Sidmouth Calendar of Events

There are plenty of things going on in and around Sidmouth throughout the year, and you may wish to time your visit along with something of interest. We've compiled a list of some of the festivals and events, both in Sidmouth and in surrounding Devon areas.

February

Animated Exeter
This annual celebration in Exeter brings together workshops, displays, and screenings of new and unique animated features. There are classes for the old and young alike, and you can find a complete calendar of the festival for this year on the webpage: www.exeter.gov.uk/animatedexeter//index.aspx?articleid=5999

March

Festival of Food & Drink
Often spanning from the end of March through to April, this is a celebration of foods and drinks from South West England. The Beer Festival gives you the chance to sample the finest ales, the Festival Cafe provides refreshment and food as you go, and guest chefs can be seen demonstrating recipes and local produces. You can find information on the various things that will be happening here: www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/exeterfoodfestival/index.cfm?CFID=7736618&CFTOKEN=78481445

May

Devon County Show
The Devon County Show is a collection of goods, crafts, foods and produce from all over the county in one huge show over a few days. With tractor rides for the kids, shows and displays, there's entertainment for the whole family. You can find detailed information on what is planned for this year, and photos from past years, on their website here: www.devoncountyshow.co.uk

June

Sidmouth in Bloom
In tandem with the Britain In Bloom festival, Sidmouth has had great success with this festival, won several awards, and even represented Britain once. It spreads from June/July through to September, but you can check the website nearer to the time for information on what attractions and shows might be available, and check with the Tourist Board for recommendations on when and where to visit. The official website is here: www.sidmouthinbloom.org.uk

July

Budleigh Drama & Music Festival
This festival tends to start at the end of July and finish in early August, and features a great many talented shows and displays from Budleigh Salterton. There are numerous concerts for all music tastes, workshops in such things are recording and singing, and food and drink is never far away. You can find more detailed listings of bands and concerts here: www.budleigh-festival.org.uk

August

Sidmouth Folk Week
A week long celebration of folk and traditional music, you will find dance groups, crafts and stalls spread out along the promenade for the whole of the festival. From fiddlers on the sea front to organised ceilidh's and bands playing later on at night in pubs and bandstands, the organisers go out of their way to make the festival bigger and better each year. For extensive details of the plans for the present years festival, a newsletter to keep up to date, and information on where and when things will be happening, check the Folk Week website: www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

Sidmouth Regatta
The Red Arrows often open this celebration by displaying above Sidmouth beach to the cheer of many visiting crowds. Along with the boating, there are fireworks, treasure hunts, races, competitions and tons more to do. You can get detailed information on the schedule for the weekend from the Sidmouth Tourist Office.

September

Sidmouth Carnival
A historical tradition in Sidmouth, the carnival floats are an amazing site, and demonstrate months and months of preparation time. Certainly a site not to be missed, the night itself is buzzing with lights, music and stalls. You can see photos from past carnivals and information on the route taken on their website: www.sidmouthcarnival.com

October

Exeter's Off The Wall Comedy Festival
A collection of showcases and comedy performances based in Exeter, to celebrate humour and laughter in the area. There are events that need tickets, along with open events you can just go along to without booking, and social events litter the festival. There are listings of what's on and what's to see on the website here: www.offthewallcomedyfestival.co.uk

November

Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels
This is a long-seated and very popular tradition in Ottery, during which locals carry flaming tar barrels up and down the streets amidst the crowds of onlookers. By the later runs the barrels weigh as much as 30 kilos, and if you are visiting the event you need to be aware that should you get pushed to the front of the crowd there will be very little protection from the flames aside from ducking! You can find photos and videos from past years, and information on the present years Tar Barrels on the website here: www.tarbarrels.co.uk

December

Sidmouth Christmas Carnival
This event prides itself in being the largest Christmas Carnival in the United Kingdom, and is a spectacle of lights and displays. Normally held in early December, there are some stunning floats created for the carnival and lots of music. You can find more information and route details on the website here: www.sidmouthchristmascarnival.com