Exmouth Festival – Exmouth, England 2026
Overview
Exmouth Festival is a beloved free festival of the arts that bursts with creativity across the vibrant seaside town of Exmouth, blending music, theater, dance, film, literature, and family activities in a joyful celebration of community and coastal culture. Launched in its current town-wide format in 2023 by Exmouth Town Council, this not-for-profit event has quickly become a highlight of the summer calendar, drawing thousands for its diverse, accessible programming that transforms streets, beaches, and venues into hubs of fun. From live bands to circus workshops, it honors the town’s maritime heritage while fostering local talent and wellbeing, all at no cost to attendees. Visit exmouthfestival.co.uk for full details.
In 2026, the festival continues its evolution with a theme-inspired lineup of eclectic music from folk to hip-hop, alongside beachside theater, craft trails, and interactive specials, set against Exmouth’s sandy shores and Jurassic cliffs. Expect a carnivalesque opening parade, wild outdoor shows, and late-night jams that light up the esplanade, with plenty of chances to dance, create, and connect. Whether you’re a local or visitor, it’s a sun-soaked escape proving seaside towns host the best free-for-all fiestas.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Live music spanning genres like country, hip-hop, world beats, and local bands; theater and circus shows on the beach; film screenings and literary talks.
- Special traditions or features: Annual opening carnival procession; community sing-alongs and jam sessions; free workshops in music, dance, and crafts emphasizing family involvement.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Immersive beach theater with professional companies; urban sports and food stalls; art trails weaving through town for self-guided discovery.
Why Attend
Exmouth Festival sparkles with unpretentious energy, where you can groove to a seaside folk set one moment and join a kids’ circus workshop the next, all while dipping toes in the waves—far from ticketed toils, it’s a breezy bash for families or free spirits chasing summer vibes. The town’s promenade paths link venues effortlessly, with fish and chips as the perfect pit stop, making it an easy win for multi-generational magic. Visit exmouthfestival.co.uk for more.
This event’s community heartbeat keeps it free and fabulous, channeling volunteer spirit and council support to spotlight emerging acts while boosting local morale. You’ll leave with sandy shoes, new tunes on repeat, and the glow of shared spontaneity. In late July’s haze, it’s Devon’s delightful reminder that the best parties are the ones that welcome everyone.
Date and Duration
- Dates: July 23 – July 26, 2026
- Duration: 4 days
Venue and Location
- Main venue: Exmouth Esplanade and Beach, Exmouth, Devon EX8 2AZ, United Kingdom; the lively seafront hub for music stages, pop-ups, and theater with ocean views.
- Additional venues: Imperial Recreation Ground (EX8 1DG) for workshops; town center streets and halls for art trails and talks; all within a 15-minute walk in the compact coastal town.
- Google Maps address: Exmouth Esplanade, Exmouth, Devon EX8 2AZ, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: No tickets required—fully free event; donations encouraged via website or on-site; some optional workshops may have limited sign-ups via email.
- Admission type: Completely free for all events and activities.
- Ticket pricing in USD: $0 across the board; optional donations from $5 to support future festivals.
- Special seating or VIP options: No reserved or VIP—general access with volunteer-guided spots for families or accessibility; front-row beach seating first-come, first-served.
- Minimum and maximum pricing: Minimum ticket price: $0; maximum: $0 (free entry, donations voluntary).
- Additional ticket info: Download the free festival app for schedules and specials; groups encouraged to email for workshop priority.
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Contact Information
- Email: artsmanager@exmouth.gov.uk (for inquiries, workshops, and volunteering).
- Phone: +44 1395 276167 (Exmouth Town Council office for info).
- Website: https://www.exmouthfestival.co.uk (lineup, app download, and updates).
- Social Media: @exmouthfestival (Instagram and Facebook for announcements and live clips).
- Key Staff: Festival organizers via email; town council team for logistics.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via artsmanager@exmouth.gov.uk; volunteer sign-up for stewarding or workshops through website form.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; accessibility requests welcomed in advance.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Exeter International Airport (EXT, 12 miles, 20-minute drive) or Bristol Airport (BRS, 70 miles, 1.5-hour drive) with car hire or taxis.
- Public transport: Trains from London Waterloo to Exmouth (2.5 hours via Exeter); local Stagecoach buses from Exeter; festival shuttles from station to esplanade.
- Parking: Paid at Exmouth Beach car park (EX8 2AZ, $10/day) or town lots; limited free spots for volunteers.
- Other access: A376 from Exeter (10 miles); scenic cycling along the Exe Estuary Trail; pedestrian-friendly seafront.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: None; town-based with no camping, but nearby sites available.
- Hotels: The Imperial (Queen’s Drive, $120-180/night) or Premier Inn Exmouth (The Imperial Hotel, $90-140/night), beachfront with festival views.
- Caravan parks: Oakcliff Holiday Park (1 mile, $50-70/night) with hookups and shuttle access.
- Other stays: B&Bs like The Ship Inn (Exeter Road, $80-120/night); Airbnbs in Exmouth from $70/night; glamping at Jurassic Coast sites $100-160/night.
Reviews
- Pure seaside magic—free beach gigs and circus antics had the kids wild; Exmouth came alive with tunes and treats.
- Eclectic beats from hip-hop to folk under the sun; the art trail was a treasure hunt, left buzzing and broke-free.
- Family heaven with no-fuss fun—danced till dusk, discovered local gems; the best bang for zero bucks.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What makes Exmouth Festival unique among UK summer bashes?
Since its 2023 revamp, Exmouth uniquely floods a Devon seaside town with free arts from music to mayhem, rooted in coastal tales—unlike pricey fests. Its 4-day late-July whirl of workshops and wild shows funds community vibes via donations, with an app mapping the esplanade escapades. Beach theater and carnival kicks spotlight the Jurassic edge. Newsletter nabbers get 2026 teases—it's the shore's shout-out to spontaneity.
How family-friendly is the festival for kids and newcomers?
Supremely—zero cost means zero barriers, with kids' circus, crafts, and gentle music intros suiting all ages amid safe sands. Short beach sets dodge meltdowns, volunteers wrangle for workshops. Diverse lineup from shanties to street dance hooks beginners gently. It's a splashy starter, turning tots into trendsetters by the waves.
What's a typical festival day like?
Mornings splash with 10 AM crafts on the green, afternoons groove to 1 PM beach gigs and talks till 6 PM, evenings erupt at 7 PM music and theater till 10 PM. Stroll the prom for pasties and pop-ups, app steering the 50+ happenings. Over 4 days, it's a tidal rush of rhythms, romps, and revelry in Exmouth's embrace.
Are there accessibility accommodations for disabilities?
Yes—esplanade ramps and beach mats for wheels; volunteer guides from parking to stages. Free entry for companions, large-print apps available, quiet zones by the dunes. Disabled parking reserved, email for BSL or aids. It's the festival's wave-lift, welcoming all to the shore party.
How can I volunteer or support the festival?
Volunteering's breezy—email artsmanager@exmouth.gov.uk for stewarding, crafts, or beach aid, with training and seaside perks. Donors via site fuel the free fun, netting shouts and specials. Locals flock yearly, from jam hosts to parade pulls. Your splash sustains the spirit—join the list for 2026 calls, tuning Exmouth's tune.
