AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY - THINGS TO DO

The weather forecast at the moment is (fingers crossed, touch wood)...good...for the bank holiday weekend, so we thought that you might fancy a trip out of the house to join in some of the fun that will be entertaining people on this bumper long weekend. We have searched far and wide to find a few things on offer this weekend. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find quite as much as we had hoped for, so have added a few suggestions of some alternative unorganised fun.

Bank Holiday Stock Racing

First up we have found an event we can personally vouch for here at ExeterList. On Monday 25 August you can make the short trip to Smeatharpe oval racing stadium between Honiton and Taunton (sat nav postcode EX14 9RF) for the traditional August Bank Holiday Monday meeting. This year the event features F2 Stock Cars, Bangerstox ( a contact motor sport, in cars under 1800cc), ministox (for youngsters) and the very exciting sounding Ramp Rollover Competition. The event kicks off at 1pm, and there is usually a pork and stuffing roll to be had from one of the food concessions to make it a really special day.
1pm. Admission Prices : Adult £10, Children £3, OAP £5, Family (2 adults + up to 4 children) £25. Smeatharpe Stadium.

Plymtree Country Fayre

Take the car for the small journey beyond the Exeter city walls to the little village of Plymtree. Experience the traditional village fayre plus much more. Bar, hog roast, ice creams, crafts, flower and produce show, face painting, bouncy slide, scarecrow competition, classic cars, teas, emu olympics, dog show, horse show, art exhibition, cake stall, brass band, fencing, surfboard experience, coconut shy, dog and ducks, dog agility and lots more.... 12 – 4pm. Plymtree Cricket Ground (EX15 2JU)

Bampton Open Day

A fund raising day for local groups and charities, lots of events planned for the day so far including: Bampton 10km Trail Run, Car Boot Sale, Dog Show, Craft Stalls, Local Producers, Open Gardens, Classic Car Display, Duck Race, Wine Tasting, Book stalls, Fete, Cream Teas & the infamous Teddy Bear Parachuting! .
Contact Lucie Moore 01398 332011 for general information. 9am – evening. Bampton.

Punch and Judy

Enjoy a great performance of Punch & Judy in the garden for all the family at Killerton.
Normal admission. 2pm. Killerton

Worldbeat Bankholiday Weekend Festival

If however you fancy spending your bank holiday with a fuzzy memory, a delicate head, and a plan to head out for a good roast, then you could spend your Sunday enjoying a bit of world culture at the Worldbeat Bankholiday Weekend Festival at Timepiece.
Featuring "The Weapons Of Sound" plus support DJs playing Latin, Salsa, Reggaeton, African, Arabic, Reggae.
Also with a BBQ in beer garden. £5. 9pm to 2am. Tiimepiece, Little Castle st, Exeter

But if none of these take your fancy what about:

Hosting the final bbq of the summer Plan it for Sunday and feel smug in the knowledge that the hangover you are creating on a ‘school night’ can be slept off like its a Sunday on Bank Holiday Monday.

Get round to your parents house and help out with ‘that’ DIY project that your dad has put off for months and months claiming ‘It’s not a 5 minute job you know!’. Offer your services in exchange for a good hearty home cooked meal.

Gather the kiddies, pack up a picnic and head to the moors With predicted good weather, why not walk to a nice river location, and whilst the kiddies paddle, relax with a glossy mag and a spot of luncheon (keeping a responsible parental eye out for any potential drowning scenarios though).

Go camping With many festivals being less than luxurious due to monsoon season replacing summer, why not pack up the car with duvets, battery operated fairy lights, a little radio for musical entertainment, non stick saucepans and a back seat full of food and fine dining – and head to a camping place where the car can sit just beside the tent. Enjoy the nature bit of camping, but with a few more touches of home.

And finally, never ones to shun a cliché - head to the DIY store (with nearly everywhere having a summer sale, where they are literally throwing bargains at you), and get all ‘Sarah Beeny’ for the weekend, clearing clutter, getting fancy with the scatter cushions and creating a little oasis to be going on with. Finish with a dinner party for friends to include guided tours of the revamp (if they are really good friends they will reward your efforts with plenty of ‘ooh aren’t you clever, well done, its lovely’ type of comments).

So you needn’t spend a fortune this weekend, but be sure to enjoy this rare extra day. Try not to spend it worrying and stressing, or watching rubbish telly – catch up with friends and family, and try your best to gather something briliant for ‘show and tell’ on Tuesday in the office. Word of warning – the next Bank Holiday isn’t until Christmas, so don’t waste it!