Enjoy music, crafts, local produce and more at these much-loved festivals in Devon, we pick 13 of our favourites to visit in the county this year…
Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink
Hosted at two of Devon’s prettiest locations, Exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens, is the award-winning Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink on Friday 28th April to Monday 1st May. Take a long weekend and tuck into delicious food and drink while enjoying the excellent entertainment. The daytime festival finishes between 5 and 6pm but you’ll be glad to know that the ‘after dark’ festival kicks off soon after. This is recommended for those who love late nights and live music!
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Lord Mayor’s Festival, Plymouth
As the middle of spring approaches, so does the Lord Mayor’s festival, this year with a Sir Francis Chichester theme. Come and welcome the mayor into their new role at this programme-packed event with plenty to see, from a parade to fantastic street entertainment, all taking place on Saturday 27th May. Further celebrations will take place along Plymouth’s waterfront on Sunday 28th May.
The Contemporary Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey
This June, the quaint town of Bovey Tracey will be flowing with creativity as it welcomes The Contemporary Craft Festival with a showcase of the UK’s finest designers’ work. There will be delicious food, live music, workshops, demonstrations and child-friendly activities for all the family to enjoy during the weekend of 9th-11th June.
The popular annual event of The Mid Devon show will be taking place in the heart of Devon, Tiverton on Saturday 22nd July. This festival has it all; from shopping, tasty food, gardening exhibitions, fairground rides and much more, all to be enjoyed by you and your family this summer. Embrace the friendly atmosphere at The Mid Devon show and ensure you enjoy one of the many interesting faming demonstrations.
River Cottage Festival, Axminster
Spend your August bank holiday weekend at the River Cottage Festival where there will be dancing, foraging, music, food and much more. Enjoy foodie treats from an array of street food stalls and watch famous faces give demonstrations and take notes at their master classes.
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For all folk music fans, Sidmouth is the place to be from 4th to the 11th August. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with folk dancing, workshops, crafts and, of course, lots of tasty food and drink! There’s opportunity to meet the stars of the show or simply order drinks and dance along to live music with friends.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival
Devon’s literature lovers rejoice as the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is the perfect place to share you passion with the written word. Engage with talented figures from authors, broadcasters to astronomers and many more. The event will take place between the 13th and 17th September.
Another one for book lovers is the Appledore Book Festival, held from Friday 22nd September to Saturday 30th September at various venues throughout Appledore and Bideford. Sample the local produce and discover some interesting crafts alongside acquainting yourself with the international bestselling authors attending the event.
Plymouth Seafood Festival
Visit Plymouth between the 16th and 17th September for the city’s much-loved, annual two-day seafood event. Gather at the Cookery Theatre where you can pick up some culinary tips from regional and celebrity chefs. Soak in the smells of freshly caught seafood while you explore the array of local food and craft stalls.
Powderham Food Festival, Exeter
Situated in Kenton is the beautiful 14th century Powderham Castle, the perfect venue for a food festival with its surrounding gardens full of colourful floral displays. Bring family and friends to the event celebrating food from the South West on 7th and 8th October.
Or perhaps you’d prefer a music festival? Visit Powderham Castle on the month prior (1st-3rd September) for a lively weekend of music with a mixture of existing artists and emerging talent, from a range of genres, scheduled to perform.
Dartmouth’s autumn food festival returns on Friday 20th until 22nd October, with free entry and plenty of food and drink for you to try. There’s so much more than just food at this festival; expect chef demonstrations, a pop-up restaurant, drink seminars, competitions and a make-up master class with Ariane Poole.
Tar Barrel Rolling, Ottery St Mary
For Bonfire Night celebrations with a difference, head to Ottery St Mary on the 5th November. Brave participants will parade through the street holding huge flame tar barrels in front of a lively crowd!
Kingsbridge Food & Music Festival
Visit Kingsbridge this summer from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th June for three days of fantastic food and great entertainment on the picturesque quay. The town will be welcoming local foodie favourites such as Nepalese momos, Thai, Indian, ice cream, crepes and more mouth-watering treats alongside vegan stalls joining this year’s festival.
Keep the young ones entertained with the returning Kids Zone where children can enjoy a fancy dress disco, bouncy castle and sweet treats! Live entertainment will be provided by local talent from a range of genres so there will be something for everyone this year – an unforgettable weekend!
