It's a West Country Thing - Autumn Events
The West Country is celebrated for its cultural traditions, strong community ties, and rich heritage, especially during autumn. This season is marked by harvest celebrations and folk customs that signal the approach of winter. Here, we highlight some of the region's cherished autumn traditions.
Traditional Cider Making
Cider making is a cornerstone of West Country culture and has been an integral part of the region for centuries. Today, local cider and apple juice producers maintain traditional methods, using heirloom apple varieties passed through generations.
Throughout autumn numerous apple festivals, orchard tours, and cider pressing demonstrations take place across the region. Notable orchards welcoming visitors include Burrow Hill Cider Farm, Sheppy Cider Farm, North Down Orchard, Perrys Cidery, Sandford Orchards, Grays Devon Cider, and Thatcher’s.
Carnival Displays
West Country carnivals have evolved from simple Guy Fawkes bonfires into elaborate celebrations featuring illuminated parades with costumed performers. These modern day carnivals are particularly famous in Somerset, with Bridgwater Carnival being the UK's oldest running carnival and one of Europe's largest illuminated events.
A highlight is the thrilling "squibbing" finale, which takes place in the streets, where hundreds of large fireworks are lit simultaneously whilst being held aloft on wooden poles, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Another spectacular event is the Tar Barrels held in Ottery St Mary, Devon. This is another local variant, and indeed the only kind of Guy Fawkes celebrations in the country during which full sized burning barrels of tar are carried through the streets on the shoulders of brave volunteer participants.
Bonfire Night & Firework Displays
While not exclusive to the West Country, bonfires and firework displays are staples of the autumn calendar. Attending these local events is a great way to discover new places, to foster community spirit and raise funds for local charities.
Markets & Fairs
The West Country is also synonymous with a variety of fairs and markets which often originated as vital commercial and agricutural events for trading livestock and selling produce.
Two historic market fairs that date back to Medieval times are Tavistock Goose Fair, held in the town of Tavistock, Devon and Pack Monday Fair held in Sherborne, Dorset. Both have evolved to encompass an array of trading stalls, fairground rides and attractions to suit all ages.
Halloween
Halloween historically marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. In more recent years it has become a hugely popular autumn tradition across the globe and carved pumpkin lanterns are now a popular fixture in many homes at Halloween.
Punkie Night
A little-known West Country version of Halloween is Punkie Night, celebrated in late October in the villages of Hinton St George and Chiselborough.
The origins are unclear but it is believed to have begun when wives from Hinton St George searched for their husbands who had become lost when returning from Chiselborough Fair. They wielded "Punkies," candle lanterns made from hollowed-out Mangolds or Manglewurzel, featuring carved faces to illuminate their paths. The Chiselborough fair was founded in 1257 and continued until the late 19th century, but the historic Punkie Night continues to be celebrated to this day.
These events represent just a glimpse of the vibrant autumn traditions, customs, and celebrations in the West Country. From cider production and spectacular carnivals to fireworks displays and village festivities, there is much to explore this autumn across the South West.
Take a look at our Area Guides to explore the pretty market towns, villages and coastal areas that we live and work in.
If you’d like to start your property journey this autumn, get in touch with your local office, or book a valuation online.
Traditional Cider Making
Cider making is a cornerstone of West Country culture and has been an integral part of the region for centuries. Today, local cider and apple juice producers maintain traditional methods, using heirloom apple varieties passed through generations.
Throughout autumn numerous apple festivals, orchard tours, and cider pressing demonstrations take place across the region. Notable orchards welcoming visitors include Burrow Hill Cider Farm, Sheppy Cider Farm, North Down Orchard, Perrys Cidery, Sandford Orchards, Grays Devon Cider, and Thatcher’s.
Carnival Displays
West Country carnivals have evolved from simple Guy Fawkes bonfires into elaborate celebrations featuring illuminated parades with costumed performers. These modern day carnivals are particularly famous in Somerset, with Bridgwater Carnival being the UK's oldest running carnival and one of Europe's largest illuminated events.
A highlight is the thrilling "squibbing" finale, which takes place in the streets, where hundreds of large fireworks are lit simultaneously whilst being held aloft on wooden poles, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Another spectacular event is the Tar Barrels held in Ottery St Mary, Devon. This is another local variant, and indeed the only kind of Guy Fawkes celebrations in the country during which full sized burning barrels of tar are carried through the streets on the shoulders of brave volunteer participants.
Bonfire Night & Firework Displays
While not exclusive to the West Country, bonfires and firework displays are staples of the autumn calendar. Attending these local events is a great way to discover new places, to foster community spirit and raise funds for local charities.
Markets & Fairs
The West Country is also synonymous with a variety of fairs and markets which often originated as vital commercial and agricutural events for trading livestock and selling produce.
Two historic market fairs that date back to Medieval times are Tavistock Goose Fair, held in the town of Tavistock, Devon and Pack Monday Fair held in Sherborne, Dorset. Both have evolved to encompass an array of trading stalls, fairground rides and attractions to suit all ages.
Halloween
Halloween historically marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. In more recent years it has become a hugely popular autumn tradition across the globe and carved pumpkin lanterns are now a popular fixture in many homes at Halloween.
Punkie Night
A little-known West Country version of Halloween is Punkie Night, celebrated in late October in the villages of Hinton St George and Chiselborough.
The origins are unclear but it is believed to have begun when wives from Hinton St George searched for their husbands who had become lost when returning from Chiselborough Fair. They wielded "Punkies," candle lanterns made from hollowed-out Mangolds or Manglewurzel, featuring carved faces to illuminate their paths. The Chiselborough fair was founded in 1257 and continued until the late 19th century, but the historic Punkie Night continues to be celebrated to this day.
These events represent just a glimpse of the vibrant autumn traditions, customs, and celebrations in the West Country. From cider production and spectacular carnivals to fireworks displays and village festivities, there is much to explore this autumn across the South West.
Take a look at our Area Guides to explore the pretty market towns, villages and coastal areas that we live and work in.
If you’d like to start your property journey this autumn, get in touch with your local office, or book a valuation online.