Thanks DOCA: Devizes Winter Festival, this Autumn!

Photographs by Simon Folkard

Astronomical winter starts on the 22nd December, y’ know, but the Met Office uses a meteorological definition of seasons, making the first day of winter this coming Friday, the 1st of December. Either way I think we jinxed it, having a Winter Festival this November weekend in Devizes, as the climate sought to take heed and plummet the temperature to a very wintery -4; oh, my poor frosted milk-bottle collecting fingies!

Even I, one who would hibernate given half a chance, donned my beanie and thermal long Johns to turn out for this year’s lantern parade, light switching on, market thingy in the Market Place of ol’ D-town, and what a smashing evening was had by the multitudes who gathered there.

Yeah, I know, I cry for diversity in our local entertainment and encourage those who challenge the norms, but on some, particularly this occasion, things are best left to tradition. An event systematically built over the years in which little really changes because it doesn’t need to, Winter Festival in Devizes is that family occasion which screams Christmas to you, with the clout of Noddy Holder annunciating through a megaphone. Like it or not, it signifies Yuletide better than a billion shopping trips to B&M for cheap plastic decorations; even I, Uncle Scrooge, cannot deny it’s that season once more!

Bar humbug, DOCA, and the many small businesses knocked it out of the park, or should I say Market Place once again, in providing a little taste of winter wonderland. With sleigh bells ringing, we were listening, in the Brittox snow was very nearly glistening, a beautiful sight, we were happy last night. Not that I’m able to scribe a review in a similar manner to a gig. It is what it is, what it is brings a smile to every face. and you cannot argue with smiles. See this then more as documentation of the occasion with a footnote thanking all who volunteered to stage this impressive show: I saw Santa, thanks DOCA!

With Young Farmers pimping their tractors in lights and tinsel, raring to set off on December 17th, to the enlightening parade of lanterns, and from hot rum toddies served at the Muck, to the aromas of the food stands, to Soupchick busy at the helm, craft fair in the Corn Exchange and projections on the facade of the Shambles, it was a spectacle to behold while Devizes Town Band blessed the Market Place with seasonal anthems.

And that’s about it, really, a communal and hospitable gathering with an ambience of goodwill you cannot fault, need not improve, and annually marking the beginning of Christmas. Even a repeat of Home Alone or Die Hard on the telebox wouldn’t hold me back; bit nippy though, innit?!

• 
  Bath Celebrates Ninety Year Anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie’s Stay
  May 1936, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I stood with his exiled family on Paddington Station. Before being advised to flee Ethiopia, so he could address … Continue reading “Bath Celebrates Ninety Year Anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie’s Stay”
• 
  Book Review: Dave McKenna’s Death Wish
  It was back in March last year when I last mentioned Devizes author Dave McKenna, reviewing his debut, The Killer & The Catalyst. He’s returned with … Continue reading “Book Review: Dave McKenna’s Death Wish”
• 
  Facebook User Prays to Jesus to Burn Down Devizes Over Convenience Store Opening!
  Another day at the office for Newsquest reporter Jamie Singleton. He reports on a new convenience store at the corner of St John’s Street in … Continue reading “Facebook User Prays to Jesus to Burn Down Devizes Over Convenience Store Opening!”
• 
  My Reflection on the Fate of Carnivals
  It’s Saturday morning on the 13th July 1985, and there’s a dilemma brewing in my household I’m indifferent with. I’m twelve, aware I should do … Continue reading “My Reflection on the Fate of Carnivals”
• 
  Trowbridge (Folk) Festival – Greenhill Fields, Southwick, 24th to 26th July 2026
  By Andy Fawthrop Folk Me! – Another Great Local Music Festival You don’t necessarily need a long pedigree to stage a successful music festival, but … Continue reading “Trowbridge (Folk) Festival – Greenhill Fields, Southwick, 24th to 26th July 2026”
• 
  Stop the Buses! North-East Somerset Reform Hate The “Woke” Bus Ticket Price Cap!
  In In 1981 John Sullivan created a deadpan simpleton character for his sitcom, Only Fools and Horses. Immortalised by the late Roger Lloyd-Pack, Trigger would … Continue reading “Stop the Buses! North-East Somerset Reform Hate The “Woke” Bus Ticket Price Cap!”
• 
  Oh The Deep; Sarah Tarry’s New EP & Launch in Devizes
  After near-on ten years at this, I assume Devizine has pretty much discovered all the local talent, when suddenly someone off our radar pops up … Continue reading “Oh The Deep; Sarah Tarry’s New EP & Launch in Devizes”
• 
  Full Throttle For The Sixth Devizes Scooter Rally
  Featured Image: ©Gail Foster At least I think it was the sixth Devizes Scooter Rally; after three weekends spent at a sunkissed Lower Park Farm … Continue reading “Full Throttle For The Sixth Devizes Scooter Rally”
• 
  Thorn in Conservative Wiltshire Councillors’ Side; The Munster Show Must Go On!
  Sheez, I go away for five minutes and look what happens. Devizes Facebookland turns into the Ok Corral! Seems I must interrupt my lovely mountaineering … Continue reading “Thorn in Conservative Wiltshire Councillors’ Side; The Munster Show Must Go On!”
• 
  Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Devizes welcomes its first female Town Crier
  By Charlotte Emily Devizes Town Crier There are some moments when history feels less like something written in books and more like something happening right … Continue reading “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Devizes welcomes its first female Town Crier”