While living in Exeter in the 1990s I heard about an event that takes place on November 5th every year in Sticklepath on the northern edge of Dartmoor. It involves a theatrical performance, followed by fireworks, finally the stage itself is on fire in a macabre, yet fascinating spectacle. Eventually the entire stage is engulfed in flames.
In 2005 we moved quite close to Sticklepath and it has since become an annual pilgrimage that fascinates every generation in our family.
The evening for us begins in the Devonshire Inn. The garden path leads directly to the performance area and starts at 7.30 prompt. It’s a shame it is dark, as the setting itself is very beautiful.
The site is at the back of the old Finch Foundry – a fascinating place where you can see the workings of this old industrial building that produced hand forged tools. The area is bordered by the River Taw (of Tarka the Otter fame) and beyond the ancient woodland of Skaigh.
Back to the evening. The place at night has an age-old feel, you could be at some medieval gathering. There are traders selling hot food, glow in the dark tubes for the kids and as 7.30pm approaches the audience begin to find their vantage points and the show begins.
This year the title is Dangerous Intent. Guy will get up to his usual dastardly antics, assisted and repelled in turns by the other characters of the cast. It is magnificent, haunting and hilarious! But the end for Guy is inescapable.
As the unfortunate Guy meets the flames, the fireworks begin. It’s a full blown show of huge and brilliant lights of every description, and very loud bangs!
As the display reaches its climax, those in the know will have one eye on the fireworks and the other on the stage, to see the first signs of smoke and flames from deep within the set. Soon the whole stage is engulfed and as the audience draw neared, the stewards begin to draw them back as the heat builds in intensity. On a cold but clear Dartmoor evening, there’s nothing quite like it.
For all information on this year’s show go to Stickepath Fireshow site
Come and enjoy Devon – book a hotel and get away!
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