Festivals in Devon and Cornwall 2018

From big beats to hippy hideaways. From woodland wonderlands to beach bonanzas. From foodie delights to maritime merriment. And from artistic affairs to fairy fiestas.

There are so many popular, family-friendly, weird but wonderful festivals in Devon and Cornwall. The counties really do have a party for every occasion!

Check out the ultimate list of all the festivals taking place in Devon and Cornwall this year. Don't forget, we have 11 hotels throughout the South West if you'd like accommodation to go with your favourite festival.

Festivals in Devon and Cornwall

MARCH

Falmouth Spring Festival

Falmouth

15th March - 2nd April

This vibrant community-orientated event is the first main festival of the year that celebrates everything Falmouth. As profiled on the BBC’s Great British Garden Revival programme, this wonderful early season festival brings together the Falmouth community like no other with an explosion of colour, life and activity to the town.

APRIL

Grinagog Festival

Torquay, Devon

20th – 22nd April

From award-winning festival producers Continental Drifts, the musical heart and soul behind Glastonbury’s Shangri-la, Bestival’s Caravanserai, Boomtown’s Ballroom Stage and Wilderness’ Carousel, comes a still new and fresh addition to the Spring Festival calendar. Enjoy a world-class music festival in the beautiful seaside town of Torquay for a weekend of escapism and adventure. With headline acts such as Big Narstie, Macka B and Craig Charles it will transform even the most jaded festival goer into a tropical, grinning party lover!

Porthleven Food Festival

Porhtleven, West Cornwall

20th – 22nd April

Porthleven Food and Music Festival, now in its tenth year, is a well-established event on the festival calendar. The festival brings around 30,000 people together in and around the stunning harbour port of Porthleven with national and international chef’s theatre, food stalls, street food, music day and night and entertainment for all.

Trevithick Day

Camborne, West Cornwall

28th April

Camborne celebrates local engineering genius and inventor Richard Trevithick (1771-1833). The streets play host to local trade stalls, choirs, brass bands, clowns, buskers, musicians and dancers, along with live theatre and an impressive celebratory convoy of vintage vehicles, model exhibitions and fairground rides.

MAY

Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature

Fowey, South Cornwall

11th – 19th May

A highlight of the regional calendar and one of the most significant festivals in the UK, it promises an equally impressive line-up of literary and musical talent at a wide range of locations in and around one of Cornwall’s most scenic riverside settings.

The Festival is inspired by the famed author Daphne du Maurier, who spent a large part of her life in and around Fowey with its panoramic views over the river, busy with boats, ferries and water taxis, and beyond to the open sea.

Dart Music Festival

Dartmouth, Devon

11th – 13th May

An annual three-day music festival now in its 21st year. 'The Music for All' policy means over 100 performances spanning almost every musical genre will be performing throughout the town in a variety of lovely venues from pubs to churches. And all for free!

Pigstock

Westward Ho!, North Devon

12th-13th May

The Hoosiers will be headlining this event, alongside Laid Blak and Right Said Fred. As ever, Pigstock brings the best of the early summer vibes, a family-friendly one day festival with children’s area with free entertainment, street food stalls, VIP area perks and lots of fun things to see and do. It's also moved home, to the always popular family attraction, The Big Sheep. Now over two days, the Sunday is a chilled time to enjoy the attractions and live music of the venue.

St Ives Food and Drink Festival

St Ives, Cornwall

11th – 13th May

Taking place on the iconic Porthminster Beach, this year promises even more culinary experts, attractions and a wide variety of local beverages and food. There will be a wonderful range of artisan producers to tickle your taste buds and keep your appetite stoked. As well as a fantastic range of activities and entertainment which promises fun for all the family.

Lostfest

Lostwithiel, Cornwall

20th May

LostFest is an eclectic mix of entertainment. There will be music and dance all over town plus stalls selling arts, crafts, antiques and food. Plus catch live demonstrations and workshops throughout.

SkyBar

Croyde, and other venues around the South West

25th - 27th May and other dates

For those who enjoy a cold drink on a warm evening in a beautiful location then the SkyBar is for you. Starting in Croyde on the 25th, then moving to Watergate Bay, Stoke Gabriel in Torbay, Exeter, Polzeath, St Agnes on the North Cornwall coast and Chew Magna in Somerset at various dates through the summer you'll find these pop up tents at photo-worthy spots! In the tents will be a selection of excellent music and plenty of drinks to compliment the awesome sunsets.

Expect purpose built stretch marquees, street food al fresco style and refreshing drinks whilst the Sky Collective DJs will get the evening going with some chilled, sunset, sky session sets. "The very best music, your mates and a great location - SkyBar is a limited-capacity, exclusive night out not to be missed."

Hijacked Festival

Double Locks Exeter, Devon

30th May

Hold It Down and Thick As Thieves are honoured to headline the next chapter of Hijacked Festival. Having quickly cemented itself as one of the South West’s most forward-thinking dance music festivals, the 2018 edition of Hijacked is ready to prove once again that Devon knows a thing or two about hosting unforgettable parties.

The Masked Ball

Porthleven, Cornwall

25th – 27th May

Featuring internationally renowned DJs and live bands alongside the majority of Cornwall’s top DJs each Masked Ball is curated with passionate detail resulting in legendary nights out. The Ball actively raises money for a number of local causes including The Porthleven Christmas Lights Fund, SAS and the PANTS charity based in Falmouth.

Bude and Stratton Folk Festival

Bude, North Cornwall

25th – 28th May

The Folk Festival is a friendly mix of folk concerts, workshops and themed events held annually on the late May Bank Holiday weekend. It features dance displays, music and song all based in and around the North Cornwall coastal town of Bude.

Fal River Festival

Falmouth, Cornwall

25th May – 3rd June

This fantastic 10 day celebration is a not-for-profit community festival which encompasses over 150 events varying from music and drama, the arts and heritage plus gig racing, swimming, walking and lots more.The festival was established in 2006, so it will be running for its 13th year in 2018. It's a chance to embrace the places, people, history, culture, sport and industry that are connected by this very Cornish river. With its diverse mix of events taking place at dozens of locations around the Fal River, the festival offers something for everyone and is the perfect opportunity to engage with life on the river and discover some of its fascinating history.

Open Studios Cornwall

Different locations around Cornwall

19th May – 28th May

The 14th annual Open Studios Cornwall is a free art event, 2017 was the biggest year yet with 293 artists, designers and crafters primed to showcase their extraordinary talents to the public. If you’re an art aficionado, or simply relish the opportunity to peek behind the curtain of unique studio spaces, you’ll discover the inspiration, personality and processes behind emerging and established artists. Just follow the iconic orange Os to step into a world of creativity.

BrixFest

Brixham, Devon

26th – 30th May

BrixFest is a multi-award-winning festival held annually in the beautiful fishing town of Brixham, Torbay over the Whitsun May Bank Holiday weekend. Each year they celebrate Brixham with live music, fireworks, dragon boat racing (with over ten teams already signed up), free children activities, a heritage trail and cooking demonstrations!

The 2018 event promises to be the best one yet. By popular demand, the Jet Ski display team, which wowed the crowds in 2016, will be performing off Breakwater Beach on the 28th. Saturday 26th promises to be a highlight with the live cookery demonstrations by acclaimed local chefs, including Mitch Tonks, scheduled in the morning; and a host of live bands have been booked to perform in the afternoon and evening. It ends with a magnificent fireworks display.

BrixFest will be opened by a true local hero Mary Thompson, chairman of Pride in Brixham. Then Brixham Town Band will take to the stage to ensure the four-day event gets off to a rousing start.

JUNE

Exeter Respect

Belmont Park, Exeter

30th June – 1st July

Exeter Respect is the city’s annual celebration of diversity where we use the performing and creative arts to engage the wider community in saying no to racism and all forms of prejudice. Belmont Park will be covered in beautiful decorations produced by a range of schools, community and youth groups. There will be activities and performances representing every part of Exeter’s culture, which is becoming more diverse year-on-year, with something to see or do for participants of all ages and backgrounds.

Royal Cornwall Show

Wadebridge, North Cornwall

7th – 9th June

This agricultural event attracts approximately 120,000 visitors annually, making it one of Cornwall's major tourist attractions. Events include: Judging of farm and domestic animals, sheepdog trials, riding competitions, driving displays, falconry, games and sports, craft show and live music. Given its royal status it's not unusual for a senior member of the Royal Family to attend the show. A familiar sight is Prince Charles who is acknowledged to be a keen supporter of the farming community.

Lemonfest

Newton Abbot Racecourse, South Devon

8th – 9th June

This independent, self-sufficient festival has no VIP areas or sponsors. This two day event promises big names and is supported by BBC introducing. Also to keep you entertained there's space hopper racing, fairground rides, real ale and cider bar and a few more surprises!

Electric Beach Festival

Newquay, Cornwall

16th – 17th June

With a change of location for 2018 the festival will now be held at The Chy Bar & Kitchen and The Koola Club. With headline acts Badly Drawn Boy and Cuban Brothers this years festival is still sure to be a hit.

Teignmouth Folk Festival

Teignmouth, Devon

22nd – 24th June

The Teignmouth Folk Festival is a huge music event that attracts large crowds to this beautiful town with its wide variety of exciting entertainment. There will be concerts and performances, workshops, dance acts and even a 'meet and greet' with some of the artists.

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival

Falmouth, Cornwall

22nd – 24th June

The town will play host to hundreds of hours of free to attend shanty performances, with only the special Gala Concert ticketed, and proceeds going to the RNLI. Falmouth will be filled with music, singing and infused with a great community spirit.

Falmouth Classics Regatta

Falmouth, Cornwall

22nd – 24th June

Three days of a relaxing rally of Classic Sailing Craft and other traditional vessels, including Pilot Gigs and Motor Boats. Time to enjoy like-minded company whilst enjoying gentle, but competitive, racing.

Goldcoast Oceanfest

Croyde, North Devon

15th – 17th June

The GoldCoast Oceanfest midsummer weekend is all about good times, great music, surfing, keeping fit and looking after the environment set in the stunning Croyde Bay. With headliners, Chase and Satus, Jess Glynne and Razorlight announced and many more to come, it’s bound to be a good fun-filled weekend in a breath-taking setting.

3 Wishes Faery Festival

Mount Edgecumbe House, Cremyll, Cornwall

15th – 17th June

The award winning festival attracts festival goers from around the globe for its music, walkabout fairytale performers, camping, free workshops and activities all based around a faery theme and includes a 'Fairy World Record' attempt! The rules are simple, each fairy must be wearing wings and a tutu, and they must be holding a wand, this is a truly unique festival!

Eden Sessions

The Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall

6th June – 5th July

The Eden Sessions are a series of live music festivals held in the summer in the spectacular setting of the Eden Project. The beautiful site with its natural acoustics draws world-class artists to give amazing performances that many regard as among their best, here what is scheduled in so far:

6th June: Gary Barlow
15th - 16th June: Massive Attack
20th June: Björk
23rd June: A Beautiful Day Out
5th July: Jack Johnson

Tunes in the Dunes

Perranporth, Cornwall

8th June – 10th June

Protoje, UB40 Ali Astro Mickey and Gypsy Queens are among the headliners of this wonderful festival set on the beautiful golden sands of Perranporth beach in Cornwall. With a back drop of scenic cliffs and sand dunes, this will be a truly unique event where you can enjoy an ice cold beverage with your feet in the sand and the ocean only a stone's throw away.

Let’s Rock Exeter!

Powderham Castle, Nr. Exeter

30th June

With a fabulous line-up of artists to bring you the very best of the 80s, and an action packed day of general 80s madness, there is plenty to do for everyone at this family friendly festival!

JULY

Glas-denbury Music Festival

Denbury, Devon

6th – 7th July

Glas-Denbury is a family friendly music festival in a beautiful Devon setting with a team committed and passionate about creating a little piece of magic for everyone, whether you are a seasoned festival addict or are just dipping your toes in the festival scene! “A proper pucker decent down to earth happy smiley local music festival."

Wonder Fields

Near Exeter, Devon

29th June – 1st July

Wonder Fields promises to take “people on a journey through the Wonder Fields of undiscovered sensory delights. Feeding imaginations and filling the minds of the next generation musical talent and new age artistic creations”.

Fresh foods, ciders and mojitos, a healing field with massage and morning yoga. “Bring your children and friends to frolic in the rolling hills of Devon and marvel at the magical wood threaded with fairy lights.”

Tropical Pressure Festival

Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Cornwall

13th – 15th July

Three packed days of live music, food, dance, film and craft. This intimate, family friendly event, with camping in the Eco Park's spacious grounds overlooking the sea, will come alive with the sounds, sights and flavours of three continents.

Uniquely, the festival is 100% vegetarian with a World Street Food Market offering freshly prepared meals and snacks from around the globe. "Tropical Pressure is a great example of how to run a world music festival. It’s also a sure-fire way to put a smile on your face.”

Green Man Day

Pilton, North Devon

21st July

Pilton in Barnstaple, North Devon comes alive with street performers, a pageant, entertainment, crafts, food, the flower festival, music, treasure hunt and a concert.

Chagstock

Chagford, Devon

20th – 21st July

Set on the edge of Dartmoor, this event was originally the brainchild of a group of friends who rigged up a few tents in a garden, this party has grown thanks to the good vibes and good feelings of friends into a sell out event with an attendance of 5,000.

Charlestown Regatta Week

Charlestown, St Austell, Cornwall

21st – 27th July

Regatta week is an annual tradition bringing together the local community, residents and visitors alike, to enjoy a variety of live music, competitions, pasty demonstrations, raft races, water sports and classic favourites such as the children’s sports, a Grand Carnival and flora dance procession.

ZestiFAL

Falmouth, Cornwall

27th – 29th July

ZestiFAL celebrates Falmouth’s healthy outlook and lifestyle showcasing a whole range of different activities inviting the public to have a go including: Pilates, Zumba, tennis, climbing, hockey, circus skills or paddle-boarding.

Port Eliot Festival

Port Eliot, Cornwall

26th – 29th July

“An annual celebration of words, music, imagination, ideas, nature, food, fashion, flowers, laughter, exploration and fun.” This eccentric- natured festival takes place each summer in the woodland gardens and park of an ancient stately home and mediaeval monastery in South East Cornwall.

Kozfest

Uffculme, Devon

27th – 29th July

An old school style intimate festival with two stages, bar, food, chillout, 'Wally's Place', 'Sacred Area', stalls, entertainment and a communal bonfire on the Saturday night.

AUGUST

Sidmouth Folk Week

Sidmouth, South Devon

3rd – 10th August

A unique week-long seaside celebration of music, dance and song taking place in the charming East Devon regency coastal resort. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors to over 700 diverse events with a promise of ‘something for everyone’, from major league concerts to small intimate sessions, from ceilidh dancing to lively roots parties, from family entertainment to youth-centred masterclasses, from social dance to colourful dance displays.

Falmouth Week

Falmouth, Cornwall

10th – 19th August

Six days of match racing for keelboats, traditional craft and dinghies in the waters off Falmouth Bay, the Carrick Roads and the harbour. There will be a Champagne Day, a race for the big yachts with a 25 mile coastal course finishing in the inner harbour, whilst smaller boats race in the Carrick Roads. On the shore activities include a Red Arrows display, themed party nights, the Animal Bike Tour Show, Cornish crafts market, street theatre and dance while in the evening you’ll find a great line up of music acts and much more.

Boardmasters

Watergate Bay, Newquay, Cornwall

8th – 12th August

Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Chemical Brothers and George Ezra are among the artists for this beachy event! Cornwall’s surf and music festival welcomes festivalgoers to enjoy five days of thrilling surf competitions at Fistral Beach as well as a weekend of explosive live music on the stunning headland of Watergate Bay.

Dartmoor Folk Festival

South Zeal, Devon

10th – 12th August

A packed programme of concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, song and music sessions, a children's festival, craft displays, folk service, a Dartmoor ramble and much more.

Love Summer Festival

A family festival in deepest Devon

10th – 12th August

Held in a Devon meadow complete with a river in a woodland setting, this festival offers music, a dedicated children's area, holistic and healing areas, separate camping areas for quiet camping and much more.

Beautiful Days

Escot Park, Devon

17th – 19th August

Beautiful Days is the Levellers' family music festival with six stages, site art, a huge children’s area, comedy, theatre, family camping, licensed real ale bars from Otter Brewery and a great choice of food and craft stalls.

SEPTEMBER

St Ives September Festival

St Ives, Cornwall

8th – 22nd September

“Two weeks of great music, exhibitions, walks, talks, workshops, films, comedy, theatre, plays, stories and poetry.” There are lots of free entry art exhibitions along with dancers, musicians, shanty crews and performers who entertain in the town’s streets and pubs. Locally themed plays and musical shows are put on in the theatre, walking tours on the area’s history take place throughout the festival and there are drop-in art classes led by professional artists in mediums such as textiles and life drawing.

Looe Music Festival

Looe, Cornwall

21st - 23rd September

For one weekend the Cornish coast is awash with music as sounds weave from the beach through the picturesque fishing port, onto the street corners and into the pubs. Revellers enjoy stellar line-ups and unexpected magical moments.

OCTOBER

Dartmouth Food Festival

Dartmouth, Devon

19th – 21st October

The Dartmouth Food Festival is back for 2018 with a tempting mix of delicious regional food and drink, chef demonstrations, workshops, lively food debates and fun for all the family set in the beautiful estuary town of Dartmouth.

Somersault Festival

Devon

This is a bit of a mystery. Somersault Festival was a hugh hit three years ago with popular artistics such as Jack Johnson, Ben Howard and Bombay Bicycle Club performing at this chilled out family festival. A new festival on the scene it instantly boomed with popularity as locals and holidaymakers alike could enjoy the happy vibes. There's been no activity in the last two years but the website says "Somersault is unique, a genuine holiday with the best festival imaginable at it’s beating heart."

It adds: "We want to thank you, our devoted audience for your patience - we are excited for the next step and look forward to rewarding you all in an exciting new location."

So who knows when or where the next Somersault Festival will take place, but we can't wait to find out.