Ilfracombe postings

Town Council By-Election on June 4^th

Three seats have opened up (due to resignations) on the Ilfracombe Town Council for the West Ward.  The election to fill all three seats will take place on Thursday, June 4^th.  There are 6 people standing for those three seats, including the Green Party candidate Nicola Jenner.

Nicola is an excellent candidate who will serve as a knowledgeable and conscientious advocate representing all the constituents from this ward. She has been an engaged member of the community for several years and appreciates the needs, and the unique character and strengths of this community. 

Please be sure to vote on June 4^th and cast one of your three votes for Nicola.  She will work hard to better our community and environment!

Community Groups and Activities

As we welcome the coming of warmer weather (finally!), this is the time to support, and participate with, comunity groups and activities centered around Ilfracombe.

North Devon Baby Bank

As you may have noticed on the High Street, there is a new addition to the shops – the North Devon Baby Bank. As stated on their site “…we receive pre-loved children’s clothing, bedding, toys and equipment 0-5 years and gift these to families in need of them, aiming to reduce the impact of poverty upon children”.  You can learn more about this group and how you can help and/or benefit from their work by checking out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2042025416192311, or Instagram page at: https://www.instagram.com/northdevonbabybank/

Ilfracombe Market 10 am – 4 pm; May 25 – August 27.

This harbour side market takes place every Monday (weather permitting) and will restart for the summer on May 25 . Support and be an active part of our community by sampling the offerings of local businesses and artisans, and enjoy the family friendly events.  You can keep up with news and updates on the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ilfracombemarket/

BANK – Ilfracombe’s dedicated creative space.

At this site, you can learn from, and participate in, “(a) curated space built for making, experimenting, and slowing things down”, and enjoy learning from “(w)orkshops, pop-ups, events, talks and makers’ socials, plus an ever-changing mix of work you won’t see everywhere else.” Sample events coming up include a ‘makers’ social, a workshop on Botanical Shadow Drawing and a session on learning to make sauerkraut. To learn more about the site and events, go to: https://bankilfracombe.square.site/. To see schedule of upcoming workshops, go to: https://bankilfracombe.square.site/shop/events-workshops/OK44T5TSKB5LZRREUSLHRHJ7

Upcoming Events

Ilfracombe Beer Fest: May 22 – 23. 12 pm – 11 pm.

As stated on the “Visit Ilfracombe” website: “Join Ilfracombe Roundtable over the May bank holiday weekend for fun in the sun, all raising money for local charities and good causes. Four days of live music, stunning street food, family fun… Oh, and over 60 local ales and ciders! There’s bouncy fun to keep the little ones entertained and awesome street food vendors cooking up a storm, with food available from The Landmark Theatre all weekend too.” You can view more information on their website at: https://www.ilfracombebeerandmusicfest.co.uk/

Waverly Paddle Steamer

The Waverly is back and offering several trips launched from Ilfracombe in the coming weeks.  The last seagoing paddle steamer, the Waverly offers day, afternoon and evening cruises to places such as Padstow, Penarth, Woody Bay and Lundy Island. See more information on the website at: https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/welcome-aboard-waverley/

The schedule of excursions leaving from Ilfracombe can be found at: https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bristol-Channel-South-West-Wales-2026-Timetable.pdf

Waverley paddle steamer, Herbythyme, CC SA 2

Ilfracombe Coast Week  May 30 – June 7, 2026 10 am – 5 pm

This is a great opportunity chance to celebrate Ilfracombe’s history, nature and community. There will be events sharing local maritime history, exploring the beauties of our surrounding nature, showcasing local art and lots of good food.  You can check out this website out find out more details: https://www.facebook.com/VISITilfracombe/photos/-save-the-date-ilfracombe-coast-week-saturday-30-may-sunday-7-juneget-ready-for-/1708238280520878/

Ilfracombe Shanty Festival June 27 – 28

This exciting inaugural event (organized by Scuttlebutt Shanty) will be “(t)wo days of sea shanties and revelry, with shanty crews travelling from all over the UK to perform at this brand new Festival, being hosted in venues around Ilfracombe. This will be a feast for the eyes and ears with beautiful melodies and songs of the sea!”.  To find updates and specific details, go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ilfracombeshantyfestival2026

Saturday Night At Sea,” by George Cruikshank (d. 1878).

Enjoy the coming day and weeks of summer and support these community activities!