Bideford Town Council

04/06/2026

The Bideford Maintenance Team were out from 6am this morning, installing 40 tiered planters across the town. After last week's sunshine, the flowers are looking absolutely spectacular.

Despite strong winds and torrential rain, the team worked hard to get them all in place. We hope everyone enjoys the colourful displays as they continue to brighten Bideford throughout the season.
Thank you to the Bideford Maintenance Team for your hard work in such challenging weather conditions!

04/06/2026

HAPPY DEVON DAY!

Thursday 4 June 2026

Today, on St Petrock's Day, we celebrate everything that makes Devon such a special place to call home.

From the rugged beauty of Dartmoor to our stunning coastline, Devon is blessed with remarkable landscapes, rich history and strong communities. It is a county shaped by centuries of tradition and a deep connection to the land and sea.

Here in North Devon, we're fortunate to have Bideford at its heart. With its historic Long Bridge, maritime heritage, bustling quayside and strong independent character, Bideford is quintessentially Devon.

Devon Day is an opportunity to celebrate not only our beautiful county, but also the people who make it what it is — the volunteers, business owners, farmers, fishermen, community groups and neighbours who help keep Devon thriving.

And, of course, Devon Day is also a chance to celebrate some of our most treasured traditions. Not least the fact that a proper cream tea is served with cream first and jam second. We won't dwell on alternative approaches—after all, this is a day for celebration, not controversy!

So wherever you are today, take a moment to appreciate this wonderful county and everything that makes it unique.

Happy Devon Day! 💚🤍🖤

04/06/2026

Bideford Police Report For The Month of May 2026

What has been happening in your area?

During the month of May 2026, officers covering the Bideford catchment area, responded to 358 logs.

This number is up 2% from the same period in 2025 including, but not limited to:

54 Public safety and Welfare
32 Domestic related incident
21 Missing Persons
40 Reports of Violence
4 Criminal Damage
18 Reports of ASB
27 Highway disruptions/Road Offences (Not including speeding or RTC)
13 RTC
6 Sudden Deaths

A large proportion of police incidents are not crime related. Of those which were, some investigations can be progressed through out of court disposals such as Community Resolution, Individuals being reported, or by voluntary interview.

As well as responding to the 358 logs, officers also worked on file building for court, taking witness and victim statements, foot and vehicle patrols, booking in evidence, surveillance, executing warrants, attending court, attending training courses and inputting intelligence onto the system.

03/06/2026

Nominations are now open!
Visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.com for further details on how to nominate!

This is a great opportunity for all Bideford shop owners to become nationally recognised and be featured in Small Business Saturday UK's Small Biz 100 campaign for 2026.
Nominations are open from May 31st 2026, so you can put yourself forward, or nominate a neighbour whose business you love.
This is a great way to promote your own or your friends business, and help spotlight Bideford too.
For further information head to smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

02/06/2026

At the edge of the River Torridge at Bideford Quay in Devon stands the statue of Tarka the Otter, the star of Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson.

Unveiled in 2017, the bronze sculpture by local artist Rowan Fawdon marks a key point along the Tarka Trail, the 180-mile walking and cycling route that follows Tarka’s journey through the landscapes of North Devon. The plaque bears a line from the story:

“Tarka passed under the ancient Long Bridge which the monks built across their ford …”

This year, Bideford Town Council celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Town’s twinning with Landivisiau. To commemorate the occasion, we have proud presented a replica bronze of Tarka the Otter, created by local artist Rowan Fawdon.

We feel this is a particularly fitting gift, as Tarka is one of Bideford’s most beloved and enduring symbols, representing the Town’s rich literary heritage, its connection to the River Torridge, and the natural beauty of North Devon. As a figure associated with journeys, friendship, and shared landscapes, Tarka also reflects the lasting bond and cultural friendship between Bideford and Landivisiau that has flourished over the past fifty years.

We hope that this beautiful bronze sculpture will be enjoyed by all who pass by, serving as a lasting reminder of the friendship between our two Towns for many years to come.

02/06/2026

Landivisiau welcomed the English delegation from Bideford at the weekend. Members of the Twinning Society and Councillor Peter Lawrence, Mayor of Bideford, attended events and exchanged gifts.

The French newspaper - Le Télégramme - covered the occasion. To read the article in French and English, please click on the link below.

https://www.bideford-tc.gov.uk/news/

01/06/2026

BIDEFORD BAKING COMPETITION

Entries are now open for our Baking Competition on Saturday 6 June in the Marquee!
Whether you're a keen home baker or a professional, we'd love to see your creations.

📋 Before you arrive:
• Complete an entry form and bring it with your bake.
• Please include a list of ingredients/allergens on the form.
• Present your entry on a disposable paper plate, cake board, tray or suitable serving plate as appropriate.
• Entry forms can be downloaded here:https://www.bideford-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/mayors_baking_competition_form.pdf

On arrival, please bring your bake and completed entry form to the Registration Desk in the Marquee, where you will be allocated an anonymous entry number.
💷 Entry Fees
• Amateur Baker: £1 per entry
• Professional Baker: £2 per entry
All proceeds will be donated to The Rainbo Music Trust.

🕥 Bake Drop-Off & Registration
Saturday 6 June
10:30am – 11:45am
⚠️ Entries close promptly at 11:45am.

🏆 Judging
Judging begins at 12 noon, and all entries will be judged anonymously. Please collect your bake after judging has concluded. Any uncollected items remaining after 2:00 pm will be disposed of.

🎖️ Prizes
Commemorative prizes will be awarded for:
• Best Amateur Entry in each category
• Best Professional Entry in each category
• Best Overall Amateur Baker
• Best Overall Professional Baker

We look forward to seeing a wonderful display of baking talent. Good luck to all our entrants!

01/06/2026

🍰🧁 BIDEFORD BAKING COMPETITION 🧁🍰
Entries are now open for our Baking Competition on Saturday 6 June in the Marquee!
Whether you're a keen home baker or a professional, we'd love to see your creations.

📋 Before you arrive:
• Complete an entry form and bring it with your bake.
• Please include a list of ingredients/allergens on the form.
• Present your entry on a disposable paper plate, cake board, tray or suitable serving plate as appropriate.
• Entry forms can be downloaded here:https://www.bideford-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/mayors_baking_competition_form.pdf

On arrival, please bring your bake and completed entry form to the Registration Desk in the Marquee, where you will be allocated an anonymous entry number.
💷 Entry Fees
• Amateur Baker: £1 per entry
• Professional Baker: £2 per entry
All proceeds will be donated to The Rainbo Music Trust.

🕥 Bake Drop-Off & Registration
Saturday 6 June
10:30am – 11:45am
⚠️ Entries close promptly at 11:45am.

🏆 Judging
Judging begins at 12 noon, and all entries will be judged anonymously. Please collect your bake after judging has concluded. Any uncollected items remaining after 2:00 pm will be disposed of.

🎖️ Prizes
Commemorative prizes will be awarded for:
• Best Amateur Entry in each category
• Best Professional Entry in each category
• Best Overall Amateur Baker
• Best Overall Professional Baker

We look forward to seeing a wonderful display of baking talent. Good luck to all our entrants!

01/06/2026

Notice of Road Closure for the Sheep Drive on Saturday 6th June. 10:00am - 10:30am
Bideford Fair and The Mayor’s Parade plus The Mayor’s Cream Tea Festival 2026

01/06/2026

WAVERLEY STEAMS INTO HER 80TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

WORLD'S LAST SEAGOING PADDLE STEAMER RETURNS TO THE BRISTOL CHANNEL

Waverley, the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has returned to North Devon and Somerset with the historic steamship set to offer cruises for a limited time only until Wednesday 17th June. Waverley is due to call at Clevedon, Ilfracombe, Minehead, Bideford, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare during her annual visit to the region.

Waverley's General Manager, Paul Semple, commented: "This year is particularly special as Waverley celebrates 80 years since her launch in 1946. Eight decades on, she continues to steam around the Great British coastline.

"While the cost of operating a historic ship continues to rise, including a 65% increase in fuel costs this season, Waverley remains very much in operation thanks to the tremendous support we receive from passengers, members, volunteers and supporters across the UK.

The best way people can help secure Waverley's future is by stepping aboard and enjoying a cruise, helping to ensure she can continue sailing for generations to come."

Waverley’s Master, Captain Bruce Clark, commented: “We are delighted to see Waverley return to the Bristol Channel for another series of spectacular coastal cruises over the next few weeks.

This year’s programme offers passengers the opportunity to experience some of the region’s most beautiful coastline from the decks of the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer. There is something for everyone, from relaxing afternoon and evening cruises to full day excursions across the Bristol Channel.”

Onboard Waverley passengers can savour the sight and sound of a real steamship - hear the telegraph ring, visit the Engine Room and watch the engine start to move and see the paddles turning through the portholes.

With full catering facilities available throughout all cruises- passengers can enjoy a hot or cold snack, tea and cake in the afternoon, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon or a refreshment in one of the period lounges, as well as a visit to the Souvenir Shop to take home an exclusive gift or memento of their trip on this famous and much-loved ship.

Waverley’s Bristol Channel sailings continue a proud tradition of unforgettable steamship travel.

Bookings are open with tickets available from waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the booking office on 0141 243 2224.