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by Sarah Howard / News
Thanks to our lively local communities, there’s an impressive programme of annual events in South Devon, from quirky village festivals to major regattas. Here’s a quick guide to what’s on in South Devon in 2024, focusing on the region’s biggest events.
Use the quick links below to find South Devon’s events at a certain time of year, or read on for the full lineup of our favourite events happening in 2024.
Sunday 5th May 2024
A fun filled time for all the family, Salcombe Crabfest is a jam packed one day event. Entirely free to attend, head to Island Street (and navigate across the breadth of Salcombe itself) to enjoy this unique food festival. You’ll find an incredible array of chef and crab picking demonstrations, live music, a buzzing street market and a wealth of local food and drink producers with sumptuous goodies to enjoy.
Learn more on the Crabfest website
16th – 18th May 2024
One of the biggest events in the county calendar, Devon County Show is a premier agricultural show, packed with endless entertainment. From fascinating livestock competitions to an award-winning children’s farm, culinary demonstrations, and fluffy animals to cuddle, there’s so much to see and do!
View the full show programme here
17th – 19th May 2024
Over 100 live acts perform in this family-friendly three-day event, for which an array of indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the town are repurposed as music venues. Free to attend, the Dart Music Festival features some of the best upcoming and established musical talent in the region.
View the Dart Music Festival website
31st May – 2nd June 2024
The Kingsbridge Food and Music Festival combines mouth-watering street food with a line-up of live music on Squares Quay. The purpose of this free event is to throw a party for visitors and residents of Kingsbridge, a pretty market town in the South Hams.
View the festival line-up here
30th June – 5th July 2024
Races of this class of sailing boat in Salcombe became so popular that a separate regatta was set up to accommodate all the entries. Find out more about this week-long event from the Salcombe Yacht Club website.
12th – 13th July 2024
After last year’s success, we are excited to announce that the creators of Tunes on the Sands are returning to Blackpool Sands! Whilst the full line-up is yet to be announced, you can expect a weekend that is jam-packed with major national and international acts, cocktails, a silent disco and art installations. Set to be a highlight event, we can’t wait to head to the beach for the ultimate festival experience this summer.
View the lineup and book your tickets on their website
20th – 27th July 2024
Kingsbridge Fair Week is the oldest festival in the region, with roots going back to the early 13th century. Events include a raft race, 10k run, carnival procession and lantern parade, along with the coronation of the Kingsbridge Fair Week Queen and Princesses.
30th July – 3rd August 2024
Every summer, the Inn Theatre Company performs Shakespeare at a stunning spot by Dartmouth Open Air Castle. In the event of rain, performances are moved to the adjacent church, so there’s no need to let the weather put you off!
Visit the Inn Theatre Company Facebook page
28th July 2024
A traditional agricultural show with a 100-year-old history, this one-day show is one of the biggest in the county. Expect all the traditional animal displays, as well as live music, chef demonstrations, tractor pulling and trials bike shows! There’s lots more information on the Totnes Show website.
11th – 16th August 2024
Salcombe Yacht Club Regatta comprises a week of entertaining races across a wide range of classes. For those interested in entering a race, the Yacht Club has put together a detailed FAQ here.
Click here to discover more events at Salcombe Yacht Club
3rd – 10th August 2024
Salcombe Town Regatta is the biggest annual event in this popular holiday destination, featuring street food, live music, races on and off the water, lots of kids’ activities, and a firework display to finish it all off.
23rd – 26th August 2024
Look forward to a weekend of family-friendly fun on the beach in beautiful Hope Cove this August. See pictures from last year’s Hope Cove weekend on the official Facebook page for information about what to expect.
Visit the Hope Cove Weekend website
29th August – 31st August 2024
One of the most anticipated annual events in the county, Dartmouth Regatta serves up three days of rowing and sailing races, aerial displays, street food, artisan stalls, live music, kids’ activities, firework displays, and more.
Discover the Dartmouth Royal Regatta website
7th September 2024
Another South Devon event that’s very much rooted in tradition, Kingsbridge Show goes back over 130 years. Go along for a full day of activities, attractions, competitions and live entertainment that celebrates the countryside.
View the Kingsbridge Show website
25th – 27th October 2024
The Dartmouth Food Festival consists of three days of culinary workshops, demonstrations, talks and opportunities to taste the best of the South West. Featuring some of the biggest names in food and drink, including writers Jay Rayner and Suzy Atkins, the festival has been called a top-10 UK food event by the Guardian newspaper.
Read our blog on Dartmouth Food Festival
Date TBC
Start the countdown to Christmas on the right foot, with this atmospheric event that takes place around Dartmouth’s Royal Avenue Gardens. The highlight for kids is the arrival of Father Christmas by boat at the Quay, while the mulled wine always goes down well with the adults.
7th December 2024
Kingsbridge’s answer to Candlelit Dartmouth is this one-day event featuring a farmer’s market and an array of festive stalls – the perfect occasion to kick off your Christmas shopping in this friendly market town.
Read our article on the best Christmas markets in South Devon
We hope you’ve found our guide to what’s on in South Devon in 2024 useful. Why not time your break around one of these fantastic events? Or if you’re visiting at another time, check out this blog on things to do in South Devon throughout the year.
Coast and Country Cottages offer a wide range of self catering accommodation all over South Devon. From modern waterside apartments to cosy period cottages, you’re sure to find the right stay for you. We also have plenty of cottages that are dog friendly, so your waggy-tailed friends don’t miss out on any adventures!
by Sarah Howard / News
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