What’s on - the events and festivals in Devon that you cannot miss!

Brixham Pirate Festival

Date – 4th to 6th May 2019

Why are Pirates called Pirates?

Because they arrrrrrrrrr!

You are welcome to use that zinger as an opener to make new friends when you attend the Brixham Pirate Festival on the first Bank Holiday Weekend in May. You might also be able to bond over your period costumes, your love of grog and rum, the companionship of talkative parrots and the many benefits of dead man’s chests. The Festival will be looking to beat the World Record of “largest gathering of pirates in one place” currently held by the town of Hastings with 14,231.

With live music, street entertainment, a family area, a Shanty Town, lots of living history exhibits and actual pirate skirmishes with cannon and cutlass fights, the Brixham Pirate Festival promises to be a huge hoot, so why not attend and shake your (pirate) “booty” this summer?

Sidmouth Folk Week

Date – 2nd to 9th August 2019

Now in its 65th year (but not collecting its pension anytime soon) the Sidmouth Folk Festival is a week-long celebration of music in a classic seaside setting. The line-up is incredibly diverse and while not all of the acts are household names each has been picked for their individuality and musicality.

They’ll also be Morris Dancing for those who prefer their folk music properly pagan.

International Agatha Christie Festival

Date – 11th September to 15th September 2019

The butler did it! But maybe not…

A master of the detective novel, the inventor of Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and the sharp-minded Miss Marple, and one of the most well-read authors in the entire world (translated into over 100 languages) Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christe is a towering literary figure.

A celebration of her life’s work, along with a literary call-to-arms, this annual Festival taking place in Torquay and hopes to evoke her pioneering spirit with a variety of cultural events, talks and theatre.

Dart Music Festival

Date – 10th May – 12th May 2019

Nothing to do with the noble sport of Darts, this festival is so called because it takes place in the port and town of Dartmouth, at the mouth of the River Dart, in South Devon. Now in its 22nd year you can enjoy an eclectic range of bands and music with over 100 performers in more than 20 venues. Check out the website for the complete (and impressive) line-up.

BMAD Motorbike Festival

Date – 4 – 6th May Bank Holiday 2019

Like the hit TV series “Sons of Anarchy”? Well, this is nothing like that, this friendly bunch of bikers (BMAD stands for “Bikers Make a Difference”) have organised an annual festival every year since 2002 to help raise money for local charities.

Visit Paignton Green on the English Riviera for live music, stunt riding, stalls, a beer tent and of course, a huge array of motorcycles of every size and description.

Dartmouth Food Festival

Date – Friday 18th – Sunday 20th October 2019

Did you really think we could do the whole list without mentioning a food festival? Not only that, but a FREE festival featuring food markets, tasting shacks, cooking demonstrations and a (what’s the correct word for a collective of chefs?) smorgasbord of celebrity chefs.

So unloosen your belts and head down there this October!