Bideford Twinning Towns: Strengthening International Relations

Bideford is a historic market and port town in North Devon, home to approximately 19,000 people and is twinned with two other towns.

The Bideford “Twinning Towns” are Manteo in North Carolina, USA and Landivisiau in Brittany, France (yes Bideford greedy and has two twinned towns!).

Let’s find out more about these towns and why towns, partners or “twins” with each other.

Key Takeaways
Twinning is a practice that involves two towns or cities forming a partnership to promote cultural, economic, and social ties.
Bideford is twinned with two other towns, Manteo in North Carolina, USA, and Landivisiau in Brittany, France, to foster goodwill, understanding, and friendship between the towns.
The twinning relationships between Bideford and its twinned towns have resulted in visits providing opportunities for residents to experience and learn about different cultures and lifestyles.
The Bideford Twinning Association organizes a range of events and activities throughout the year, including cultural evenings, language exchanges, and fundraising events.
The twinning relationship between Bideford and Landivisiau has led to a range of exchanges over the years.
Bideford and Manteo have shared cultural and historical links dating back to the early 1600s when Sir Walter Raleigh first attempted to establish a permanent English settlement in the area.

How Do Twinning Towns Work?

Twinning is a practice that involves two towns or cities forming a partnership to promote cultural, economic, and social ties.

It enables residents of both towns to experience and learn about different cultures and lifestyles.

Bideford’s twinning relationships are aimed at fostering goodwill, understanding, and friendship between the towns.

Here is a video discussing twin towns or sister towns, how it all starts, and whether is it possible to break.

• The video discusses what are Twin Towns or Sister Cities.
• An agreement between two cities to promote culture, tourism, and business among their residents.
• The idea of twin towns started in Europe after the second world war.
• This helps to repair the damaged relationships between countries such as England, France, and Germany.
• Some of the towns opted to cut the relations and an example is the historic town of Bishops Stortford after 46 years.
• Twin Towns are often chosen for their similarities such as population sizes and geography.
• An agreement will be signed to establish the partnership.

History of Bideford Twin Towns

Bideford has been twinned with Landivisiau in France since 1976.

Landivisiau is a town in the Finistère department of Brittany, known for its traditional Breton festivals and its close proximity to the ferry port of Roscoff. 

The twinning between Bideford and Landivisiau has led to a range of exchanges over the years. This trip provides an opportunity to experience the French culture while renewing old friendships and also making new ones.

In addition to its partnership with Landivisiau, Bideford is also twinned with Manteo in North Carolina, USA.

Manteo is a small town on Roanoke Island, famous for being the site of the first English colony in America. 

The twinning between Bideford and Manteo was established in 1984 and has since facilitated exchanges between residents of the two towns, including a recent visit by the co-presidents of the Manteo Rotary Club.

Geographical Location and Cultural Difference

Manteo, the twinned town in the USA, is located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The town is named after the Croatoan Native American tribe. 

Manteo and Bideford have shared cultural and historical links dating back to the early 1600s when Sir Walter Raleigh, a famous explorer and writer, first attempted to establish a permanent English settlement in the area. 

The twinning relationship between the two towns was officially established in 1984.

Landivisiau, the twinned town in France, is a small town in the Finistère department of Brittany. It has a population of around 10,000 residents and is known for its agriculture and industrial activities. 

Bideford and Landivisiau have been twinned since 1976.

Physical evidence can be seen in different places such as charters, horse statues, the French pillar box outside the Burton Art Gallery and Museum, plaques in Victoria Park, and displays in the Pannier Market.

Activities/Events

The Bideford Twinning Towns program is facilitated by the Bideford Twinning Association, which is run by volunteers and funded by donations and membership fees. 

The association organizes a range of events and activities throughout the year, including cultural evenings, language exchanges, and fundraising events.

The cultural exchanges between Bideford and its twinned towns have resulted in visits providing opportunities for residents to experience and learn about different cultures and lifestyles.

In Landivisiau, they also have the following social events such as:

• Barbeque
• Wine Tasting Evenings
• Winter Party

No matter what weather it is in Manteo, there will always be something different to do and a reason to return. They organized concerts, art shows, and even nature programs. They also have:

• First Fridays
• Dare Day
• July 4th
• Virginia Dare’s Birthday,
• Halloween
• Christmas

And Finally

Bideford is twined with not just one other town but two! Landivisiau in Brittany, France, and Manteo in North Carolina, USA.

The purpose of twinning is to promote economic, cultural and social ties, and the twinning relationships have resulted in several cultural exchanges and other activities organised by the Bideford Twinning Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the frequently asked questions about twinning and Bideford.

Q: Where is Bideford twinned with?
A: Bideford is twinned with Landivisiau in France and Manteo in the United States.

Q: Is Bideford a town or village?
A: Bideford is a small town in North Devon, England.

Q: What do twinned towns mean?
A: Twinned towns refer to two cities or towns from different countries that have entered into an agreement to promote cultural and commercial ties, and to foster friendship and understanding between the two communities.

Q: Why are some towns twinned?
A: Towns are twinned for a variety of reasons, including cultural exchange, economic development, educational opportunities, and tourism.

Q: Is Bideford a good place to live?
A: Bideford is considered a great place to live, with its beautiful scenery, charming streets, and friendly community.

Q: Is Bideford worth visiting?
A: Yes, Bideford is worth visiting, especially for those interested in history, nature, and outdoor activities. It boasts numerous attractions, including museums, parks, beaches, and the Tarka Trail.