NOVEMBER is the time of year when the historic, fishing village of Clovelly, North Devon,celebrates its annual Herring Festival, which is held to promote these tasty, nutritious Silver Darlings and support carefully managed fishing. 

The village once depended on the harvest of herring, which are caught in superb condition for a short season off its coast. Records go back over 400 years and in 1749, there were a hundred herring boats in the port. When fishing was good, 9000 herring could be landed at one time.

Those days of massive catches are long gone and there remain just two herring fishermen who still employ sustainable fishing methods using drift nets and long lines.

Maritime historian and writer, Mike Smylie, will be there with his “Kipperland” exhibition, which is devoted to the history of the herring. He will also be turning herring into delicate-tasting kippers and bloaters in his smokehouse. There'll also be net making, flax processing and a curragh on show provided by 'Flaxland'

Quay kitchens will be serving a variety of delicious herring specialities with chef demonstrations, beer tastings and local food and craft stalls.

Traditional shanty music and sea songs will be provided by Flash Jack, Tavy Tars and Rakes Adrift. Other attractions include stilted fishwives, a photo exhibition of Clovelly herring fishing, and the North Devon A.O.N.B.'s event-themed childrens craft activities.