BrixFest is a great excuse to visit the old fishing port of Brixham and celebrate its long association with the sea. Formerly known as Brixham Heritage Festival, BrixFest fills the town with visitors during the 5-day festival which takes place over the late May Bank Holiday from Saturday to the following Wednesday.
During BrixFest, you will find Brixham is a-buzz with activities relating to the town's fishing culture and heritage. From regattas to sea food and fireworks to live music, there is plenty to keep you on your toes!
Celebrate Brixham's local history and heritage
Whether you are a visitor or a lifelong resident, BrixFest offers the chance to experience the very best of this historic community. Its narrow streets are lined with old cottages, each with their own story to tell of smuggling and trawling activities dating back centuries. The colourful replica “Golden Hind” is still moored in the inner harbour and is open for tours, bur it rather takes backstage to other activities during the festival.
Highlights for 2014 include the King George V Cup Regatta on the Saturday, celebrating 100 years since King George himself presented the perpetual Challenge Cup in 1914. It is accompanied by food stalls and chef's kitchen demonstrations, heritage trade demonstrations such as knot tying and live music with an amazing display of fireworks around 10pm.
BrixFest 2014 adopts a 1940s vintage theme
Sunday attractions include a 1940s themed street party when visitors can dress up in vintage gear and dine well on drinks and food from the local retailers lining Fore Street. There's a fabulous Vintage Plane Fly-By heralded by the eerie sound of a World War 2 air-raid siren being sounded.
The all-important Brixham fishing fleet is certainly not forgotten and as part of the heritage festival there will be the annual Blessing of the Brixham Fleet on the Sunday evening. It takes place near the Old Fish Market with appropriate songs by harmonious male voice choirs, local singers and the Brixham Town Band.
Highlights on the Bank Holiday Monday include vintage vehicles on show from Brixham Battery, live music from the 1940s era and even a vintage tea tent featuring wartime recipes. This is also Kid's Day with beachside events and storytelling.
Great seafood, cider and ales at BrixFest
You certainly won't go hungry at BrixFest with the many charming restaurants and cafés that Brixham is known for. Fish and chips, ice cream cones, crab sandwiches and cream teas can all be found around the harbour along with plenty of fish and seafood cooked fresh by local chefs.
It's hard to do justice to all that is happening in this great festival. If you're in the area, it's well worth planning your bank holiday weekend to include some of the BrixFest events. You can't go wrong with great music, hearty food and lively entertainment for all ages and interests. As locals know, driving and parking in Brixham is always tricky so I recommend using the Park and Ride at the top of the town if you plan to attend.
Do you live in Brixham or know the town well? What do you enjoy most about BrixFest? We'd love to hear your experiences and comments, particularly if you have been involved in the festival in any way.
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.