Halloween magic transforms Torrington and Bideford markets

05 Nov 2024, 10:47 by Lewis Clarke · DevonLive

There was plenty of spooky fun at Great Torrington and Bideford Pannier Market last weekend.

South West Event Management Solutions CIC, a not for profit organisations, dedicated to bringing events to the community, provided lots of fun with Halloween magic shows, pumpkin carving, dog shows, yucky dips and more.

Part of the funding for the Bideford event came from a grant awarded by Bideford Town Council, and Torrington’s activities were in part supported by a grant from the Commons Allotments Charity, organisers would like to thank both of these organisations.

Sam who organised this years Torrington event said: “It was a huge breach from my comfort zone, having always been quite shy, but after leaving it until I only had four days to prepare - I was too busy to be nervous and really enjoyed putting it all together.

“I'd never done anything like this and I couldn't have done it without the support and encouragement of Leighroy and Lucy, from Southwest Event Managements CIC. Lauren, one of our regular stallholders and spooky specialist, came up with some great suggestions - like the backdrops for photos, the witch hunt throughout the arcade. Lucy also had some great ideas - the yucky lucky dip, biscuit painting and the mummy masters competition. My friend Kelly was bursting with excitement and encouragement, which helped so much.

“Everything was free, with an option to donate - it really was about providing some fun activities for kids to do that they might otherwise not have access to. It was a gift that gave back and then some. Seeing all the kids getting stück in with all their smiles and silliness, was so rewarding. It was a great day with great feedback from all the parents. Fun was definitely had.”

Lucy from South West Event Management Solutions CIC said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Sam, the newest member of the team for an outstanding job old organising the Torrington Wicked Weekend event, the event was a huge success, the photos say it all! We started the event when we took the lease on the Market in 2022 and it is fantastic to see the event grow.”

Great Torrington Pannier Market is run by volunteers from South West Event Management Solutions CIC, the market lies at the heart of the Town and is a real gem, with a host of amazing shops in the markets arcade open six days a week, and regular markets on a Friday and Saturday. Applications from traders are welcomed - please contact Sam at s-duckworth@hotmail.com if you would like more information on joining our market community.

Bideford’s Halloween Market and Dog Show saw visitors entering the world of Harry Potter with specially created photo opportunities - with thanks to the fantastic Jolene Burgess of Raphaels Treatment Rooms in Mill Street, Bideford. Children, and adults, were able to take part in craft activities including pumpkin carving, and enjoy Dave Hendys fab-boo-lous Halloween Show - filled with Magic and laughter! The Dog Show was a hit - with dogs and owners getting into the spirit of things and creepin it creative.

The next events coming up from South West Event Management Solutions CIC are:

· Great Torrington Christmas Fair - Saturday 16th November 10-3pm (Great Torrington Pannier Market and Town Hall)

· Bideford Wedding Fair, Sunday 24th November 10-3pm (Bideford Pannier Market)

· Bideford Christmas Light Switch On - Sunday 1st December - 12-7pm (Bideford Quay)

· Bideford’s Christmas Market (part of Bideford’s Victorian Frost Fair) - Saturday 14th December 10-7pm (Bideford Pannier Market)

For more details check the website: https://southwesteventmanagementsolutionscic.co.uk

Bideford Pannier Market Halloween events (Credit : Graham Hobbs)