The day of the lighting of the Christmas lights and accompanying events in Ilfracombe is always an eagerly anticipated occasion but now that there is a new attraction in the town there is even more of a reason to pay a visit. Let's talk about the new visitor to the town before we go any further. She is called Verity and is in fact a 66 feet tall bronze model of a pregnant woman which has been erected in this North Devon seaside town.
A sight for sore eyes
There is much more to Verity than meets the eye though and when you discover that the person behind it all is the renowned artist Damien Hirst, it may not surprise you to find out that this particular creation is causing quite a stir amongst both the locals and tourists alike.
The reason is that Verity is not just a statue of a pregnant woman but because one side of her body is exposed to show her anatomy and the baby in her womb. It would be fair to say that on many occasions, when something a little out of the ordinary happens in one of these small seaside towns the locals seem to get their knickers in a twist without much reason, but anyone who has witnessed Verity in her full glory will admit to the sight being ever so slightly on the shocking side.
Time on your side
Damien Hirst has lent Verity to Ilfracombe for a period of twenty years. He has a home in the town as well as a restaurant so there isn't really any rush to see her, but what an ideal opportunity to pay her a visit whilst also enjoying the switching on of the Christmas lights and the candlelit procession that makes its way through the town centre.
The switching on of the lights in Ilfracombe usually takes place on the last Wednesday in November and it really does attract large crowds who are all keen to get into the mood for Christmas. Children from the local schools take part in a candle lit procession through the town and when the Christmas lights are switched on, the harbour area really does look quite stunning. Whether Verity will be lit up has not been made clear yet but she will no doubt be the centre of attention and offer a detour for visitors who usually just converge on the town to see the lights.
Time to relax
After the hustle and bustle of the switching on of the Christmas lights and the shock of seeing Verity you might feel like taking some time out and reflect on the evening. In that case there is a pub on the harbour which will be just the ticket. The Royal Britannia Hotel can be found right on the harbour. If you 're lucky enough to be able to grab a table right next to one of the windows you will be able to look out on the wonderful sight of the Christmas lights reflecting on to the water, smiling to yourself at the sometimes strange world in which we live in!
Damien Hirst has several of his works displayed around the country, do you have your own particular favourite?