You might think with the last bank holiday until Christmas coming up, that the calendar might start to look a little bare, but you’d be wrong! There are still plenty of activities and events to enjoy in and around Sidmouth!
September
Sidbury Fair
On the outskirts of Sidmouth is the village of Sidbury, which sits alongside the River Sid and every year, hosts a traditional fair that has origins dating back as far as the 1290s! Featuring a host of traditional and modern activities that draw huge crowds each year. If you missed out on experiencing the Hot Pennies in Honiton, there is another chance to see it in action here. Though these days the pennies are warm rather than hot and are thrown on the ground rather than at people, it’s still a nostalgic activity that forms part of the fair.
This year’s Sidbury Fair runs between 9th – 17th September.
Sidmouth Walking Festival
Sidmouth and East Devon Walking Festival is an annual event that allows you to really enjoy the region’s beauty. Full of a week of free guided walks, as well as additional walks around the East Devon Way, there is something for everyone here.
The programme for this year’s walks is available here and individual walks can be booked via the TIC.
This year’s Sidmouth Walking Festival runs between 14th and 20th September.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival
With a host of popular writers and speakers, including the Rev Richard Coles and Rick Stein, the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is one of the top literary festivals in the UK.
Tickets are on sale now and you can find details of the full programme on the festival’s website here
This year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival runs between 18th and 22nd September.
October
Sidmouth Science Festival
Taking place every year to mark the birthday of Ada Lovelace, the woman behind many of our modern computer programming, Sidmouth Science Festival is made up of several activities across the town that cater for all ages.
Usually, known scientists and experts in their field come to host talks and workshops around interesting themes – plus most of the events are free to attend, so this is a great one to have in your diaries.
This year’s Sidmouth Science Festival runs between 4th – 13th October.
Budleigh Salterton Carnival
Fun for all the family, Budleigh Salterton’s annual carnival returns this October with floats from across East Devon and plenty to entertain.
This year’s carnival takes place on 5th October.
Honiton Carnival
Enjoy a parade of floats through Honiton town centre as part of the annual carnival.
This year’s carnival takes place on 28th October.
November
Ottery Tar Barrels
No one quite knows how the Ottery Tar Barrels came to be, though many think it originated with the Gun Powder Plot – whatever the story, every year on 5th November tar barrels are set alight and carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary in a procession leading to a huge bonfire.
This is one of the biggest events in the South West, and visitors make their way to Ottery for the spectacle in their thousands, so make sure to book your trip in advance to avoid missing out!
This year’s Ottery Tar Barrels will take place on 5th November.
Sidmouth Christmas Light Switch On
Get in the festive spirit in Sidmouth town centre with the annual light switch on event, full of chances to grab last minute gifts, enjoy local entertainment and see the lights come on.
Date TBC but will be in November
Looking for more things to add to your calendar? Keep an eye on our what’s on pages!