Theatres

There is a host of entertainment all year around in Sidmouth and the wider Sid Valley including an extensive programme of theatre and music performances.  

The entertainment scene in Sidmouth attracts everyone from professional touring performers to local talent. The Sidmouth Societies regularly produce musicals, drama performances and concerts as well as the much loved Christmas pantomime. They, along with performers from further afield make up the events calendar throughout the year.  

The Manor Pavilion Theatre 

Sidmouth’s main theatre venue is the Manor Pavilion Theatre which can be found on Manor Road. The theatre and arts centre is a beautiful and popular location in the heart of the town where there is a full calendar of performances and workshops at affordable prices, from the interesting to the familiar and everything in between. The theatre seats 277 people and is open all year around covering all aspects of entertainment. The programme includes plays, musicals, comedy performances, concerts, variety shows, dance shows, pantomime and professional ballet performances.  

In keeping with Sidmouth’s historic charm, the theatre hosts the UK’s last standing weekly Professional Repertory Season every summer, where 12 plays are presented in 12 weeks.  

The strength of its events means that the Manor Pavilion Theatre attracts visitors from all over the UK.  

You can download the guide with information about all upcoming performances here. To book tickets or for more information, contact the box office on 01395 514413. 

Summer concerts 

During the summer months, the Connaught Gardens are the place to be for live music. Every Sunday evening, the historic band stand in the Connaught Gardens are graced by the Sidmouth Town Band performing a number of popular songs.  

Connaught Gardens and other open spaces in Sidmouth also play host to a variety of festivals that take place in the town annually. For instance, the Sidmouth Folk Festival continues to draw visitors from all over the country and usually takes place in the last week of July and the beginning of August at Blackmore Gardens, the Esplanade and other public spaces. The festival has been running for over 60 years and continues to bring traditional music and dance to the west country.  

You can find details of all the events that are taking place in Sidmouth and the surrounding area here.  

Much loved community events 

The community in Sidmouth work together to put on a range of events that are much loved and add to the town’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere. In September, residents and visitors alike gather in the streets to watch the annual carnival, while 26th December is the annual Boxing Day Swim where crowds swarm onto Sidmouth’s seafront to brave the water. 

The surrounding area also has a host of events that are easily accessible from Sidmouth. Salcombe Regis is just a few miles away and their Country Fair is a popular annual event. The event is a great opportunity to find a bargain with the customary Bargain Hunt, a Grand Draw and plenty of family friendly activities including music performances and more to keep the whole family entertained. Every year the event raises money for a local good cause, with totals exceeding £10,000 in recent years. Families will also love the annual duck race which takes place on the River Sid.  

Many of the Sid Valley’s big events end with a bang with an incredible firework display.  

Tickets for many of the events and festivals that take place in and around Sidmouth are available from the Tourist Information Centre. Either call in to the centre on Ham Lane or email tic@sidmouth.gov.uk to find out more.