Biggest Festivals In Devon

Devon Festivals – Celebrating the Best of British Culture

Devon is one of the most beautiful counties in England, known for its striking coastlines, quaint countryside villages, and vibrant cultural scene. One of the best ways to experience this cultural scene is through the many festivals that take place throughout the year. These festivals offer visitors the chance to sample some of the best local food, drink, and entertainment, as well as providing a window into the rich history and traditions of the region. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the biggest festivals in Devon and what you can expect from them. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, read on to discover the best festivals that Devon has to offer.

Summer Festivals ☀️

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Devon, and for good reason – the weather is usually glorious, the days are long, and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy. Here are some of the biggest summer festivals in Devon:

1. The Devon County Show 🐮

The Devon County Show is one of the biggest events in the county’s calendar, attracting over 90,000 visitors each year. This three-day event takes place in May and features everything from livestock displays and equestrian events to food and drink stands, craft stalls, and live music performances.

2. Exeter Food and Drink Festival 🍽️

The Exeter Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of the region’s thriving food and drink scene. Held in June, this festival brings together over 100 local producers, celebrity chefs, and food experts to showcase the very best of Devon’s culinary delights. Visitors can sample everything from artisan cheese and craft beer to fresh seafood and organic meat.

3. Dartmouth Music Festival 🎵

The Dartmouth Music Festival is a three-day celebration of live music, held in May each year. The festival features over 100 performances across multiple venues, showcasing everything from jazz and blues to rock and pop. There are also food and drink stalls, craft fairs, and street performances to enjoy.

4. Sidmouth Folk Week 🎶

The Sidmouth Folk Week is one of the biggest and most popular folk festivals in the UK. Held in August, this week-long event features hundreds of performances, workshops, and events, celebrating the rich diversity of traditional and contemporary folk music and dance. Visitors can also enjoy food and drink stalls, craft fairs, and street performances.

5. Teignmouth Folk Festival 🎻

The Teignmouth Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of folk music and dance, held in June each year. The festival features a range of performances, workshops, and events, showcasing the best of local and national talent. There are also food and drink stalls, craft fairs, and street performances to enjoy.

Autumn Festivals 🍂

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Devon, with the leaves turning golden and the air crisp and fresh. It’s also a great time to enjoy some of the county’s biggest festivals. Here are some of the best autumn festivals in Devon:

6. Powderham Food Festival 🍎

The Powderham Food Festival is a celebration of all things food and drink, held in October each year. The festival features over 150 local producers, celebrity chefs, and food experts, showcasing the very best of Devon’s culinary scene. Visitors can sample everything from artisan cheese and craft beer to fresh seafood and organic meat.

7. Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival 📚

The Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is a celebration of literature, held in September each year. The festival features a range of talks, workshops, and events, with the aim of inspiring and educating book lovers of all ages. Visitors can also enjoy food and drink stalls, craft fairs, and street performances.

8. Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink 🍴

The Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink is a celebration of the region’s thriving culinary scene, held in October each year. The festival features over 100 local producers, celebrity chefs, and food experts, showcasing the very best of Devon’s food and drink. Visitors can sample everything from artisan cheese and craft beer to fresh seafood and organic meat.

9. Dartmouth Food Festival 🍽️

The Dartmouth Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s culinary delights, held in October each year. The festival features over 100 local producers, celebrity chefs, and food experts, showcasing the very best of Devon’s food and drink. Visitors can sample everything from artisan cheese and craft beer to fresh seafood and organic meat.

10. Appledore Book Festival 📖

The Appledore Book Festival is a celebration of literature, held in September each year. The festival features a range of talks, workshops, and events, with the aim of inspiring and educating book lovers of all ages. Visitors can also enjoy food and drink stalls, craft fairs, and street performances.

Winter Festivals ❄️

Winter may be the coldest time of the year, but it’s also one of the most magical – especially in Devon. With its cosy pubs, roaring fires, and stunning scenery, the county is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season. Here are some of the biggest winter festivals in Devon:

11. Exeter Christmas Market 🎄

The Exeter Christmas Market is a festive extravaganza, held in the city’s historic cathedral square. The market features over 60 stalls, selling everything from artisan crafts and gifts to festive food and drink. Visitors can also enjoy live music, carol singing, and other festive events.

12. Clovelly Herring Festival 🐟

The Clovelly Herring Festival is a celebration of the humble herring, held in November each year. The festival features a range of activities, including herring fishing demonstrations, cookery demos, live music, and traditional craft stalls. Visitors can also enjoy freshly cooked herring and other seafood treats.

13. Totnes Christmas Market 🎁

The Totnes Christmas Market is a festive extravaganza, held in the town’s historic market square. The market features over 50 stalls, selling everything from artisan crafts and gifts to festive food and drink. Visitors can also enjoy live music, carol singing, and other festive events.

FAQs 🤔

1. What is the biggest festival in Devon?

The Devon County Show is one of the biggest festivals in Devon, attracting over 90,000 visitors each year.

2. When is the Sidmouth Folk Week?

The Sidmouth Folk Week is held in August each year.

3. What is the Powderham Food Festival?

The Powderham Food Festival is a celebration of all things food and drink, held in October each year.

4. What is the Exeter Christmas Market?

The Exeter Christmas Market is a festive extravaganza, held in the city’s historic cathedral square.

5. When is the Dartmouth Music Festival?

The Dartmouth Music Festival is held in May each year.

6. What is the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival?

The Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is a celebration of literature, held in September each year.

7. What is the Totnes Christmas Market?

The Totnes Christmas Market is a festive extravaganza, held in the town’s historic market square.

8. When is the Clovelly Herring Festival?

The Clovelly Herring Festival is held in November each year.

9. What is the Teignmouth Folk Festival?

The Teignmouth Folk Festival is a celebration of folk music and dance, held in June each year.

10. What is the Dartmouth Food Festival?

The Dartmouth Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s culinary delights, held in October each year.

11. When is the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink?

The Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink is held in October each year.

12. What is the Appledore Book Festival?

The Appledore Book Festival is a celebration of literature, held in September each year.

13. When is the Devon County Show?

The Devon County Show is held in May each year.

Conclusion 💭

As you can see, Devon is home to some of the biggest and most exciting festivals in the UK. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or a literature fan, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful county. So why not plan your visit today and experience the very best of Devon’s cultural scene?