Sidmouth Folk Week

Sidmouth springs to life every summer when Sidmouth Folk Week arrives, drawing visitors in their hundreds to join the fun. If you love live music, then this is the East Devon event for you!

The week sees a programme packed with live acts and musicians in the picturesque town, as well as the many stands that unfold for the crafts and fayre that also join the fun.

If you do manage to tear yourself away from watching the many acts during the week, you’ll have the chance to browse the music-related wares and join the many events for children too.

Exmouth Winter Carnival

The Illuminated Exmouth Winter Carnival is one of the most beautiful East Devon events. One winter’s evening every year is illuminated with a procession of floats adorned with thousands of twinkling lights!

There is an annual competition for the best float, and the locals work hard throughout the year to dazzle the crowds as they pass in October. Children will be delighted with the many floats and the characters that ride them, and if there’s one event in East Devon where you won’t want to forget your camera, this is definitely it!

Topsham Town Fayre

Topsham Town Fayre lasts for a week every August, and there’s no avoiding the community spirit that goes into making this one of the nicest events in East Devon! The fayre runs for a week each summer, and of the many activities and events to take part in the highlight is the yearly carnival procession through the town’s streets.

Whether you’re visiting or a resident, young or old you’ll be welcome to choose your fancy dress and join in the fun. The carnival is by far the biggest annual event in Topsham, and thousands flock to the town to enjoy it year after year.

Lympstone Furry Dance

Lympstone’s annual Furry Dance has bought fun to the village every summer since 1933. The day includes a range of events and activities, but the highlight sees residents and visitors don Victorian fancy dress and dance through the streets of the village – making a lovely sight as they go!

There is also a children’s parade, live music, a dog show, fairground attractions and much more. If you’re planning a stay in the charming village of Lympstone, it’s well worth timing it to see this unique East Devon event,.

Tar Barrels

Bonfire night sees one of the most famous annual event in East Devon take place in Ottery St Mary, near Exeter. The village becomes filled to the brim as crowds gather to watch the thrilling sight of men running through the narrow streets carrying flaming barrels of burning tar on their backs!

This event is free, although you will be charged to park within the village, and it’s not one for those who don’t like crowds as it’s an informal tradition where anything can happen. One thing’s for certain, you’ll never see anything like it again!