Held over 11 days from the third Wednesday in October, the Two Moors Festival was started back in 2001 in an attempt to breathe life back into the area which was devastated by the foot and mouth epidemic. Since then, the festival has gone from strength to strength and is now a highly regarded event supported by many classical music enthusiasts who attend at least one of the concerts every year. The festival patron is HRH The Countess of Wessex.
Top musicians at the Two Moors Festival
The Two Moors Festival always receives rave reviews for several reasons. The music on offer is obviously first class as some of the most talented musicians from around the world descend on Devon for this event but what really makes it stand out are the venues where these musicians are invited to play.
As an example, how about the waiting room at Tiverton Parkway railway station which featured in a previous festival, or in one of the stunning churches which are scattered around Dartmoor such as The Loft in St George's Church at Dunster, for example.
Dartmoor is a lovely place to visit at any time but the Two Moors Festival brings an added touch of magic to the area. You don't necessarily need to be a classical music lover to be totally engrossed by everything that the festival has to offer.
You need to request a brochure from the Two Moors Festival website to discover the actual program. Past concerts have included traditional chamber music, Tabla playing by Sanju Sahai in Filleigh Village Hall; Percussion by O Duo who have also performed at the Proms and with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and a narrated performance of Babar the Elephant with piano accompaniment by the children of North Molton Primary School, just to give you an idea of the festival's diversity.
Music, walks and more
The Two Moors Festival also offers the opportunities to go on guided walks with a musical accompaniment and there is usually organised story telling in one of the local pubs to add to the variety. As you can see, the Two Moors Festival is much more than a normal music festival as the local community is so passionate about it.
There are various pricing options for the concerts with some of them being free to attend, although the free tickets do get booked up very quickly. Call the Box Office on 01643 831006 to book your seats in plenty of time.
Enjoying Dartmoor as part of the Two Moors Festival
If you are attending one or more of the concerts there are some fantastic places to eat in and around Dartmoor, with the Rugglestone Inn at Widecombe On The Moor being most definitely worth a mention.
Named as one of the UK's best unspoilt pubs it is just like stepping back in time as you walk through the front door. Don't expect fancy cordon bleu dining but you will get good honest fayre with the added attraction of the pub being in the middle of Dartmoor, thus conveniently close to many of the concerts in the Two Moors Festival.
As the festival lasts for 11 days, there are plenty of opportunities to find something that appeals and which is in your price range. Combine it all with a stay in a Devon cottage, the chance to visit some of the villages on Dartmoor, some scenic walks and a bite to eat. It's not hard to see why attending the Two Moors Festival could quite easily be described as the 'perfect day out'.
Are you someone who likes to visit a festival and take advantage of visiting some of the attractions that are situated in close proximity to the festival venue? Can any of these surroundings compare to the wonderful area of Dartmoor? We'd love you to share your experiences.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.