Bideford Town Council

29/10/2026

🐭 BREAKING NEWS FROM BIDEFORD!

With just ONE MONTH TO GO until Bideford’s Christmas Lights Switch-On, we can reveal that two very special visitors are on their way to The Quay!

Meet our SINGING CHRISTMAS MICE!

They’re bringing their songbooks, their squeaky conversations and a generous helping of Christmas cheer. Expect carols, cheeky antics and perhaps even a little cheese along the way! 🧀

We’re just hoping they steer clear of the Christmas Dog Show as these two mice are rather appealing. We wouldn’t want them mistaken for Christmas presents!

🎄 Sunday 29 November 2026
📍 The Quay, Bideford
🎉 Free event | Free entertainment | Free parking

Who’s bringing the family to meet our newest festive arrivals?

Find out more at bideford-tc.gov.uk and follow us on Facebook for updates.

27/10/2026

🎄 Bideford is getting ready for Christmas!

We all know the struggle of untangling a single string of Christmas lights at home… so imagine the job of installing an entire town’s festive displays!

Since 2004, DS Electrical have been the proud providers and installers of Bideford’s Christmas lights, and the work is now getting underway. It takes several weeks to get everything in place, from strings of icicle lights and hanging lanterns to twinkling white lights wrapped around individual branches and tree trunks, plus our artificial Christmas trees.

It’s a huge job that takes skill, hard work and plenty of patience from the team.

Our all-white lights are admired by residents and visitors alike, creating a beautiful sight against the night sky.

✨ And the lights are just part of the fun!

Join us for the Bideford Christmas Lights Switch-On on Sunday 29 November at 2:30pm on Bideford Quay.

💡 Lights switch-on at 5.30pm
🎉 Free entertainment and festive attractions
🅿️ Free parking

Who’s looking forward to seeing Bideford sparkle?

26/10/2026

🐾 Calling all Bideford dogs! It’s time to get festive! 🎄

Does your dog have the best Christmas jumper? The waggiest tail? Or simply the confidence to steal the show? 🐶

K9 Focus is bringing a Christmas Fun Dog Show to Bideford’s Christmas Lights Switch On on Sunday 29 November – and we want to see plenty of four-legged friends joining in!

Get the family together, dress your dog in their festive best and come along for some Christmas fun. There could be a prize for your pooch, plenty of photo opportunities and lots of tails wagging!

📍 Bideford Quay
📅 Sunday 29 November
🎄 Part of Bideford’s FREE Christmas Lights Switch On, with free entertainment and free parking.

Who’s bringing their dog? And what will they be wearing? Tell us in the comments – we want to see those festive hounds! 🐕

26/10/2026

23/10/2026

🎄 BIDEFORD, IT’S TIME TO SPARKLE! ✨

Just over a month to go! Have you started making plans for Bideford’s Christmas Lights Switch-On?

Join us on Sunday 29 November for a festive afternoon and evening on Bideford Quay, with entertainment, attractions, music, Christmas treats and surprises for all ages.

🎉 FREE ENTRANCE
🎤 FREE ENTERTAINMENT
🅿️ FREE PARKING

Bring the family, meet up with friends and enjoy the festive atmosphere as we get ready to light up Bideford for Christmas!

🕑 2pm–7.30pm
💡 Lights switch-on at 5.30pm
📍 Bideford Quay

Who are you bringing along? Tag your family and friends, share the post and get your Christmas plans underway!

Follow Bideford Town Council on Facebook for updates.

23/10/2026

BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL GRANTS 2027/2028

Could your organisation benefit from a grant?

Bideford Town Council is inviting applications for its 2027/2028 grants programme, supporting organisations whose work benefits the people of Bideford.

To be eligible, organisations must be based in Bideford or have a significant number of Bideford residents and demonstrate how their work benefits people living in the town.

Application deadline: Monday 11 January 2027

Application forms and further information are available at https://www.bideford-tc.gov.uk/your-council/grant-applications-and-awards/ or by emailing [email protected].

Grants will be paid in April 2027.

In 2026, Bideford Town Council was pleased to support the following organisations through its grants programme:

1st Woolsery Scout Group
Abbotsham and Alwington Preschool
Bid & Dist Cty Archive
Bideford Bike Show
Bideford Amateur Boxing Club
Bideford Gardeners Club
Bideford Keyboard and Organ Club
Bideford Library
Bideford Littleham and Westward Ho! Cricket Club
Bideford Massed Pipes and Drums
Bideford Phoenix Morris
Bideford Pride
Bideford Railway Heritage Centre
Bideford Rotary
Bideford Rugby Club
Bideford Youth Pipe Band
Burton at Bideford
Citizens' Advice Bureau
Christians Against Poverty
Bideford Town Band
SWEMS CIC
Surviving Abuse Northern Devon CIC (SAND)
Soap Box Derby
St Mary's Hall
SW Heritage Trust (North Devon Record Office)
Tarka Child Contact Centre
Torridge Growing Together CIC
TTVS Torridge Voluntary Services
Yoga Community Project
Torridge Male Voice Choir
North Devon Display Gymnastic Club
BARC
Bideford Music Club
Bideford Twinning Association
Bideford OAP No. 1 Branch
Bideford AFC Women
Next Steps Tutors CIC
Bideford Regatta
Bideford Carnival
Up Close Theatre
Fresh Spring

Please share this post with local organisations that may wish to apply.

23/10/2026

22/10/26 17:45

Traffic Update - Torridge and Taw Bridges
Due to the forecast of strong winds, the A39 Torridge Bridge will be closed from 03:00 tomorrow morning and is expected to remain closed into Friday.

The A361 Taw Bridge will be closely monitored and may also be subject to closures or traffic restrictions, depending on observed wind speeds and conditions.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra journey time, and follow signed diversion routes and any instructions issued by the relevant authorities. SW

23/10/2026

⚠️ Weather warning: Storm Austen

Storm Austen is expected to bring severe weather over the next few days, so please take a few simple steps to stay safe and prepared:

🏡 secure loose items outside
📱 charge phones and other essential devices
🚗 check conditions before you travel, plan your route and look out for road closures or delays
🔦 keep a torch and essential supplies handy
🌊 if you live or work on the coast, take extra care during windy and stormy weather
👥 check in on anyone who is vulnerable or may need extra support

Please take care, plan ahead, and keep checking the latest advice and updates throughout the storm.

Met Office Devon Alert GWR

12/10/2026

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2026

Residents are warmly invited to join Bideford’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations as the town comes together to remember all those who served and sacrificed for our country.

9.55am – Chudleigh Fort War Memorial

The Mayor and Mayoress, accompanied by the Town Clerk, Piper and Reverend Prebendary Claire Rose-Casemore, will attend a service of remembrance. The Mayor will lay a wreath, the names of Bidefordians who lost their lives in both World Wars will be read, and the Piper will play a lament.

10.30am – The Parade will assemble near Victoria Park, by the Rugby Club entrance and Sure Start.

Approximately 10.50am – War Memorial, beside Burton Art Gallery and Museum

The Mayor and Civic Party will join representatives of the armed forces, veterans, uniformed organisations and community groups for the main Remembrance Service, followed by wreath-laying and the parade.

Following the service
The parade will proceed to St Mary’s Parish Church for a short service, before continuing to The Pill for dismissal.

Residents are welcome to attend and pay their respects at these important commemorations.

Lest we forget.