Events in the Devon area:

Budleigh Salterton Festival. A very popular and long-running event, emcompassing many events, gigs and displays.

Budstock. What is becoming an annual event, often held in August - featuring the best of local Devon bands. The atmosphere is always fun and the music excellent. Check the website for up to date information on performers and confirmation for each year's concert.

Medieval Jousting Tournament. Showing at Littlecote and Dawlish throughout the year, this company put on spectacular and entertaining jousting tournaments. Check their dates page for details of show times.

Horse Racing. At the Newton Abbot Racecourse regularly through the week and with weekend and special fixtures throughout the year.

Exeter Festivals. There are two annual festivals in Exeter, one in the Autumn and one in the Summer. They host a huge range of events and shows, so it's worth checking out the webpage for details.

Animated Exeter. Often of real interest to children as well as adults, Exeter hosts an animated festival in February. Showcasing UK based and foreign animation and filming techniques, there are opportunities to take part, and a part of this festival corresponds with the school break in order to allow children to get involved.

Tar Barrelling. A truly unique event, not one to be missed if you're visiting this part of the world. Every year on the 5th of November in Ottery St Mary, pre-chosen participants from the town run through the streets holding burning barrells coated with tar. The crowds are always thick, so getting there early is a must if you want to see what's going on. There's a bonfire before the event with food and drink available, and the atmosphere is terrific.

Sidmouth Folk Week. In August Sidmouth hosts a range of stalls along the seafront, performances, concerts and events. A beautiful and very artistic town, this week is always lots of fun.

Bridgewater Carnivals. In early November every year, this carnival is often attended by dancers and floats from the Notting Hill Carnival in London, and is the largest illuminated carnival in the world.

Festival of Food & Drink. Around April this showcase of local foods and chefs is located in Nothernhay Gardens and is fantastic way to sample Devon's produce.

Budleigh Flower Festival. This four-day festival shows arrangements and gardens through Budleigh, often based in a local church - there doesn't seem to be an official website so best to contact Tourist Information for further details.

 

 

For more festivals and a listing of smaller events through the year, see the Westcountry Links small-events listing.