WHAT’S ON Arts, culture a bit of Christmas magic

WHAT’S ON 13 November Onwards

Powderham Castle will be all lit up

EXHIBITIONS

Until 20 November

AMANDA POPHAM ANNUAL SHOW (ONLINE) Steam Gallery is hosting works from Internationally acclaimed British earthenware sculptor Amanda Popham. Expect a vibrant collection of 60 pieces which are poignant, challenging, amusing, thought provoking and with a greater colour intensity. Steam Gallery; www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

Until 11 December

REFLECTIONS 2020 (ONLINE) The arts charity is dedicated to advancing the creation and appreciation of art in the local area and, as such, always has exhibitions and events popping up in Devon. Reflections 2020 is a huge online exhibition whereby artists have been invited to enter 2D and 3D work that reflects their own experience, interpretation and observations of the impact of the pandemic. Guest judges include renowned artists Rosa Sepple PRI, Anthony Frost and Joseph Hillier. Southwest Academy; www.southwestacademy.org.uk

Until 24 December

PRESENT MAKERS 2020 (ONLINE) Celebrating the best of South West-based craft and design, this exhibition will see all manner of beautiful glass, wood, paper, textiles, prints, ceramics, furniture and jewellery. A great event to pick up your Christmas pressies. Thelma Hulbert Gallery; www.thelmahulbert.com

11-13 December

WINTER DESIGN FAIR BY CADD EVENTS Local designers from Exeter and surrounding areas will be showcasing and selling their creations; expect everything from furniture to ceramics, jewellery and painting. The Walronds, Fore Street, Cullompton; Instagram: @CADD_EVENTS

PERFORMANCES

9 December-9 January

TREASURE ISLAND This festive season join awardwinning funny men Le Navet Bete (The Three Musketeers: A Comedy Adventure, Dracula: The Bloody Truth) as they play out Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale as you’ve never seen it before. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

CHRISTMAS IN EXETER

3 – 31 December

CHRISTMAS AT PRINCESSHAY This year the shopping area will have a special Exeter Chiefs trading post where you can celebrate their recent joyous successes. There will also be a Charity Christmas Tree festival on Roman Walk, a new Giving Hub and the twinkliest and magical of lights. Princesshay, 9 Catherine Street, Exeter; www.princesshay.co.uk

Until 24 December

CHRISTMAS AT COTLEY FARM Down at the farm they’ve got a new Nativity barn, undercover area for takeaway teas, coffees, and cake, as well as a new baby reindeer that was born earlier in the year. As usual, there is plenty of festive family fun to be enjoying whilst also choosing your perfect Christmas tree.

They are also running late night openings on Thursdays and Fridays until 8pm, as well as some festive events on Saturday evenings, to ensure as many people can visit throughout the weeks. Cotley Farm also has an online shop selling their Christmas trees, locally produced turkeys, a selection of foodie

above: Guardian Angel by Jenni Watters MiroslavSuper will be at the Winter Design Fair left: Amanda Popham’s Waiting for the Fun to Start will be exhibiting at The Steam Gallery below: Treasure Island at The Northcott

hampers and other essentials for your tree. There is an easy click and collect option from their site or delivery to local areas if you cannot get out to visit them this year. Check website for opening times and to book your slot. Cotley Farm, Whimple, Exeter; www.cotleychristmas.co.uk

Until 31 December

CHRISTMAS AT POWDERHAM CASTLE Every Thursday to Sunday until 20 December the team will be hosting a pop up restaurant in their stunning music room and libraries.

They’ll also be carols, crafts and the chance to meet Father Christmas and his elves. For those who have made it on to the nice list this year there’s early gifts too! The Christmas Barn has been so filled with presents you’ll need to navigate through the maze to find the Christmas Tree and North Pole Post Box. Don’t miss the spectacular light trail and show too , running until New Year’s Eve (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day), where you can explore the castle grounds. Powderham Castle, Exeter: www.powderham.co.uk n

LIBRARY LIFE EMILY MACAULAY shares the latest from Exeter Library

There is a lot written about the role of art at times of crisis. There is a lot written about the role of activism too. In Exeter Library now we have a bit of both.

As you enter the main entrance you will be greeted by Omar, The Boy Giant. A sand sculpture inspired by author Michael Morpurgo’s book of the same name. It is huge. And well worth a photo. Not least because if you then tweet that photo, tag @exeterlibrary and use the hashtag #boygiantexeter you can win a signed (by the author) copy of the book or a £10 book voucher!

We also have an engaging display of some books from our Special Collections. These are rare and historical books that are not available for public use without an appointment. The theme of the current exhibition is Art Around The World and China, India, Mongolia, Australia, Ireland, Romania are all represented, and more. Pop up to our Quiet Area during opening hours (10am – 5pm Monday – Michael Morpurgo and The Boy Giant Saturday and 12noon – 4pm Sundays) to have a look.

If you didn’t get a chance to see the RAMM’s pop up exhibition of their ‘Lockdown Legends’ when we had it in October you haven’t missed out. Our three pillars are going to St Thomas Library and Pinhoe Library for the whole of November so there’s still a chance to go and read about the inspiring stories from our great city during lockdown. Don’t forget to check opening hours on the Devon Libraries website (www.devonlibraries.org.uk) before visiting.

We are also pleased to be hosting a fringe display for the British Library in London’s “Unfinished Business: The Fight For Women’s Rights” exhibition. Comprising of information pillars you can browse these on the ground floor of the library and learn more about how feminist activism in the UK has its roots in the complex history of women’s rights. For more: www.exeter.ac.uk