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Relax in Bude
Bude has plenty to offer those looking for events. With its friendly atmosphere and thriving local community, many events - delighting both visitors and residents - have been set up by the local organisations and those living here over the years. Here we would like to mention the best-known ones, but there are many, many more. If you would like to find out what is going on where, it is always worth checking our events calendar on www.visitbude.info, where we publish any event of which we were advised. It is also always worth popping into the Tourist Information Centre, where we hold both a list of major events throughout the year, as well as those for the upcoming week.
Battle of Stamford Hill, May the 16th 1643
Each year, the re-enactment of the Battle of Stamford Hill excites both residents and visitors to the area. Members of the Sealed Knot Society keep the traditions of the English Civil War alive by re-enacting many of the major battles across the UK and honouring the fallen of those battles by laying wreaths at memorials. The re-enactment of the Battle of Stamford Hill is no exception.
Let's take a step back into history. In the mid 16th century Britain was largely divided into the Royalists, those supporting King Charles, and the Parliamentarians, those advocating the rights of Parliament. Initially, Cornwall was firmly committed to the Royalists. However, it seemed that the tide would turn, when a large Roundhead Army under the command of the Earl of Stamford crossed the Tamar and barricaded himself on a hill close to Stratton. This hill now bears his name - Stamford Hill. With him he brought 5,400 infantry, 200 horse, 13 cannons and a great mortar.
The Royalist leaders, Sir Ralph Hopton and Sir Bevil Grenville (owner of Stowe Barton at Duckpool), resolved to launch an attack with only 2,400 foot soldiers and 500 horsemen, being outnumbered 2 to 1. The battle began on the morning of Tuesday, the 16th of May and for nearly 10 hours the fight moved to and fro. By late afternoon, the Parliamentarians had expended all their ammunition - the moment for which the Royalists had been greedily waiting. Trusting to cold steel and iron resolve, they started marching into the Parliamentarian lines, and lo and behold, the Parliamentarians wavered. Victory was clinched by Sir Richard Grenville, whose wing scaled the summit, driving Stamford's men before them. The Parliamentarians fled, leaving 300 dead and 1,700 prisoners. For the moment, Cornwall was secured for King Charles, with an additional booty of 13 cannon, plenty of provisions, weapons, gunpowder and ammunition.
The Bude Jazz Festival
Every year, in the last week of August, New Orleans comes to Bude! Enjoy one of the finest & biggest Jazz-Festivals in the UK, with 166 Jazz Gigs organised in just under 20 venues. 2007 is a big anniversary, with the 20th Festival taking place from the 25th of August until the 1st of September. You can find out more about the Jazz Festival on www.budejazzfestival.co.uk, or by ringing them on 01288 - 356360.
The Bude Modern Arts & Music Festival
Enjoy a week of local modern art & sculpture showcased at the Parkhouse Centre as well as some of the finest musical experiences, with the highlight of Proms in the Park in July.
Local Flower, Folklore and Revel Festivals
Every year the ancient Revels are held to celebrate the local Saint's good works. With plenty of traditional entertainment (Morris Dancers), music, local foods and real ales, they are an ode to the good old days and steeped in historic rites & rituals. In our area we celebrate the Poundstock Revel and Morwenstow Patronal Festival, the Poughill Revel, Marhamchurch Revel and Week St. Mary Scarecrow Festival, and last, but not least, the Week St. Mary Revel. We also have several Flower Shows held in the area every year.
Bude Carnival
The Bude Carnival dates from 1920 when it was held on Thursday, 2nd December. The tradition continued until 1938, when the outbreak of war stopped everything in its tracks. It was started again in 1946 and has since been taking place every year, usually on the third Saturday of August. With a new theme every year, it excites and inspires the young and old, coming up with the most fantastic bandwagon displays. The money collected on the day is donated to local charities and organisations.
Bude RNLI Lifeboat Day
With its proud lifeboat history, Bude celebrates the Lifeboat Day to the fullest. A fantastic day full of activities, music, good food & ales, and a fantastic fireworks display to crown the evening!
Sports Events
If you enjoy watching or taking part in sporting events, you'll be pleased to hear that there are quite a few taking place in Bude every year! We have the Shoreline Surf Spectacular, the Shoreline Triathlon, the Skate Classic, the British Junior Surfing Championships and British Quadrathlon Championships and the Bude Surf Classic, all happening every year, and no matter whether you will be taking part or coming to watch, we're sure you'll enjoy it!
