South Devon's The Shops at Dartington continues to be a year round destination for both shopping and entertainment.  A hub of activity and events, plans for the year at this buzzing, contemporary retail village in the picturesque setting of Dartington, include an Easter Fair, the much loved and greatly anticipated Food Fair, a highly popular Apple and Cider Weekend and, of course, festive celebrations at the Christmas Fair too.  In addition, there are summer sales, a chocolate week in the recently revamped The Food Shop and spooky events planned for Halloween.

Listed below are highlights of events taking place during the year.  For further information on these events visit www.dartington.org/shops and, whilst online, also have a look at www.shopsatdartington.co.uk where you can buy a carefully chosen 'edited' selection of 'best picks' from The Shops at Dartington's 14 spectacular on-site shops.  With home delivery and convenient 'click and collect' services available, it's now easier than ever before to browse and purchase from The Shops at Dartington's stunning collections.  For up to date news and offers follow @Shopdartington on Twitter and 'Like' on Facebook.

Dates for your diary

Easter Fair and The Food Shop one year on (5th - 6th April)

During the entire Easter break The Food Shop will be celebrating its first birthday with food tastings from Devon producers taking place every day.  Throughout Easter Sunday and Easter Monday there will be family fun with music, Easter egg hunts, a bouncy castle, craft stalls and an exciting Easter hamper prize draw.

The Shops at Dartington Food Fair (24th – 25th May)

Celebrating the best of Devon's incredible produce and held in association with Food & Drink Devon, it's the 5th anniversary of this very popular event.  To celebrate there will be forty food and drink producers, cookery workshops and new for 2015, a pop-up restaurant on Saturday 23rd May with renowned chef Jane Baxter at the helm.  During the weekend there'll be fun for the whole family with local food heroes, workshops, Alice in Wonderland inspired children's activities and competitions to enter.  Entry to the fair is free, with car parking £2 per car for the whole day!

Summer Sale (starting 20th June) 

Grab yourself a bargain with The Shops at Dartington's summer sale, starting 20th June. 

Apple and Cider Weekend (26th – 27th September)

This celebration of Devon's much loved tipple will see an apple press, regional food and drink producers and local crafts people visiting The Shops at Dartington.  For those in need of refreshment, the pop-up cider bar will be serving The Shops at Dartington's two organic Devon ciders. 

Chocolate week in 'The Food Shop' (12th - 16th October)

Temptation awaits in 'The Food Shop' - chocolate as a health benefit anyone?

Halloween Week (26th – 31st October)

Prepare to be spooked at The Shops at Dartington with their varied programme of themed activities.   

Christmas Fair (19th – 20th December)

Bursting with Christmas festivities, The Shops at Dartington is certain to bring joy to all with their magical Christmas Fair.  Throughout the weekend visitors can enjoy mulled cider and tasty mince pies, seasonal food and drink and browse local Devon craftsmen and women's stalls as well as The Shops at Dartington's enchanting 14 on-site shops.

Commenting on the events taking place in 2015, managing director of The Shops at Dartington, Barbara King says: “We have seen the popularity of our planned events grow and are now getting visitors from around the county and even further afield coming to Dartington for them.  There's a real buzz about Devon and its produce at the moment, and we're excited to be a part of that.  It makes a big difference to me personally too to see how we are helping the local economy.”  Barbara continues: “If you haven't already visited this part of South Devon, plan a trip for 2015 and discover for yourself the wealth of delicious produce whilst experiencing some of the most beautiful countryside the UK has to offer.” 

Dartington has a unique selection of shops to explore during your visit.  Browse the exquisite craft and pottery collections, stylish women's and men's fashion, homeware and unusual gifts and furnishings and relax in the two on-site cafés, The Venus Company and Cranks, which serve delicious, handmade dishes. 

The Shops at Dartington is owned by the Dartington Hall Trust, an independent charitable organisation, trading ethically and sustainably as a social enterprise in order to help support the Trust's activities in Social Justice, Sustainability and the Arts. 

ENDS -

Notes to editor:

Barbara King, Managing Director of The Shops at Dartington sits on Food & Drink Devon's board of directors.  Founded with the aim of representing like-minded businesses dedicated to producing food and drink of the very highest quality, Food & Drink Devon works tirelessly to increase the county's profile, as well as championing its producers. 

For further information, photography or an interview with Barbara King please contact:

Hayley Reynolds at RAW PR and Marketing - hayley@rawprandmarketing.co.uk;

Tel: 01548 550 429; Mobile: 07887 474 104; Twitter: @HayleyJReynolds; @RawSW