Why not bring a picnic and make a day of it – if the weather allows! You may meet a striking character or two and there’s another chance to see Jones and Barnard’s hilarious Variety Spectacular if you missed it in Bideford.
On and around the beach, we are hosting a handful of creative activities that encourage people to stop, tune in to themselves and the beautiful place around us.
Find out more below, with a full schedule at the bottom of the page.
Westward Ho Promenade and Beach, EX39 1LL
12pm-4pm, with beach art created from 9am
Parking – Westward Ho Main Carpark, accessed from Golf Links Road
Find details of what’s on, in alphabetical order…
Beach Art Creation by Beach 4 Art
Since 2021, this local family of four have been creating intricate beach art projects, inspired by the beautiful nature on their doorstep. We are very happy to collaborate with them for Stepping Out!
Join them on the beach, close to the slipway, to create a unique piece of art by positioning found materials and marking the sand in a simple but increasingly complex design. You may find the experience quite meditative…
And when it is done, you can watch the sea wash it all away!
Please Note – the beach is often hard to access as storms can move boulders and wash the sand away from the slipway. As such, this activity is likely to be inaccessible for people in mobility vehicles. However the developing artwork can be viewed from the prom while enjoying an ice cream!
Duration: 9am – 3pm
Artists: Ieva and Dzintars Slare
Handpan and Djembe Drumming with Djembe North Devon
The djembe is a goblet-shaped drum is traditionally carved from a single piece of hardwood and topped with an animal skin – and is one of West Africa’s best known instruments. According to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes from the saying ‘Anke djé, anke bé’ which translates as, ‘Everyone gather together in peace.’
Handpans are often used for meditation and sound therapy. The frequency of the soft sounds emitted by the handpan sends signals to our brain that it is safe to relax and to let go of stress and tension.
Djembe North Devon provide authentic, interactive drumming workshops and performances. Sit back and listen to the professionals play and join a drum circles to feel the energy and rhythm of African drumming while learning and connecting with others.
No previous experience necessary. Whatever your age, you’re welcome to join, learn, connect and have fun!
Performers and Facilitators: Natasha Vigille, Founder or Djembe North Devon and Daz from Steel Dimensions
The Mirrorball Men by The Vortexes
Our Mirrorball Men are literally just that, Human Mirrorballs! These roaming characters will amuse and startle. Put a light on them and watch them glow – while in the summer sunshine they are a picture to behold!
The Vortexes are highly experienced performers who love to dress up and we love to entertain. And as our neighbours from Bude, we’re delighted to welcome them!
Duration: 45 mins
Performers: Adrian South and Mark Tate
The Oystercatchers by Red Herring
The Estuary of the Torridge and Taw Rivers is an important habitat for wading birds and the Oystercatcher is one of the most characterful residents. Some live here all year round and others visit from northern climes during the winter in order to feast on the mudflats.
Meet a Red Herring Host at the Visitor’s Centre and they’ll help you to spot a pair of curious Oystercatchers, who have just arrived back from the Faroe Islands. Binoculars are available to spy on them as they set to work setting up home and going fishing.
To find out more about the Oystercatchers click HERE
Duration: 45 mins
Performers: Sarah Corbett and Kim Tilbrook
The Variety Spectacular by Jones and Barnard
Jones and Barnard started their careers on the cobblestones of Covent Garden 30 years ago, and have now made it all the way to the giddy heights of North Devon. Performing comedy variety shows over the world, they specialise in juggling and escapology.
Watch out for both flying objects and jokes that may soar well above your head. With fun and laughter at the forefront they are a great classic family street show.
Duration: 40 mins
Performers: Gareth Jones and Matt Barnard
Where the River meets the Sea hosted by Amanda McCormack
Visit the Northam Burrows Visitor’s Centre to find a fantastic exhibition of their memory magazines, selected photos and group poems displayed on them. All this work was created by Year 6 pupils from East-the-Water Primary School (classes of 2022). A slideshow captures some of the creative experience.
Then walk with us a short distance from the centre, to nestle into the dunes and listen to an atmospheric and characterful soundscape of their poems.
Creative Team:
Red Herring Producer / Facilitators: Kim Tilbrook & Fiona Fraser Smith
Poet, Facilitator, Photo Poems & Slideshow Creation: Amanda McCormack
Sound Artist, Facilitator and Sound Editor: Ed Jobling
‘Where the River Meets the Sea’ is supported by North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Lottery Heritage Fund project ‘Finding Nature’s Footprints’
To find out more about the project click HERE
Performance schedule
| 9pm-3pm | Beach4Art | Low Tide | Westward Ho! Beach | Activity not wheelchair accessible |
| 12pm | Handpan demonstration and circle | 1 hour | The Prom | |
| 12pm, 12.45pm, & 1.45pm | Where the River Meets the Sea Audio walk | 30 mins | Meet at the Prom and take a short walk to the beach | Wheelchair accessible version |
| 12pm & 1.15pm | Oystercatchers | 45 mins | The Beach | Visible from the Prom |
| 12.15 & 1.45pm | The Mirror Men | 45 mins | The Prom | |
| 12.30pm | Djembe demonstration and circle | 1 hour | The Beach | |
| 2.15pm | Variety Spectacular | 45 mins | The Prom | |
| 3pm | Djembe and Handpan demonstration and circle | 1 hour | The Prom |