesday 20 September 2023 - 7.15pm to 8.15pm
Ticket: £12

Sample the delights of a locally landed seafood platter, with entertainment from The Applecorers, a community sea shanty group based in Appledore, with a medley of shanties and maritime songs.
Wednesday 20 September 2023 – 8pm to 10.30pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £35

Let Terry Bailey guide you through Appledore’s winding lanes, alleys and churchyards with their stories of haunting and unexplained happenings.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday 20 September 2023 - 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Friday 22 September 2023 - 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £8

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

A guided walk will explore a selection of plants associated with peacefulness, with local environmentalist Pete Yeo. Meet at Docton Court.
Thursday 21 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am
Ticket: £8

With the help of fresh material from the family archives, Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon, reveals the true story of how the 5th Earl became front-page news around the world.

Thursday 21 September 2023 - 10.30am – 11.30am     
Ticket: £12

An Agatha Christie-style whodunnit set during the Appledore Book Festival by Hilary Bonner. DCI David Vogel is called in to investigate a death, and it soon becomes clear that a lethal presence is lurking in the little village of Appledore. Surrounded by professional authors who spend their days spinning tales, can he uncover the truth?

In conversation with Rebecca Alexander

Note that due to demand this has changed venue to the Baptist Church and more tickets added.

Thursday 21 September 2023 - 10.30am-11.30am
Ticket: £10

Join Michael Hunter, a North Devon poet, naturalist and author of Beachcombings for his return to the Festival with a poetry writing and postcard design workshop.
Thursday 21 September 2023 - 12pm to 1.30pm              
Ticket: £10

Chef and restaurateur, Emily Scott, is passionate about food and loves nothing more than bringing people together around a table. Her book is filled with stories from her life beside the sea, and her favourite recipes that reflect the ebbs and flow of daily life.

In conversation with Jo Rees, editorial director Salt Media

Thursday 21 September 2023 - 12.15pm to 1.15pm
Ticket: £12 includes treats

Helen Czerski explores what the ocean does, why it works, and the many ways it has influenced animals, weather and human history and culture.
Thursday 21 September 2023 - 2pm to 3pm
Ticket: £12

Award-winning performance poet, Jonathan Mason, will guide participants through a range of activities designed to lift the written words off the page and into the hearts and minds of the audience.
Thursday 21 September 2023 - 2pm to 3.30pm 
Ticket: £10

Leading historian Sarah Gristwood reveals the way courtly love made and marred the Tudor dynasty. From Henry VIII declaring himself as the ‘loyal and most assured servant’ of Anne Boleyn to the poems lavished on Elizabeth I by her suitors, the Tudors re-enacted the roles of devoted lovers and capricious mistresses first laid out in the romances of medieval literature, but now with life-and-death consequences for the protagonists. In her illuminating talk Sarah will dissect the codes of love, desire and power, unveiling obsessions that have shaped the history of this nation. 

This event replaces the one advertised in the brochure with Alison Weir who unfortunately has had to withdraw due to personal reasons.

Thursday 21 September 2023 - 3.45pm-4.45pm       
Ticket: £12

 

The masterclass will be a panel discussion led by Phil Parker of Artmakers alongside Olli Tooley, Editor and owner of Blue Poppy Publishing, Mark King, Editor and publisher of The Point Croyde and Deborah Last, artist and creator of 365.
Thursday 21 September 2023 - 4pm to 5.30pm 
Ticket: £8

Historian James Holland takes a fresh look at the crucial first months of the Italian campaign in WWII, explaining why it took place, the wider context in which it was fought and the constraints and prime issues affecting both sides.
Thursday 21 September 2023 - 5.30pm-6.30pm     
Ticket: £12
 

Award-winning wine and drinks writer and broadcaster, Susy Atkins, who is also a Devon resident, will host an evening of wine tasting dedicated to the wines of Spain.
Thursday 21 September 2023 - 5.45pm to 7.15pm (SOLD OUT)   
Ticket: £25 includes wine & nibbles

Gavin Esler sheds light on a culture of lies, mistrust and corruption in core institutions. An urgent and timely exploration of a British political system in peril and what we must do to save it.

In conversation with Nick Harvey

Thursday 21 September 2023 - 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Ticket: £15
 

A chance to dip your creative toes into "The Arts" and become part of the Festival Fringe. Join us for improvisation, comedy, poetry and performance with Michael Hunter, Jonathan Mason, plus special guests.

Please note that due to the unforeseen closure of the Social Club this event will now be held at the Community Hall. A bar serving alcohol and soft drinks will be available - cash or card payment.

Thursday 21 September 2023 - 7.30pm to 10pm
Ticket: £5

Local wildlife expert, Martin Unwin, will take you on a delightful walk to discover the exciting bird life that can be found along the Appledore coastline. 
Monday 18th September 2023 - 9.00am to 10.30am (New date added) (Starts at the Lifeboat Station and finishes at Skern)
Friday 22 September 2023 – 9.30am to 11am (SOLD OUT) (Starts and finishes at the Lifeboat Station)
Sunday 24 September 2023 - 11.30am to 1pm (SOLD OUT) (Starts and finishes at the Lifeboat Station)
Ticket: £8

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

The New Atlantic Wave Art Exhibition returns to the Festival, after its very successful first year. Come to see works by over 30 local artists and makers - everything from seascapes to abstracts. 

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 (excluding Thursday 21 September)
From 10am until 30 mins after each day’s last event in St Mary’s Church or Hall

FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Learn the process and techniques for pen & ink and pen & wash illustration, in this 2-hour introductory workshop, with Rosie Burns.

Friday 22 September 2023 - 10.30am to 12.30pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £35, plus £10 on the day for materials

Dr Kennedy explores the startling intimacy of our relationship with germs and shows how they have been responsible for some of the seismic revolutions of the past 50,000 years.
Friday 22 September 2023 - 10.45am-11.45am    
Ticket: £12
 

A history walk focussed on West Appledore or ‘Irsha’ as it is known locally. Appledore expert David Carter will delve into the history of this ancient street.
Friday 22 September 2023 – 11.30am to 1pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £8

Catherine Ashton the EU’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security (2009 to 2014), lifts the lid on modern-day diplomacy, offering crucial insight into contemporary international relations.

Friday 22 September 2023 - 12.30pm to 1.30pm            
Ticket: £12
 

Experience the visual wonder of art and illustration, with the storytelling craft and character of prose text. The panel will include experts of the genre: Karrie Fransman, John Hurford and Dave McKean. Since publishing our print brochure, the Festival has opted to offer this event free of charge to full-time students, in the interests of inclusivity and accessibility. This remains a ticketed event due to limited capacity, therefore please register for tickets as usual. There will also be an opportunity to make voluntary donations toward Festival costs on the day.  
Friday 22 September 2023 – 2pm to 3.30pm
Ticket: Adult £12  /  Full-time Student FREE (ticket required, please book)

Award-winning wine and drinks writer and broadcaster, Susy Atkins, who is also a Devon resident, will host an afternoon of wine tasting dedicated to the wines of Chile.
Friday 22 September 2023 - 2pm to 3.30pm       
Ticket: £25 includes wine & nibbles

International bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith is one of our most prolific and best-loved authors. He will be speaking about the appeal of Mma Ramotswe, his life as a writer, and his latest collection of poetry, dedicated to love and kindness, I Think of You.

In conversation with Naomi Dymond

Friday 22 September 2023 - 2.15pm-3.15pm                            
Ticket: £12
 

Be inspired by the intrepid, brave and trailblazing women who are breaking down barriers, smashing records and challenging stereotypes, as Louise Minchin, much-loved TV presenter, journalist, author and athlete, shares their incredible stories.

Friday 22 September 2023 – 4pm to 5pm
Ticket: £12
 

International bestselling crime writer Val McDermid makes a welcome return to the Festival to discuss her latest pulse-racing thriller, 1989, the second story featuring journalist Allie Burns.

Friday 22 September 2023 - 5.45pm-6.45pm        
Ticket: £15
 

Join artist and illustrator, Clare Willcocks, to paint a local scene in watercolour, with a complimentary glass of wine.
Friday 22 September 2023 - 6pm to 8.15pm       
Ticket: £25

Join us for an entertaining evening with football legend Martin O’Neill as he talks about his life. One of the game’s most respected and astute voices, we are delighted to welcome him to Appledore.  An event not to be missed!

In conversation with Andy Cooper

Friday 22 September 2023 – 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Ticket: £15
 

Let Terry Bailey guide you through Appledore’s winding lanes, alleys and churchyards with their stories of haunting and unexplained happenings.
Tuesday 19 September 2023 – 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday 20 September 2023 - 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Friday 22 September 2023 - 8.30pm to 10pm (SOLD OUT)
Ticket: £8

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

The New Atlantic Wave Art Exhibition returns to the Festival, after its very successful first year. Come to see works by over 30 local artists and makers - everything from seascapes to abstracts. 

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 (excluding Thursday 21 September)
From 10am until 30 mins after each day’s last event in St Mary’s Church or Hall

FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Join artist and designer Sharon Gale from QUIETBRITISHACCENT (QbA) for a mixed media workshop creating artworks from antique book pages.  All materials provided.
Saturday 23 September 2023 - 10am to 12pm
Ticket: £30

Local historian David Carter hosts a guided walk which will be of interest to anyone who wants to know more about Appledore’s past.  

Sunday 17 September 2023 – 10am to 11.30am (SOLD OUT)

NEW DATE ADDED:
Saturday 23 September 2023 - 10am to 11.30am

Ticket: £8
 

Join Ben Hoare for a walk of discovery as he takes you on a short walk along the coast to find some of nature’s treasures - accompanied by local expert, Martin Unwin. He will show you how to look out for signs of local wildlife, reveal fascinating facts about our natural world, and encourage young minds to explore, uncover and learn about the world around us. Suitable for everyone aged 5+.
Saturday 23 September 2023 - 10.30am to 11.30am
Ticket: £4 per person (all children must be accompanied by an adult please)

In her witty and thought-provoking book Alice Sherwood argues that although our counterfeit culture is shaped by powerful forces of evolution, economics, and technology, it’s not too late to fight back and reclaim reality. You’ll never think about deception and reality in the same way again. Includes a discussion of Artificial Intelligence and its increasing presence in our lives.

Saturday 23 September 2023 - 10.45am to 11.45am
Ticket: £12
 

Come and meet some of the talented authors we have in North Devon, who are known collectively as Literary Fusion.

Participating authors:
Glenda Barnett, Hector Christie, Marcia Clayton, James Dalby, Richard Dee, Clare Finday, Four Sirens Press, Rosie Godfrey, Triona Harris, Ninette Hartley, Nicola Hedges, Johanna Jackson, N.Joy, Chloe Lake, Jan Mazzoni, Gail Morris, J.D Mortain, John Padbury, Jonathan Posner, Elizabeth Revill, Richard Small, Chris Taylor, Frances Thompson, David Watkins, Dawn Westcott, Joseph Witchall

Saturday 23 September 2023 – 11am to 5pm
FREE entry – no ticket required

Join us for the annual festival crabbing competition. Using only line and bait (no nets), your team has one hour to catch your three largest crabs. Meet on the quay opposite Johns of Appledore.

Saturday 23 September 2023 - 11.30am to 12.30pm
£4 per team (not a ticketed event – pay in person on the day)

Author and illustrator Brendan Kearney will read from his latest story featuring Finn and his dog, Skip. This charming tale introduces young children to the problems of pollution in our seas and the importance of recycling. Ideal for children aged 5 and under. 

Saturday 23 September 2023 - 12noon to 12.45pm
FREE entry – no ticket required
 

Immerse yourself in a full afternoon clay workshop with world leading ceramic artist and local resident, Sandy Brown.  

Monday 18 September 2023 – 12pm to 5pm
Thursday 21 September 2023 – 12pm to 5pm

Ticket: £75

Join Luke Harding, an award-winning foreign correspondent with the Guardian, with stories from the ground during the build-up and early months of war. Author of Mafia State and co-author of WikiLeaks: Inside Julian Assange's War on Secrecy, and The Snowden Files.

Kindly sponsored by the Pickwell Foundation

Saturday 23 September 2023 - 12.30pm-1.30pm      
Ticket: £12

Academy award-winning illustrator, Alan Lee, will give us a rare insight into his work on the books and films of J R R Tolkien, including the latest posthumously published novel, The Fall of Númenor.  

Saturday 23 September 2023 - 2.15pm to 3.15pm
Ticket: £12

Sunday Times bestselling authors S J Parris and Charles Cumming discuss our eternal fascination with spies and espionage, and their latest thrilling novels. Two nail-biting narratives that keep the reader gripped to the end.

Saturday 23 September 2023 - 4pm to 5pm
Ticket: £12

BAFTA award winning actress and TV writer, Ruth Jones, co-creator of BBC One’s Gavin and Stacey in which she played the incorrigible Nessa Jenkins, joins us to talk about her extraordinary career and her latest bestselling novel, Love Untold. 

Kindly sponsored by Braddicks Holidays.

23rd September 2023 - 6pm-7pm
Ticket: £15

We are pleased to introduce an Appledore Art Trail – featuring other artists and makers on that are tucked away in the heart of the village of Appledore.  Featuring the Appledore Gallery, Appledore Craft Co. and the Sandy Brown Museum & Gallery.

Saturday 16 through Sunday 24 September 2023 - From 10am daily 
FREE entry – no ticket required