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Sidmouth Literary Festival

Every year Sidmouth welcomes bibliophiles from all over the country to the town’s literature festival, a celebration of all things bookish with workshops, talks and of course, the chance to buy bestsellers and obscure titles alike. The festival has taken place every summer since 2015 after being founded by Wayne Winstone, owner of Winstone’s Books (of which there is a branch in the town), Di Bowerman, Jane Corey and many others who are both fans of books and work in the industry.

Devon, and by extension, Sidmouth, has long inspired authors and poets with its beautiful scenery and fascinating history, making this region the best for hosting Literary Festivals. The world’s most famous crime writer, Agatha Christie is from the county and J R R Tolkein who has wowed generations with his Lord of the Rings books had a holiday home in Sidmouth, at which he wrote some of the story’s best loved passages. If that wasn’t enough of an indication of the region’s credentials, the Regency feel of the town is almost like stepping into a Jane Austen novel – perfect for a weekend talking about books!

Sun, Sea, Books

Sidmouth Literary Festival – Sun, Sea, Books is the must visit event for anyone who loves reading, writing or generally being creative. Each year, the festival brings big names in publishing to Sidmouth for two days of fascinating discussion.

Taking place at venues all over the town including some of the grand Regency hotels, local churches, theatres and other iconic venues, you’re never too far away from a bookish activity when visiting Sidmouth in June. Previous attendees of the festival have included authors such as Adele Parks, Bryony Gordon and Terry Waite, with workshops and activities ranging from how to get published to where to find inspiration and motivation to write your own bestseller. The 2019 line-up included Sidmouth’s own author Jane Corry who was joined by Lesley Pearse, the multi best selling author and Ruth Ware.

Activities that won’t break the bank

While there are some aspects of the festival that carry a charge many of the events and workshops are free to attend – you can find out more about the most recent news and details about prices on the festival’s official website: sidmouthlitfest.co.uk

Tickets for Sidmouth Literary Festival events are also available from Winstone’s book shop on Sidmouth High Street or online here, Sidmouth’s Tourist Information Centre on Ham Lane and Sidmouth Library which is on Blackmore Drive.

For more information, email sidmouthlitfest1@gmail.com or visit one of the above.

Never too many books

If you are a big fan of books, Sidmouth’s Literary Festival is the place to be this summer, but it isn’t the only bookish event you can enjoy. Nearby Budleigh Salterton also has an annual literature festival which has been running for over ten years. The Festival is supported by author Hilary Mantel who is the Honorary President and regularly appears at the festival to speak on panels and run workshops.

Find out more information here.

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Ongoing Events

Salcombe Regis Coffee Mates

Type

Type:

Community

Salcombe Regis

Come and join us, meet new friends, enjoy a tea or coffee, company, conversation and optional activities. Everyone very welcome.

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2021to7 Dec 2021
Sidmouth Lions Santa Activities

Type

Type:

Christmas

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2021to10 Dec 2021
Connaught@Christmas

Type

Type:

Christmas

Sidmouth

Brand new family-friendly illuminated experience at Connaught Gardens high above the sea at Sidmouth. There are nine different zones to see within the gardens which make use…

Dates

From:

7 Dec 2021to12 Dec 2021
Sidmouth Poetry Readers

Type

Type:

Poetry & Literature

Sidmouth

The Sidmouth Poetry Readers meet at Kennaway House on the second Wednesday of the month, 10.00-12.00. Visitors and new members are welcome!
This is our programme for the…

Dates

From:

8 Dec 2021to8 Dec 2021
Sid Vale Association Free Zoom Quiz with Nigel Hyman

Type

Type:

Virtual Event

All about people and places in the Sid Valley who have been mentioned in SVA publications. For log in details go to http://www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk and follow the links…

Dates

From:

8 Dec 2021to8 Dec 2021
Sid Valley Memory Cafe

Type

Type:

Community

Sidmouth

A social meeting place for people with memory problems, their family and friends.

Dates

From:

8 Dec 2021to8 Dec 2021
Sidford W.I Evening Meeting

Type

Type:

Christmas

Sidford

Members please book by telephoning 01395 519390 or 579725 to reserve a place. Entertainment with Sue King. Competition a Christmas Wreath, handmade any medium.

Dates

From:

8 Dec 2021to8 Dec 2021
Bingo Christmas Special

Type

Type:

Competition/Game

Cash prizes. Everyone welcome but guests and visitors £2. Further

Dates

From:

9 Dec 2021to9 Dec 2021
Sidmouth Men's Forum Christmas Afternoon Tea

Type

Type:

Christmas

Sidmouth

Dates

From:

9 Dec 2021to9 Dec 2021
J&S Dance & Music

Type

Type:

Christmas

Everyone welcome but guests and visitors £2. Further

Dates

From:

10 Dec 2021to10 Dec 2021
Christmas Coffee Morning

Type

Type:

Christmas

Entrance £1. Raffle, homemade cakes, books, bric a brac, cards, Fair Trade. Large car park. In aid of Church Funds.

Dates

From:

11 Dec 2021to11 Dec 2021
'Must Be Mad' Live Music

Type

Type:

Community

Everyone welcome but guests and visitors £2.

Dates

From:

11 Dec 2021to11 Dec 2021
Sid Vale Carnival Club - Coffee Morning

Type

Type:

Food and Drink

In aid of Carnival Club funds.

Dates

From:

11 Dec 2021to11 Dec 2021
Dick Whittington

Type

Type:

Performance

Sidmouth

Dick Whittington
presented by Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society Ltd This year's panto sees an hilarious and up to date version of Dick Whittington. New faces and old…

Dates

From:

18 Dec 2021to30 Dec 2021
LAU

Type

Type:

Music

LYME REGIS

28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
For the first time in over a decade, Lau present an entirely acoustic tour. The pioneering Scottish folk trio have always experimented…

Dates

From:

18 Feb 2022to18 Feb 2022
Keswick in Devon

Type

Type:

Talk or Lecture

Sidmouth

A stimulating and challenging week of Bible teaching, worship and prayer attracting people from all over the UK. A main speakers Marcus Honeysett and Amy Orr-Ewing will be…

Dates

From:

7 Mar 2022to11 Mar 2022
Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival

Type

Type:

Jazz

Sidmouth

“Good music is good no matter what kind of music it is.” Miles Davis
For more information about our hugely exciting plans for the Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues…

Dates

From:

1 June 2022to5 June 2022
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival 2022

Type

Type:

Event

Sidmouth

More information coming shortly.

Dates

From:

17 Sept 2022to23 Sept 2022
Friends of the Byes Community Group

Type

Type:

Community

Sidmouth

Meet on Saturday mornings. 10am - 12 midday. New volunteers welcome. Please call Kati on 07817 041239, email FOTByes@ gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.

Dates

From:

15 Oct 2022to15 Oct 2022
Antique Valuations with Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood at Kennaway House

Type

Type:

Antiques

Sidmouth

Weekly art and antique valuations will return to Kennaway House:
Thursdays weekly, from 2pm-4pm

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021