Heanton Punchardon

The inaugural Edward Capern Festival took place on Devon Day in Heanton Punchardon

Success of debut Edward Capern Festival and 'Postman Poet' competition

Devon’s first Edward Capern Festival honouring the ‘Postman Poet of North Devon’ looks set to become an annual event in the village of Heanton Punchardon, following its successful launch on Devon Day (Thursday, 4 June 2026).

The two-day festival, sponsored by Devon CPRE, the charity that works to protect and celebrate Devon’s countryside, resulted in a sell-out first night of poetry...

Flyer image for the festival

Devon CPRE sponsors new festival to celebrate 'Devonshire's Robbie Burns'

The charity that campaigns to protect and celebrate Devon’s countryside is sponsoring the first Edward Capern Festival, taking place on Devon Day (Thursday, 4 June) in Heanton Punchardon to honour the ‘Postman Poet of North Devon’, also known as ‘Devonshire’s Robbie Burns’ or ‘Devon’s Bard’.

Edward Capern (1819 - 1894) composed a wealth of poems and songs about the Devon countryside...

The church at Heanton Punchardon will host the Edward Capern Festival on Devon Day, 4 June 2026

Edward Capern Festival and Poetry Competition

Heanton Punchardon Residents Association and St Augustine’s Church proudly present the Edward Capern Festival 2026

Two days of activities (4-5 June) to celebrate this local literary hero, including a new poetry competition for citizen poets

A new annual event to honour the ‘Postman Poet of North Devon’, also known as ‘Devonshire’s Robbie Burns’ or ‘Devon’s Bard’.

Edward Capern (1819 - 1894) composed a wealth of poems and songs about the Devon countryside while going about his job delivering the mail to far-flung villages. He became famous...