Celebrating Devon Day: All you need to know
BBCDevon Day, also known as St Petroc's Day, is a national day of recognition celebrated on 4 June.
The annual celebration was initiated to encourage local county pride and to highlight its distinctive identity, landscapes, culture and heritage.
Communities across the county often come together to organise a mixture of local events and cultural activities.
The event is also seen as an opportunity to support tourism, local businesses and rural communities.
Why is it held on 4 June?
The date is linked to St Petroc, a 6th Century Celtic saint associated with Christianity across the South West.
In 2020, Devon County Council reviewed why the date - on St Petroc's Feast day - was chosen for the event.
Although he is one of the three patron saints for Cornwall and his major shrine is at St Petroc's Church in Bodmin, he was responsible for founding a number of churches and monasteries right across the county, the council said.
The Lord Lieutenant of Devon said several important churches and monasteries were founded around Barnstaple in north Devon, with the villages of Petrockstowe and Newton St Petroc named after him.
While the historical roots are centuries old, the modern version of Devon Day is fairly recent.
The authority said the idea for Devon Day began in 2014 when one of Visit Devon's directors, along with BBC Radio Devon, put forward the idea of having an official date in the calendar to celebrate the county.
Devon Day became official in 2016.
How to celebrate Devon Day
One of the most recognisable traditions is the raising of the Devon Flag - a green, black and white cross, sometimes referred to as St Petroc's flag.
The colours are thought to symbolise key parts of Devon's landscape, and the flag was officially adopted in 2003.
Devon Day events often include local fairs, farmers markets, heritage tours and historical reenactments.
Traditional music and entertainment also play a large role, with folk performances, Morris dancing and the reading of Devon poetry and dialect.
Food is a large part of the day too. Devon is known for its regional produce, and therefore many events showcase local cheeses, cider and cream teas.
Schools and community groups often take part, with lessons and activities focused on Devon's history, geography and folklore.
This year will see BBC Radio Devon visiting people and communities across the county.
Michael Chequer will be crossing the county from east to west and the radio station will follow his progress throughout the day.
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