Events Festivals and attractions in Devon.
While Devon might be best known for its tranquility, serenity and natural appeal, they understand how to put on world class events in Devon. Whether you're into songs, food, sport, society or incredible displays of fireworks or planes you'll discover a big event to lure you to Devon.
There are fantastic Devon events going on throughout the county most days of the year, however some attract significant groups in their thousands.
Dart Music Festival
The annual three day Dart Songs Festival is now in its 23rd year. The occasion takes place in the port and community of Dartmouth, at the mouth of the River Dart.
With over 100 performances spanning nearly every music genre, the celebration offers an eclectic mix of instrumental, rock, choral, blues, opera, folk, and also jazz efficiencies at a selection of interior and outside locations including 2 churches, the kiosk in the Park, outside the castle, and also numerous hotels, pubs, and dining establishments, throughout the weekend.
Devon County Program.
The Devon County Program is set to return this year hopefully in July.
The 2020 show was terminated due to the corona virus lock down. Hopes of holding the celebrations in August were likewise dashed as the virus continued to spread and all massive public events throughout the UK were cancelled.
But fans of this Devon Show can expect its return in July as organisers have actually revealed dates for the summer season event. The Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) announced on Nov 17th that the 125th Devon County Program will certainly happen at the Westpoint show ground on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in July.
Program organisers believe the summer season dates will permit the easing of Coranavirus restrictions as well as the introduction of a public vaccination.
The new summer dates aim to spread the variety of site visitors across the weekend, allowing for social distancing should that still be necessary.
Woodlands Family Theme Park.
This action loaded park is the best base for all Super Heroes looking for a route blazing day of enjoyable.
Deal with a world of journey on the biggest watercoasters in Devon as well as beat any wet weather condition with the greatest indoor play centre in the South West. Check out the extraordinary Zoo-Farm with 5 huge indoor barns packed with wild, unique and charming pets, plus loads of animal activities. See day-to-day displays at the Falconry Centre. With 11 Play zones full of activity's, tourist attractions and also animals to check out there is something for everybody in this beautiful 100 acre Household Park.
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park.
With over 2,500 animals across 80 acres of stunning large gardens and buildings, your in for a really great time at Paignton Zoo. Paignton Zoo in South Devon is just one of the South West's many interesting visitor destinations as well as among Britain's leading zoos. Come rain or shine, the zoo is an exciting day out for the whole family.
Discover all your much loved animals big and small, consisting of gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, lions, tigers, crocodiles, flamingos, red pandas and also rhinoceroses, and be ready for a few big surprises along the way too.
Dartmouth Heavy Steam Train.
Dartmouth steam Railway has traditional steam trains, so take a trip seven miles along the South Devon shore and into the Dart Valley with stations at Goodrington Sands, Churston and the attractive town of Kingswear which sits opposite the pretty port of Dartmouth.
Dartmouth River Boats operate on the River Dart offering everyday services nine miles up river to the historical town of Totnes. One hour river cruise ships run daily from Dartmouth plus routine stops to the town of Dittisham. The Round Robin is a fabulous full day excursion, with a steam train journey, ferry boat crossing, river cruise ship and bus journey. This ticket is a favourite with all ages where you can just relax as well as appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
Chagstock Music Celebration.
July. This is an open Air live music festival on the north side of Dartmoor with panoramic views. In it's 15th year, Chagstock is a household friendly occasion with kids entertainment, food caterers and also traders, Bar tents, outdoor camping and Glamping in addition to differing live music events.
The concept behind the festival is to offer some local bands the opportunity to play at such an event in addition to presenting well known acts. It is a mix of designs from Rock to Folk as well as Blues plus whatever else they can produce. They'll be a main stage, plus activities in the marquee between main stage acts. The event is run by a local charity supporting The Devon Air Ambulance and WaterAid.
Sidmouth Festival.
July to August. Sidmouth Folk Week is a unique week long seaside celebration of music and dance occurring in the charming East Devon regency seaside resort. A must visit for every celebration lover.
There has been a folk festival in Sidmouth in the first week of August each year since 1955, bringing tens of thousands of site visitors to over 700 diverse occasions with a pledge of 'something for everyone'. From major league concerts to tiny intimate sessions, from ceilidh dance to vibrant roots parties, from family amusement to youth focused master classes to social and colourful dance displays.
The community's streets and venues come alive with a festive ambience as holidaymaker's and event goers collaborate in a music based vacation to remember.
Abbfest
Sept. Abbfest raises money for regional charities and causes. Having contributed nearly half a million £'s since the celebration began in 2005, this years line up seems bigger and far better than ever.
Including over 200 ales all locally brewed in Devon, as well as 30 or more ciders available throughout the weekend, there is something for everyone. If beer or cider isn't your thing, head over to the red wine, pimms and prosecco bar.
Over fifty regional crafter's, food manufacturers as well as drink developers will display their items in the food and craft marquee, a sanctuary for Westcountry creativity.
Dartmouth Food Festival
Oct. The Dartmouth Food Festival is back this year with a tempting mix of scrumptious local food as well as beverage, chef demos, workshops, lively food debates and also enjoyable for all the family members. Set in the attractive tidewater town of Dartmouth in the South Hams from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th October the 3 day event is a food lovers paradise, celebrating the greatest food, drink and culinary skills from the South West.
The celebration sees around 20,000 + people flock to the community and is paradise for food followers with over a 100 South West manufacturers showcasing their tasty fruit and vegetables, a jam-packed programs of occasions and also a line up of celebrated chefs demonstrating their abilities and motivating event goers.
Access to the event is totally free with a charge for some events. Dartmouth Food Festival depends on the charitable support of festival enrollers as well as clients.
Annual sporting activities events in Devon
Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta: hundreds of visitors from around the world visit Dartmouth every August for a stuffed 3 day program of air shows, cruising, sporting activities, live music, road food, fireworks and more.
Mountain Byke Weekend: Great riding through the stunning surroundings of East Devon. Discover a host of natural tracks in a Location of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Jurassic shore, with dramatic sights, testing gradients and comfortable lodgings in luxurious holiday homes.
Sidmouth and East Devon Walking Festival: A fantastic week of guided trekking. Discover the wonderful picturesque seaside of Sidmouth as well as many concealed gems of East Devon.
Brixham Trawler Race: Boats clothed with bunting fight it out with 2 lap race around the Bay with fun and festivities on the quayside all raising money for regional charities.
Eat Dirt on Exmoor: Cycle across 22 miles of combined terrain, much of which is not generally open up to the public.
Gliding Open Day: Take the opportunity to experience this outstanding sporting activity of gliding without having to pre-book, at The Devon and Somerset Gliding Club. Fly with a qualified teachers from a winch launch for approximately fifteen minutes, you can also take the controls.
Dragon Boat Event in Plymouth: Tackle a centuries old Chinese custom and have a go at dragon boating while supporting The Royal British Legion. Groups race in lengthy watercrafts enhanced with splendid dragon figureheads. It's a trial of team effort and also focus on physical difficulty. There's a great atmosphere too, as friends and family line the coasts to applaud the teams. Enthusiasm is vital, but experience is not, you will be offered all the coaching you need. However you have to be positive in the water and wear a buoyancy aid.