With summer almost here, Heidi-Charlotte Murray finds 10 Festivals in Devon that you can escape to.
Beautiful Days
Beautiful Days started in 2003 and is organised by the indie-rock band, The Levellers. This popular family music festival, which takes place at Escot Park in Devon from 21-23 August, boasts six stages, site art, a huge children’s area, comedy, theatre, family camping, licensed real ale bars from Otter Brewery & a great choice of food and craft stalls. After 12 years, it is one of the most popular festivals in the South West, so if you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity, announcements are soon to be made for this years line-up. Head over to the official Beautiful Days website right here
Hijacked Festival
The Hijacked Festival takes place in the beautiful rolling fields of Powderham Castle on 30 May and is dedicated to bringing some of the finest names from all across the UK dance spectrum down to the south-west. Despite only debuting last summer, Hijacked have had such sensational success that things just had to be kicked up a notch for the second year. Included in 2015’s line up are Artwork, Last Magpie and Benedict Jackson to name but a few. For all ticket information and travel, head over to their official website right here;
Somersault Festival
Somersault Festival, located in the magical Castle Hill, North Devon, It is true summer holiday experience packed full of music, adventures and the best of outdoor living. Running from 23-27 July, alternative circus and street theatre will meet international music stars such as Bombay Bicycle Club and the talented Laura Marling. Archery, falconry, yoga, survival camps and volleyball tournaments are also on the cards, making the scope of what’s on offer is truly vast. A must do activity for the summer, head over to the official website right here, for all information and enquiries;
Dart Music Festival
Dartmouth’s annual three-day music festival is back again for it’s 19th year. Running from 15-17 May and taking place at over 28 different venues, this little estuary town will be bursting with vitality, bringing you performances from Annika Skoogh, Brixham Ukelele Club Skoogh, and the Dartmouth Rock Choir amongst a host of others. This festival is a fantastic family activity and features such a wide range of music and activities that there is something for everybody. For all information, the official Dart website should be of great help and you can find it right here;
Oceanfest
Oceanfest is part of North Devon’s gold coast and is one of the longest running festivals in the area, celebrating its 16th birthday this coming summer. Taking place in Croyde, North Devon and running from 19-21 June, it is notorious for its surf attraction and eclectic mix of musical talent, seeing some of this year’s performances coming from Roots Manuva and Ghost Poet. Another real family experience and surrounded by the regions breathtaking beaches, it is advisable that you book your tickets as soon as possible for this one before it’s too late. All information and booking enquiries to be found on the official website just here, with more line up announcements coming soon;
Chagstock
The Boomtown Rats have described Chagstock as being ‘the most fun you can have with 5,000 people and a great rock band in a field, in the entire world.’ This non-profit festival kicks off in Chagford, Devon from 18-19 July with performances from New Model Army and the almighty Mad Dog Mcrea. It also boasts an action packed family area, perfect place to keep the kids busy with climbing walls, activity tents and even reptiles! For all information, head over to the official Chagstock website right here;
Lemonfest
Lemonfest is one of Devon’s shortest but sweetest festivals, packing in fairground attractions, street food, a bustling bar and some of the biggest names in music into only one day. This year’s stage will see the likes of The Subways and the fun loving Dub Pistols amongst a range of others. Waving its flag at the Newton Abbot racecourse on 30 May, there is also an opportunity to carry on the party into the small hours with onsite camping. All information can be found over on the official website right here;
Sidmouth folk festival
Sidmouth folk festival is part of an entire week of seaside celebrations, that incorporate music, dance and over 700 activities into the daily hustle and bustle of Sidmouths town centre. Running from 31 July to 9 August, the week promises to fill a much needed space in that summer holiday calendar with a variety of performances from outstanding acoustic trio Show Of Hands, as well as acapella group The Wilson Family. All information, enquiries and directions can be found on the official folk week website right here, with more performance announcements still to come;
Devon Dubfest
One of Devon’s freshest festivals, Dub Fest incorporates the love of Volkswagen cars with local musicians and food enthusiasts alike. Held in the rolling fields of Bicton College, Devon from 24-26 July, this bespoke event is right on our door steps and not to be missed. This year’s event is also featuring an exciting night of caveman fancy dress, perfect for the little ones. All information can be found on the official website just here, with more announcements to follow;
Shaldon festival of classical music
In a small coastal village in South Devon between Teignmouth and Torquay, you will find the Shaldon Classical Music Festival celebrating its 26th birthday. Running from 18 - 21 June at St Peter’s Church, an array of talented classical musicians, including impressive vocal group VOCES8 and the Chilingirian String Quartet. Surrounded by sultry beaches and prime pubs, Shaldon is a beautiful little retreat away from the bustle of what you would think a festival would be. Be sure to come down and enjoy the many workshops that will also be available. Head over to the official Shaldon festival website right here, for all information and enquiries;
