Devon might be famous for its beaches, delicious food and drink, but it also hosts some outstanding arts and music festivals. This rural county has a surprisingly strong arts culture with dozens of local theatres and entertainment venues hosting a wide programme of live entertainment to keep everyone happy.
From the Theatre Royal and Plymouth Pavilions to the Landmark in Ilfracombe and the Princess Theatre in Torquay, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. However, Devon’s performing arts, literature, films and music are best enjoyed at the annual festivals that keep the heritage alive.
We’ve rounded up a “troupe” of arts festivals along with a “chorus” of music festivals, a “library” of literary festivals and an “anthology” of film festivals to keep you abreast of what’s on and when. These highly acclaimed Devon arts festivals attract top performers, musicians and writers from all over the UK and beyond, providing a great excuse for a cultural visit to the Westcountry at any time of year.
So, sit back with your bucket of popcorn and enjoy the show!
- Let’s st-art with the arts!
- Tune up for music festivals in Devon
- The lively Teignmouth Folk Festival features song and dance
- Hundreds of events & thousands of visitors at Sidmouth Folk Festival
- Chagford Summer Music Festival – a series of concerts
- Plug into the Electric Bay Festival at Torre Abbeyt up in Appledore
- Westcountry Music Festival is all about country
- Jazz it up at the Teignmouth Jazz and Blues Festival
- Read more about Devon’s literature festivals
- Devon film festivals for movie buffs
Let’s st-art with the arts!
Perhaps it’s the beautiful scenery and the laid-back pace of life that makes Devon so arts-centric. Arts festivals generally cover a broad interpretation of the arts including music, drama, art and crafts so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
These arts festivals in Devon encompass the whole gamut of arts and crafts, from pottery and painting to photography and woodwork with plenty of talks, exhibitions and hands-on workshops to show you how it’s done.
Add in some poetry, literature and music and you have some of the best arts festivals in the west!
Historic Exeter hosts the Devon Performing Arts Festival
Known for its culture, history and excellent university, the lovely city of Exeter is the perfect host city for the annual Devon Performing Arts Festival. The event runs for two weeks every year from the second Monday in March and is a competitive event combining music, speech and drama.
This renowned performing arts festival is hosted at the South Street Baptist Church in the centre of Exeter. You can anticipate top performances of instrumental music, singing, speech and drama.
Getting to the Devon Performing Arts Festival
Anyone wanting to immerse themselves in theatre, concerts and high quality entertainment will find this Arts Festival a must-do. It’s a wonderful excuse to rent a holiday cottage in Devon in the low season and enjoy the excellent programme of ongoing events.
Most performances take place in the South Street Baptist Church or in the adjoining Palace Gate Centre. If you are driving into Exeter there is plenty of parking at Magdalen Street or The Quay car parks. The church is about ten minutes’ walk from Exeter railway station.
The Devon Performing Arts Festival is more a competition for serious performers than a collection of entertaining performances. It’s the chance for would-be professionals to get noticed by performing their very best work in front of a discerning audience and experienced adjudicators. The judges are often specialist professional performers in their own right. The festival is organized into competitive classes with trophies for the winners and the huge range of talent on display is outstanding.
Broad range of music and drama
Such is the success and prestige of the Devon Performing Arts Festival, it is one of the longest running arts festivals in the UK. Those planning to attend can get a programme of the performances online just prior to the event and can then plan their attendance to enjoy music, singing, speech, instrumental, choral and dramatic performances.
Specific classes include brass, ensembles, handbell ringing, harp, guitar, keyboard, percussion, woodwind and strings, so you can enjoy particular favourite instruments, or take pot luck. The orchestras and bands performances are non-competitive and are well worth enjoying, particular the senior orchestra section. Another great class which I always make a point of attending is the own composition and performance section. Some very talented composers emerge to perform their own work, “Britain’s Got Talent” style, competing for the Dillistone Trophy.
The speech and drama performances are equally diverse, from group drama productions to poetry, mime and original story telling, so sit back and prepare to be wonderfully entertained.
Gala concert at the Devon Performing Arts Festival
Thanks to the many volunteers who organize the Devon Performing Arts Festival, most events are free. One exception to this is the Gala Concert which is the grand finale of the festival and runs for about 90 minutes. Held on the final Saturday, admission to this event is for a nominal fee. Performers take part by invitation only and this selection of high-quality performances and outstanding talent has been chosen by the judges as being the very best from the whole of the Arts Festival.
The concert, along with many other performances throughout the festival, takes place in the relatively intimate performance area in South Street Baptist Church. Larger audiences are accommodated upstairs with more seating on the upper gallery.
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage in the countryside near Exeter and participate in all the events at this superb performing arts festival?
Totnes and Bridgetown Festival of Arts and Culture
As colourful and avant-garde as the quirky town itself, the Totnes Festival takes over the streets for 10 days from mid-August. Rather than a performance, it’s a celebration of visual arts, circus, dance, stage, film, storytelling, music and the spoken word.
The experienced organiser, NDP Circus, leads the way in creating mind-blowing courses, workshops and events. The aim of Totnes Arts Festival is to encourage community engagement and put Totnes on the map as a place of creative excellence. The event is supported by Totnes Town Council, South Hams District Council and Visit Totnes.
A range of quirky venues
Totnes and Bridgetown Festival of Arts brings together multiple local groups and individual artists to deliver workshops, performances and events that are thoroughly entertaining. The festival makes use of outdoor spaces and independent venues including the beautiful hall and gardens at nearby Dartington Hall. Pubs and inns host smaller events along with Totnes Cinema, St Johns Church, Eastgate Bookshop, the Civic Hall, Market Square and atmospheric Totnes Castle. Check the schedule for exact details as they change each year.
What to expect at Totnes Festival of Arts and Culture
This highly regarded arts festival has the clout to attract some big names and professional theatrical performers to offers outstanding productions. From visiting travelling troupes (such as Shakespeare’s Globe in 2022) the event has support performances by local artists and groups.
There are plenty of opportunities to take part, either as participant, volunteer or supporter.
Grand parade
The Grand Finale of this festival extravaganza is a Grand Parade. Starting at 2pm on the final Sunday, it winds its way from Steamer Quay in Bridgetown through Totnes Fore Street and The Narrows to the Rugby Club at Borough Park, filling the area with colour and creativity.
Expect to see giant puppets, music, flamboyant street performers, colourful floats and amazing structures marching the two mile route – they deserve plenty of cheering and encouragement!
The festival includes a programme of workshops to prepare for the parade in the preceding days and weeks. Creative volunteers build characters and structures that can be pushed or carried as part of the parade and they are free to attend. Colourful costumes are the dress code for anyone joining the parade. After the parade has arrived at its final destination, the park hosts a huge outdoor party of live music, food and amazing fireworks.
☀️ Book a holiday cottage in Totnes and you’ll be surrounded by great things to do!
Tune up for music festivals in Devon
Whether you’re into opera, jazz, folk, metal or pop music you’ll find concerts and events all over Devon to enjoy. Performance venues range from the awesome Exeter Cathedral (which has surprising good acoustics) to local pubs and clubs. From open mic to string quartets, these music festivals in Devon have something for every taste.
The lively Teignmouth Folk Festival features song and dance
Visitors converge on the Teignmouth Folk Festival to celebrate British heritage and history in this traditional form of music. The 3-day festival takes place in mid-June on the Summer Solstice Weekend. It’s been running since 1998 and is always a well-attended event.
Teignmouth Folk Festival livens up the town with a 3-day festival for music lovers. This small coastal town in South Devon is the ideal venue for a festival such as this, as it creates a friendly intimate atmosphere.
Despite it’s name, the festival has a wide range of music for all tastes. Past entertainers have included the City of Plymouth Pipe Band, the Old Gaffers Sea Shanty Singers, acoustic guitarists, folk rock and capella groups. They come from all over the world including France, Germany and Ireland.
Sponsored by Teignmouth Town Council, the Folk Festival hops around various local venues including the Council Chambers in Bitton House, The Richard Newton Hall and various other cafes, theatres, halls, outdoor and events spaces. Tickets are recommended and an online programme is available ahead of the event.
Folk dancing in the streets!
The Teignmouth Folk Festival includes various types of folk dancing. Groups of visiting dancers perform traditional folk dances from the UK and the USA with lively displays of Morris dancing, Black Bess Border, Beltane and Appalachian dancing. The clashing of sticks and the colourful costumes liven up the normally quiet streets of the town. Many of the characters in the dances represent ancient spirits and show the dances’ ancient Celtic origins rooted in superstition and the belief in spirits.
If you come across an impromptu dance in the streets, be warned. The audience is usually roped in to take part, which makes it fun for everyone.
Teignmouth has plenty to offer visitors
If you don’t know Teignmouth well, you may be surprised to find this charming town has so much to offer. Located on the estuary of the Teign River it has a beautiful sandy beach and is one of Devon’s oldest resorts. The pier, promenade and sizeable shopping centre are mostly on the flat which makes it easy to get around.
In between concerts and performances visitors can make use of the tennis courts, stroll the pier, play mini golf or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.
Teignmouth is easy to reach by car from the M5, or by train as the coastal scenery is stunning.
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage in South Devon and join in the Teignmouth Folk Festival?
Hundreds of events & thousands of visitors at Sidmouth Folk Festival
Formerly known as Sidmouth Folk Week, the Sidmouth Folk Festival has been prominent on the local calendar since 1955. Taking place the first week in August, from Friday to Friday, it attracts thousands of visitors and promises to have “something for everyone”.
Believe me, the streets of this normally staid Regency resort are rocking during this week. Expect an eclectic mix of events from Ceilidh dancing and youth-orientated showcases to comic family entertainment. The common theme throughout is music, music and more music, but how many forms it comes in!
The lively Sidmouth Folk Festival has over 700 diverse events with music drifting out of open doorways, lifting the roof of huge marquees and enlivening the lawns at the Connaught Gardens and Blackmore Gardens venues. Wander through the shops on Fore Street to the Esplanade where you will find colourful dancing, buskers rehearsing for their big night onstage and everyone relaxing and having fun.
Ham Marquee concert tickets
For true music connoisseurs, the evening concerts in the Ham Marquee will exceed all expectations with a line-up of pros from all over the UK. If you want to indulge in attending all the afternoon shows, buy a season ticket which will give access to all the events except the above-mentioned Ham Marquee Evening Concerts, and tickets to those events are available at a significant discount.
Legends of the British and International folk scene such as Ralph McTell, Diamond Geezers, Sonneurs & Co from Brittany and the Bo Diddlers always make their way down to Sidmouth Folk Festival.
Special programmes in the Manor Marquee
More unusual offerings can be found in the Manor Marquee with younger performers including past winners of the BBC Radio2 Folk Awards Best Duo and other up-and-coming musicians.
The Children’s Festival has its own family Ceilidh Party and other events in Blackmore Gardens along with a celebration of storytelling and other family-friendly entertainment.
Workshops for all ages during Sidmouth Folk Festival
The event includes a special Children’s Festival and a Youth Festival with band and song workshops, Ceilidh dancing, craft workshops, puppets and activities on Peacock Lawns.
More hands-on events usually include singing workshops for women and a guitar series. Past years have had fun instrumental workshops for those wanting to try their hand playing the melodeon, fiddle, banjo or bouzouki! Dancers are also catered for with classes from Balkan Dancing to Irish Set Dancing.
The grand finale of the Sidmouth Folk Festival is the torchlight procession followed by fireworks along the seafront which rounds it off nicely.
☀️ Why not book a beautiful holiday cottage in Sidmouth and attend the Folk Festival next year?
Chagford Summer Music Festival – a series of concerts
Unlike other music festivals, Chagford Summer Music Festival takes place over a series of Fridays throughout the summer. Each Friday there’s a different performer who presents a lunchtime concert lasting about 45 minutes.
The 12 week series of concerts starts in early July and all the concerts take place in St Michael the Archangel Parish Church in the pretty village.
The idea began as a group of music-loving friends in Chagford got together to enrich and connect the community through free live music concerts. The Friends of St Michaels is now a charity who raise funds and support for the church and wider community.
How it works
The concerts making up Chagford Summer Music Festival are generously sponsored by local businesses and are free to attend. No tickets are required – just turn up before 1pm and “take a pew”!
What’s even more unusual is that the audience is encouraged to bring a packed lunch and enjoy it while attending the concert. There’s a bakery and a deli in the village that provide takeaway lunches for concert-goers. Check out Blacks Delicatessen at 28 The Square and Beachwood Bakery at 42 The Square.
The festival is well supported by locals and many visitors who drop in during their holiday in Devon. It contributes to the thriving cultural environment of this out-of-the-way Dartmoor village, creating inspiration and enjoyment.
Musicians attending the Chagford Summer Music Festival
Musicians and singers who have performed at Chagford Summer Music Festival include renowned harpist, folk singer Jim Causley, musicians playing ancient Celtic instruments such as the hurdy gurdy, cittern, whistle and bagpipes. Folk singers have entertained with accordion, harp and song while others have entertained on piano, guitar and trumpet. Classical pieces by Bach and William Walton have thundered from Chagford’s venerable organ while sea shanties have been sung totally unaccompanied.
Chagford Summer Music Festival is definitely a festival with a difference and it certainly delivers outstanding music and a feel-good factor for all the community.
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage in Chagford and and enjoy the Summer Music Festival for yourself?
Plug into the Electric Bay Festival at Torre Abbey
Torquay is a hub for live entertainment in South Devon and is the perfect venue for the new two-day Electric Bay Festival. This open-air dance and music festival is hailed as a game-changing event bringing something new to the area.
Set in a historic UNESCO listed site with a green meadow and sweeping views across Torbay, festival-goers will be treated to an amazing backdrop to the main stage. This explosive production will have a world-class sound system.
Organisers BEATZ and BOBZ have years of experience at Glastonbury, Glade and the inter Music Conference in Miami. Co-organiser Louder is a huge name in the electronic music world. As well as putting on Eden at the Ibiza residency, they organise 250 music events like Electric Bay every year.
Music is an eclectic mix of house, techno and bass with international DJs keeping the atmosphere high with lively dance beats.The music festival takes place on Torre Abbey Meadows on the third weekend in July. The music starts at 1:30pm each day and runs until late.
This festival is adults-only and valid photo ID is required to gain entry. The stellar line-up is pretty impressive each year with names such as Alan Fitzpatrck, Carl Cox, Alisha, Hybrid Minds, Chase & Status and DJ Alex Souloud attending.
As well as stages hosting live bands, the venue has several outlets for food and a variety of licensed bars with a choice of beverages. There are also water dispensers on site. After all, festival-going can be thirsty work!
Tickets to Electric Bay Festival are available online for a single day pass or the whole weekend event at a discount. There is no ticket-less admission at the gate.
Getting to Electric Bay Festival
Torre Abbey is on the seafront in Torquay so the easiest way to arrive is by bus or train. Hop off the bus at the Grand Hotel or Torre Abbey Sands. Alternatively, Torquay railway station is five minutes’ walk from the venue.
Parking if you can get it, is on the council parking site at Shedden Hill and the cost is £9 for 17 hours max.
☀️ Alternatively, book a holiday cottage or apartment in Torquay and you can fall out of bed around noon and walk to the festival each day!
West Country Music Festival is all about country
For country music lovers, the West Country Music Festival is a one day festival on the second Saturday in August. Started in 2022, it’s held at Muddifords Court, Willand near Cullompton. Set in stunning countryside, it’s about ten minutes’ drive from the Cullompton exit on the M5.
The estate once operated as a hotel but the house is now a private residence. An existing barn was converted to create a covered stage and seating area and the Westcountry Music Festival was born!
Situated in stunning Devon countryside, festival goers will be enthralled by the scenery as well as the impressive line-up and venue.
Check out the website for the latest info on the acts each year and get ready to enjoy the sounds of yesterday, today and tomorrow! The country music line-up attracts performers from all over the UK and the USA.
Tickets, food and parking
Tickets are available for standing and seated and – important news – they are all under cover! When you book your tickets online you also need to book a parking pass if you intend to arrive by car (the easiest way!)
Food and drink is not permitted from outside but there’s a good choice of hot food and drinks stalls to keep you fed and watered. Speaking of water, there are refill station if you bring a refillable water bottle. There are licensed bars onsite as well as retail stands offering a range of clothing, sweets, cakes and gifts.
☀️ There’s no overnight accommodation at the Westcountry Music Festival so why not book a holiday cottage near Cullompton as a comfy base?
Jazz it up at the Teignmouth Jazz and Blues Festival
The Teignmouth Jazz Festival is an entertaining event that is held every year over three days in the middle of October. It’s been going for over 30 years. Keen jazz players and enthusiasts speak in glowing terms of this fantastic weekend event.
Getting to the Teignmouth Jazz Festival
If you are visiting Teignmouth by train, the station is situated only a short walk from the middle of the town. Those driving will find there are plenty of car parks situated around the town within walking distance of the main events.
The Teignmouth Jazz and Blues Festival comprises of various workshops, gigs, demonstrations and talks by performers who are always keen to help budding jazz musicians to improve. Even for people who don’t have much of an interest in jazz and blues, popping along to one of these events can be great fun and will soon have you tapping your foot along to the music. Past workshops have included voice training, composition, techniques for playing specific instruments and more. They also have some great performers entertaining throughout the festival.
The weekend event includes a wide range of Jazz, Blues and Soul music with a varied programme featuring gifted vocalists and smooth performers. While some players are local, others are national and international professionals, so the standard is high.
Along with several main venues there are some popular fringe events for promoting new talent. Not surprisingly, Teignmouth Jazz Festival attracts many visitors and jazz lovers from far and wide to this entertaining event.
Teignmouth Jazz info
Many of the events are ticketed, so checkout the Teignmouth Jazz and Blues Festival website for more details. There are usually “Stroller” tickets available allowing you to attend some or all the events as you choose.
This well-managed event is organised by a committee of local volunteers elected by members of the Teignmouth Jazz. Some offer their skills promoting different aspects of jazz and blues while others plan the gig, market the event or are involved in the admin.
All jazz enthusiasts living in the area are invited to join the Teignmouth Jazz Club which has regular gig nights throughout the year as well as organizing the Jazz Festival.
Visit neighbouring Shaldon
Whilst you are in Teignmouth you might enjoy a short trip over the bridge to take a walk around the idyllic village of Shaldon, especially if there is a gap in the schedule during the Jazz Festival.
Shaldon consists of a narrow main street with a few pubs and restaurants, an idyllic village green which could have been lifted straight out of a scene from the Darling Buds of May, and a beach which is a stone’s throw from Teignmouth. Although it looks tempting, don’t try swimming the short distance to Teignmouth as there is a very strong undercurrent.
As you walk through Shaldon village and then up the hill you will find a small zoo, which is often overlooked but is delightful for children. With views across the Teign estuary and the chance to see some of the rarest and most endangered animals in the world, this zoo is highly recommended.
Just next to the zoo you will find The Ness, a lovely pub where you can pop in for a drink and a bite to eat. The coastal views are breathtaking and will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, ready for the short walk back into Teignmouth to rejoin the Jazz Festival.
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage in Teignmouth and join in the fun?
Read more about Devon’s literature festivals
Big name authors are always attracted to Devon’s acclaimed book and literature festivals. In fact many novelist and authors already live in the Westcountry.
There’s more to literature festivals than published book promotions. Join workshops, walks, historic and social events that bring together amateur writers and biographers with acclaimed authors and novelists. If you want some tips on how to become a writer or get your own book published, Devon’s literature festivals are a great place to start.
Appledore Book Festival
The pretty coastal community of Appledore has its own literary festival each year. As a charity it raises funds to run Appledore Book Festival Schools Week Outreach Programme, inspiring youngsters to appreciate the written word from any early age.
The Appledore Festival takes place in and around the town over 11 days starting on the third Friday in September. It’s a great time to head down to this lovely part of North Devon and enjoy a seaside break once the summer crowds have left.
The big top marquee is the main stage and welcomes some well-known names from the world of literature, broadcasting and the media. Other venues are dotted around the town and the final event is hosted in the Kingsley School Theatre, appropriately named after author Charles Kingsley of Westward Ho! Fame.
The festival has proved to be so popular in the past that tickets are sold out within days – so best be organised if you plan to attend this fab festival.
The history of Appledore Book Festival
Appledore Book Festival began in 2006 as a means of raising money to save Appledore Library. It was started by Nick Arnold, author of the Horrible Science series. The festival was a big success in every way and became an annual event.
It’s now one of the biggest cultural festivals in the Southwest, attracting world-class authors, performers and speakers. It is run by a team of local volunteers who do everything from hanging bunting to stewarding the events.
It’s a small and intimate community and you’re likely to bump into the speakers enjoying a Hocking’s ice cream on the quay or hanging out in a local cafe.
Appledore Book Festival line-up
Many past speakers are household names such as bestselling author and garden expert Alan Titchmarsh, poet extraordinaire Pam Ayres, radio presenter Justin Webb, chef Rick Stein and crime fiction writer / comedian Mark Billingham.
Check out the Appledore Book Festival website for the line-up each year. If you buy a book at the festival, chances are you can get the author to sign it too!
The charm of Appledore
The picturesque quay at Appledore denotes its long association with boat-building and seafaring. Located in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere and AONB, the maritime village dates back to a Viking raid in 878AD. By the 14th century it was a hub for fishing, trading and boat building as evidenced in the grand ship-owner’s houses on the waterfront and the cottages with sail lofts.
Eventually the shipyard closed but the maritime history is preserved in the award-winning Maritime Museum on Odun Road. The passenger ferry takes you across to the sandy Instow Beach and dunes in minutes.
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage in Appledore and attend the Book Festival? It’s the perfect location to enjoy the literary festival and then stay on a few days enjoying the beaches and surrounding area.
Step back in time at the International Agatha Christie Festival
The International Agatha Christie Festival runs for eight days from the second Saturday in September. Crime writer Agatha Christie was born and raised in Torquay so it’s fitting that the festival takes place to celebrate her life and works each year in and around Torquay.
The festival allows crime fiction fans from all over the world to immerse themselves in the literary and geological heritage of the English Riviera. It celebrates Christie’s life and writings as well as her plays and poetry, that are less well known.The Festival Fringe adds a further dynamic to this top literary event.
What to look forward to at The Agatha Christie Festival
The Agatha Christie Festival celebrates the famous crime author in a diversity of ways. It uses many different venues to host some outstanding events. The Torre Abbey Museum has in the past put on an exhibit of costumes worn by actresses playing the part of Miss Marple and other characters in dramatizations of her novels.
Brixham Library, Princess Theatre, St Nicholas Priory and the Spanish Barn at Torre Abbey all host some of the diverse events that make up this festival.
Walking tours are always part of the festival, taking visitors on a guided tour of the places Agatha knew as a child, and later as an adult. These include the Princess Theatre, Torre Abbey and The Pavilion.
Agatha’s love of sea swimming usually prompts an organised Sea Swim on Broadsands Beach (vintage bathing costumes optional!)
Of course the festival hosts several plays and talks based on Christie’s books and the author herself. Wider topics are explored in the crime genre with audience participation required in who-dunnits and Solve-along-murder-she-wrote events.
One of the most popular events each year is Dinner at Greenway, hosted by an expert of Agatha Christie. Who wouldn’t want to be a fly on the wall, or better still a guest at the table, for that event!
Agatha Christie’s local connections
The area around Torquay was used as a setting in many of Christie’s murder mysteries. Greenway is Nasse House in Dead Man’s Folly while the ferry and town of Drymouth are remarkably similar to Dartmouth. Corbyn Head is renamed Baldy’s Head in Postern of Fate and Churston Village and Princess Gardens are used in the ABC Murders. Offshore Burgh Island is the sinister setting for Evil Under the Sun.
In later life, Agatha Christie bought Greenway as a holiday home overlooking the Dart River Valley near Kingswear. It is now a museum to her legacy, managed by the National Trust.
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage in Torquay in September and enjoy participating in this fun International Agatha Christie Festival?
Read all about the Way with Words Festival at Dartington
Ten days hardly seems long enough to pack in over 100 speakers, films, workshops, comedians, forums and lectures at the Ways With Words Festival. This gathering takes place the second week in July and attracts the best of the best to gather, learn and share.
This highly regarded festival is held in the beautiful hall and grounds of Dartington Hall, overlooking the scenic Dart Valley.
Authors, journalists, politicians and even a member of royalty has spoken in the past on their specialist subject in this impressive literary festival.
Name dropping at the Ways With Words Festival
As a measure of this festival’s worth, let me impress you with a little name-dropping. The Festival’s past President was MP Roy Hattersley who has been superceded by journalist Polly Toynbee and author David Walker.
The purpose of the ten-day Ways With Words Festival is to allow those who love reading books to meet those who write them. Set in a glorious rural location just outside the village of Dartington, festival goers can look forward to hanging out with like-minded individuals sharing the pleasure and power of language. Many of the presentations are videoed and can be enjoyed post-festival.
As well as discussions and lectures there are films, workshops and entertaining stand-up comedians. The site has an on-site Waterstones book shop, the Ship Studio selling second hand and antiquarian books along with jewellery and crafts, a sculpture exhibition and of course the shops of Dartington to visit just down the road.
Past speakers at the Ways With Words Festival
Every year sees new faces so the programme changes. However, the quality remains the same. Past speakers included Jonathan Miller, best known for his TV programmes “Beyond the Fringe” and for directing performances at the National Theatre and La Scala. In light contrast is Clive Boursell, who told the story of the restoration of the Laskett Garden through photographs.
Mark McCrum described with humour his career including working with Robbie William, Bruce Parry and Prince Harry on his non-fiction book projects.
Watch films, enjoy entertaining speakers by diverse authors, economists and visionaries on a wide range of relevant topics. Past speakers were broadcasters Kate Adie and Rod Liddle along with Ann Widdecombe, Martyn Lewis (Chairman of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service) and Vaughan Lindsay (CEO of Dartington Hall Trust). Impressed?
Mind-broadening speakers come from all over the globe and include award-winning writers from India, China and beyond. Even HRH Princess Michael of Kent spoke one year on 15th century France through the eyes of Yolande, the Queen of Four Kingdoms.
Aspiring authors will enjoy gleaning tips from successful authors in both fact and fiction. Light hearted and well-presented, each speaker revels in the English language.
Daily themes touch on family stories, art, global voices, mysteries of the mind, love, conflict, health issues and other broad topics. The final Saturday usually has a series of Oxford Short Talks.
Tickets and accommodation for the Ways With Words Festival
Most attendees of this literary gathering either live in Devon or book a holiday cottage in the area in order to attend several days of the festival.
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage in Brixham, Paignton or Dartmouth as they make a great festival base just a short drive away?
Devon film festivals for movie buffs
Film festivals are the perfect place for movie fans to indulge their passion for cinematography like nowhere else. From short films and documentaries to premieres and full-length features, these film festivals showcase works by independent, up-and-coming local and international filmmakers. Who knows, you might be viewing the next Spielberg or Scorsese at these epic film festivals in Devon.
Chagford Film Festival – the New Cannes!
Nicknamed the “Best small film festival in the world”, the Chagford Film Festival brings a touch of glamour and culture to Dartmoor during the last week in September every year. As film festivals go, it would be fair to say that this one is different to any that you may have experienced in the past.
Started in 2011, it is a unique and quirky event with an eclectic collection of films, talks, Q&A sessions and workshops by respected industry professionals.
The festival itself takes place over six days, starting on the Monday with the finale on the Saturday. For those few days at the end of September, Chagford really does come alive. What is brilliant about it is that the whole town joins in the fun, the pubs and restaurants have theme nights depending on which films are being shown on that particular day, the shop windows are full of glitz and glamour and if it wasn’t for the back drop of Dartmoor you could almost imagine that you were involved in the Cannes Film Festival.
Opening night at the Chagford Film Festival
The opening gala night is usually held at the Globe Cinema in the town. Depending on the film being shown, all the guests are encouraged to dress up, with a prize being awarded to the best. Cocktails are served, getting the festival off to a great start.
Other notable events in the past included open air projections which are displayed on the walls of the Three Crowns and St Michaels Church. Atmospheric is not the word! This amazing alfresco experience can be viewed without having to pay an entrance fee and is worth attending. There are ticketed matinee and evening performances by comedians, journalists and industry professionals. Combine it with drinks and a meal at The Globe for a memorable show.
Vintage movie bus at Chagford!
The UK’s one and only Vintage Movie Bus is something else which has to be seen to be believed. Originally commissioned in the 1960’s to promote British industry, it is now been turned into to a mobile cinema. It has 22 seats which are surprisingly comfortable. Short film screenings are available throughout the festival and on other dates.
Although this years programme has not yet been released, here’s an idea of what’s in store going on past events. The 2013 Chagford Film Festival included Tony Hawks introducing the screening of Playing the Moldavians at Tennis and answering questions afterwards. The film version of Evita, the 2012 French BAFTA nominee Untouchable, The King and I, and many other past, present and future movies of note were also shown.
There are also short films, workshops and other movie-themed events. The Friday night is traditionally a live music and film event with a film tie-in at the Jubilee Hall.
The Dartmoor village of Chagford
There are many other surprises and screenings throughout the week with quite a few impromptu events which are not in the programme. Look out for the celebrity red carpet as a clue!The great thing about the Chagford Film Festival is that you can combine it with visiting other North Devon attractions as well as sampling the delights of Chagford itself. Situated on the edge of Dartmoor there is a lot to do and see in Chagford and visiting the film festival itself could be regarded as the icing on the cake.
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage on Dartmoor and attend the Chagford Film Festival?
Go “down under” at Kents Cavern Underground Film Festival
More a film series than a festival, the Kents Cavern Underground Film Festival is perhaps the most unusual Devon festival of all. If you’re buying tickets for one of the films, why not book a tour while you’re there?
Kent’s Cavern prehistoric caves are one of the top attractions in Torquay with mind-blowing tours daily. They have been owned by the Powe family since 1903 when Francis Powe bought them. He used them as a workshop for building beach huts for the seafront!
Kents Cavern tours
Caves tours last about one hour and take you back 2.5 million years in a labyrinth of caves with spectacular rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites.
Hear how the caves were formed and learn more about those first Stone Age cave settlers. The tour includes the Cave of Inscriptions and the Labyrinth where you can see examples of the earliest tools ever found in Britain, along with bones and teeth of Ice Age animals.
In the Bear’s Den you can experience the famous Kents Cavern blackout before heading down to the Water Gallery and Great Chamber exhibits. After all that excitement you’ll be glad to sit back and watch the film!
Pop-up underground cinema in prehistoric cave!
Part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, they also host a pop-up underground cinema with eight different films each week, screened in one of the cave chambers.
Wear sensible footwear and warm clothing (it’s 14ºC down there even on the hottest summer’s day). Films are shown daily as part of the Underground Film Festival that runs from late July through August. What an atmospheric place to watch epic films such as The Descent, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and other family favourites!
☀️ Why not book a holiday cottage in Torquay and you can watch every film as part of the Kents Cavern Underground Film Festival!f
Over to you!
Well that’s our round-up of the best festivals in Devon, covering arts festivals, literary fests, music festivals and the most unique film festivals. They are brimming with all-age activities, great food and free entertainment.
We’ve also created comprehensive articles about Devon’s food & drink festivals and culture & heritage festivals. Why not check them out and then plan a fab festival holiday in Devon?
Start by booking your holiday cottage in Devon now!
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.