The Red Arrows
South Devon has many festivals, events and regattas over the summer months such that there is always plenty to do whether you’re a visitor or resident. Highlights of this year’s events include:
July
Ways with Words 8th - 18th July
A vibrant and joyful 10-day event, a chance for those who read books to meet those who write them. The setting is glorious, the atmosphere is invigorating. People come together in spectacular surroundings to share the pleasure and power of language and ideas. 2016 is their Jubilee Year - the 25th Anniversary. The programme for the 2016 festival is available now – visit www.wayswithwords.co.uk
Brixham Hap'nin 2016 8th - 9th July
Welcome to Brixham's party in St Mary’s Park! 2 days of live entertainment from local bands and tribute acts! Headlining on Saturday 9th at 9:30pm will be NUTTYness an excellent Madness tribute band. So breakout your best pair of baggy trousers, two tone shirt and pork-pie hat for Ska is coming to Brixham this summer! More details of acts on www.brixhamhapnin.org
The Kingsbeer Festival 2016 15th – 17th July
The 3rd annual beer festival (now named KingsBeer Festival) run by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company. If you travel to the festival via the steam train (valid, on the day ticket must be shown) then entry is free!
The beer festival is on the embankment at Kingswear and has uninterrupted, panoramic views of the River Dart. You can sample fantastic beers sourced from across the UK. There is live music on Friday evening, all day Saturday (plus the evening) and all day Sunday. There will be late trains on both Friday and Saturday so it's so easy to get there and back without the car. www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/beer-festival
Kingsbridge Fair Week 16th- 23rd July
A week of events with live music, fireworks and different events for all ages. With a carnival and lantern parade at the end of the week. Visit www.kingsbridgefairweek.co.uk for information on the full programme of events.
Totnes & District Show 31st July
Totnes Show attracts thousands of visitors, young and old and there is something for all of them! This year they have exciting demonstrations, displays and parades in the main ring. Building on the popularity of previous years the Acoustic Music Stage will run again with a variety of local talent to be enjoyed. Elsewhere on the showground watch out for the sheep, cattle, horses and show jumping classes where there is stiff competition for trophies and honours. Other animals to be seen include poultry, rabbits and dogs.
Amongst a whole host of other things, there’s a Home & Handicrafts marquee, Craft Tent, Food Hall and a large Trade Stands section offering a wide choice of goods and services. www.totnesshow.com
Paignton Festival (formerly Torbay Carnival) 25th -31st July
The Paignton Festival is a 9 day event organised mainly on Paignton Green by a team of dedicated volunteers. The event has been running for over 100 years and started off as a 1 day event and procession which has now progressed into a 9 day event packed with free fun for all the family. The event includes: live entertainment, day and night; Fun Fair; Craft Marquee and an arena filled with acts throughout the day such as Majorettes, Clowns, and much more. Two fantastic firework displays to light the skies with mind-blowing patterns and colours and a procession of some of the best floats in Devon and the surrounding area. The annual PARTY ON THE GREEN has been confirmed to be taking place this year on Saturday 23rd July. All money raised during the carnival events goes to support local charities. www.paigntonfestival.com
Dartmouth Shakespeare Week 26th - 30th July
The Inn Theatre Company presents William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. As usual, it takes place in the open air at Dartmouth Castle (and in St Petrox Church if wet). Tickets are available from the Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre (01803 834224) and online via www.theinntheatrecompany.co.uk.
August
Salcombe Town Regatta 31st July - 6th August
Regatta Week transforms Salcombe bringing a carnival atmosphere with fun things to do and watch on and off the water. Last year events included sailing, air displays, processions and fireworks, parachuting teddies and fancy dress competitions and even a sandcastle competition for the kids. For a whole week events are themed on or around the town’s relationship with the sea and there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
Torbay Steam Fair 5th - 7th August
Torbay Steam Fair celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year and what started as a small one day static display of Steam and Vintage vehicles in a field off Berry Head in Brixham has now grown to become one of the largest events in Torbay.
The show now encompasses all forms of Steam – from the agricultural engines used by farmers to the majestic and ornate Showman’s Engines of the vintage fairgrounds and all things in between and in all sizes.
If steam engines are not your thing there is so much more to do and see – from Vintage & Veteran Cars, Motorcycles, Tractors and Commercial Vehicles and Military Displays to Models & Crafts, Children’s Entertainment, Refreshment Tents and Live Music – the list goes on.
Now held over 3 days at Churston (just off the main road to Brixham) it makes a fantastic day out for all the family. Moree information at www.torbaysteamfair.co.uk
Dittisham Regatta 13th August
A fun- filled family event welcoming locals and visitors alike, both on and off the water. www.dittisham.org.uk/regatta.asp
Totnes Carnival 15th - 20th August
Totnes Carnival features traditional events throughout the week – children’s fancy dress, 5-A Side football and the challenging but fun ‘Odd Object Competition’. Grand Carnival Procession on Saturday 20th August.
Plymouth Firework Championships 16th-17th August
Started in 1997 this annual competition allows professional display companies to demonstrate their skills. Plymouth became the favoured location providing a natural amphitheatre where large scale pyrotechnics can be used safely and watched from a variety of points around the harbour and Sound. The Championships have grown hugely and are now recognised as the premier annual display in the UK, attracting tens of thousands to the city. www.britishfireworks.co.uk
Paignton Regatta 6th - 14th August
Paignton Regatta is a good old-fashioned week of traditional seaside fun, mainly taking place on and around Paignton Green. Now in its 169th year see www.facebook.com/paignton.regatta for more information.
Torbay Royal Regatta 19th - 24th August
This regatta first took place in 1813. A host of events now includes sailing events, rowing championships, funfairs, fireworks and a 10km run. The run takes place on the 21st and fireworks on the 22nd. For more events go to www.torbayroyalregatta.co.uk
Dartmouth Royal Regatta 25th - 27th August
Dartmouth’s premier event – more information on the official regatta website - www.dartmouthregatta.co.uk. Rowing and sailing events, the Red Arrows, air displays, the Regatta Ball, the famous fireworks, competitions, tug of war; the list of activities is endless.
September
Kingsbridge Show 3rd September
Celebrating its 135th year at Borough Farm, last year’s show attracted nearly 10,000 visitors. A fantastic day out for all the family offering classes in Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Homecraft, Young Farmers, Horticulture, Floral Art and Domestic pets. In addition to this there are over 100 Trade Stands, 70 Craft stands, 20 local food and drinks stands, Kingsbridge Children's Youth Market, Children's Pets Corner, Donkey rides, Vintage and Modern Tractors, Live Folk Style Music, a licensed bar and a wide range of main ring attractions. Plenty of free parking. www.kingsbridgeshow.co.uk
Fishstock Brixham 10th September
Thousands of visitors regularly enjoy tasting the delicious seafood and marvel at the live theatre cooking demonstrations with some of the English Riviera’s most famous chefs. There’s a big music stage with a vibrant programme of live entertainment, visits to working fishing trawlers and heritage vessels on the quayside plus lots of fun activities for the children. There will be local food and drink producers, a wide range of maritime display stands and lots of fascinating insights into the marine environment. The event is held in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission which overlooks the Fish Market. You can see expert demonstrations - watch fishmongers and chefs prepare and cook fresh Brixham fish. Buy and try - sample some the ocean's bounty with the finest of South West food and drink. www.fishstockbrixham.co.uk
The International Agatha Christie Day 15th September
The International Agatha Christie Festival has become a biennial event with the next festival taking place in 2017. This year there will be an Agatha Christie Day in celebration of the author’s birthday. Details can be found at www.agathachristiefestival.com