Devon’s new town of Sherford has become the destination for a series of events and workshops, catering for all the family and open to anyone to attend. Having recently launched with a free pumpkin carving activity for kids, a packed programme has now been unveiled for the months ahead. 

The upcoming events offer something for everybody, with a blend of free seasonal arts and crafts activities for children and families, alongside a series of bookable workshops for adults to learn new skills from local artists and makers. Bookings are now open, spaces are limited and expected to prove popular.  

Designed to celebrate local talent, one of the forthcoming workshops will be hosted by a business that could not be any more ‘local’. Candles of Sherford is based in the town and run by residents Yani and David. They began their business during lockdown and have created a range of handcrafted scented candles, diffusers and wax melts inspired by the local area, including fragrances named after and influenced by Wembury Beach, Bovisand Beach and several Sherford scents.  

Sharing their skills and expertise, Yani and David will be running a candle making class, guiding guests through the process of making a candle to take home with them. Taking place at the end of November, there will be a glass of festive fizz, the opportunity to craft a Christmas gift, and buy handmade presents. As with all of the activities coming up, all materials and tuition are provided. 

New destination for events  

The creative sessions have been developed to showcase what’s on offer in the new town of Sherford, open to those visiting Sherford for the first time, members of the wider local community, and Sherford residents. The pop-up event space is located within the Linden Homes sales complex on Hercules Road. With a huge glass front and high ceilings, this is light, open and modern setting in which to try something exciting and new. 

The programme also provides opportunities to learn new skills from the area’s leading artisans and make items to take home. From painting and printing, to creating bird boxes and glass ornaments, workshop attendees can come along, meet new people, and leave with new skills and something to show from the experience. 

Peter Sadler, Managing Director of Vistry Cornwall South West, part of the Sherford Consortium, said: “Sherford is a growing town that is already proving a great place to live. We want to make sure it is an interesting and inspiring place to visit and spend time in too. In opening up this event space and creating a programme of exciting experiences, we hope this provides more reasons to visit Sherford and discover what this new town has to offer.” 

Dates for the diary 

Here is the current events programme and more events will follow in early 2025: 

Creative Club: 

• Saturday 7 December, 10am-2pm 

Christmas Craft 

A fun, free and festive activity for families. Drop in, get creative, and enjoy Christmas crafting. The session will involve making winter themed crafts to take home. Booking advised to ensure enough materials are available: book here 

• Saturday 15 March, 10am-2pm 

Spring Crafts  

Children are invited to enjoy another seasonal arts and craft session at Sherford, with all materials supplied and plenty of inspiration to create a masterpiece! Bookings will open in early 2025. 

Sherford Sessions: 

• 13 November, 6.30-9pm 

Paint & Create: a wooden bird house with artist Jayne Ashenbury 

Guests are invited to unleash their creativity to create a unique piece of art to take home or give as a gift. Using acrylic paint and wooden bird boxes, renowned local artist – Jayne Ashenbury – will help you develop a design and paint it step by step. All materials and light refreshments provided. Tickets are £30 and can be booked here 

• 23 November, 10am-1pm 

Print your own Christmas cards, gift wrap, bags & tags with Debby Mason. Discover the joy of Gelli plate printing with the talented local artist, Debby Mason. This creative and quick workshop is perfect for making your own unique cards, gift wrap, bags, and tags, an environmentally friendly alternative to your Christmas wrap this year. A starter pack of materials are supplied. Tickets are £15 and can be booked here. 

• 24 November, 3-5pm 

Christmas calligraphy guided session with Wild Sea Calligraphy 

Learn the basics of the modern calligraphy alphabet and festive phrases under the tuition of Lyndsey, a professional calligrapher, tutor and author. You will receive a calligraphy kit which includes pen, nibs, ink bottle and guide sheets. Tea and cake will be served during the session. Tickets are £40 and can be booked here. 

• 30 November, 2-3.30pm 

Candle making class with local Sherford business, Candles of Sherford 

Join Sherford residents and thriving local business, Candles of Sherford, for a masterclass in how to create your own signature scent. Yani and David will guide you through the steps, from the best wax to building a fragrance, to help you craft a candle to take home. Enjoy a glass of Christmas cheer during the afternoon. Tickets are £28 and can be booked here. 

• 5 December, 7-9pm 

Handmade watercolour bookmarks & Christmas tags with Jayne Ashenbury 

Paint tiny pictures and larger patterns that can be crafted into bookmarks and present tags, creating unique Christmas gifts for friends and family. Artist Jayne Ashenbury will supply watercolour paper and glass dipping pens to enable you to illustrate your designs in a riot of festive colours. Refreshments will be provided. Tickets are £25 and can be booked here.  

• 15 February, 10am–12.30pm 

Create a fused glass sun-catcher with Sheena of Papercutzglass designs 

Create your own unique designs on three sun-catchers. Accomplished glass artist, Sheena, will have all of the materials and tools at the ready to walk you through the process. Your designs will be taken away from the session, fired and return a week later. Tickets are £35, email Sheena to book a place: hallybonesheena@gmail.com 

For more information, future event listings, and booking links, visit www.sherford.uk/news or follow @DestinationSherford on Facebook.