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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

Craft Fair

Type

Type:

Arts and Culture

Sidmouth

Variety of craft stalls selling locally made crafts. Tea and coffee available.

Dates

From:

2 Oct 2021to2 Oct 2021
Sidmouth Science Festival

Type

Type:

Festival

Sidmouth

Sidmouth has been playing host to its own Science Festival for over five years and with each year, the event grows in popularity. The festivals each follow a new theme and…

Dates

From:

8 Oct 2021to17 Oct 2021
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 2021to15 Oct 2021
Ottery St Mary - Tar Barrels

Type

Type:

Show/Display

Ottery St Mary

14 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Every year, for reasons lost in antiquity, the Flaming Tar Barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary to the delight of…

Dates

From:

5 Nov 2021to5 Nov 2021
THE STRAWBS

Type

Type:

Music

LYME REGIS

28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Dave Cousin's legendary band originate from the 60s and traverse rock, folk, bluegrass, and prog. Former members include Sandy Denny,…

Dates

From:

27 Nov 2021to27 Nov 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
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
As the largest fine art auctioneers and valuers in the South West of…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021
Friendship Club

Type

Type:

Community

Sidmouth

For people over 50 living alone. The Royal York & Faulkner Hotel, Sidmouth. 2-4pm. Tea & chat £3. Monthly (1st Sunday). Make friends, lunches out, theatre, cinema, coach…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021
Sidmouth Museum Opening

Type

Type:

Local Culture

SIDMOUTH

Sidmouth Museum open to welcome visitors once again. New for 2021 - Sidmouth's Jurassic Coast, the Digital History of Sidmouth - From Fishing Village to fashionable Seaside…

Dates

From:

21 June 2021to27 Nov 2021
Sidmouth Voluntary Services Morning Cafe

Type

Type:

Food and Drink

Sidmouth

Tea/coffee/hot chocolate and toasted teacakes. Different activities and homemade cake with Lisa every Friday: bingo, armchair exercise, words in words/Scrabble, table…

Dates

From:

23 Aug 2021to1 Oct 2021
Guided Western Sidmouth Walk

Type

Type:

Nature Walk

Sidmouth

Tuesdays weekly, 10:30am. £2.50 per person (under 16s free).
Guided stroll around the Western side of town, hearing about a Royal Death, King Chit and the Field by the…

Dates

From:

24 Aug 2021to28 Sept 2021
Guided Geology Walk

Type

Type:

Nature Walk

Sidmouth

Wednesdays weekly - 2pm. £2.50 per person (under 16s free).
Along the Esplanade to learn about the Jurassic Coast, geology and formation. No booking required.

Dates

From:

25 Aug 2021to6 Oct 2021
The Oasis Drop In Cafe

Type

Type:

Community

All Saints Road, Sidmouth

Wednesdays weekly - 12:45pm - 2:15pm.
A warm welcome, positive conversations and a cuppa. COVID-19 regulations will be adhered to.

Dates

From:

25 Aug 2021to29 Sept 2021
Guided Eastern Sidmouth Walk

Type

Type:

Nature

Sidmouth

Thursdays weekly - 10:30am. £2.50 per person (under 16s free).
Discover the history of Blackmore Gardens and tunnels, the Poorhouse and Jail, Elysian Fields and a…

Dates

From:

26 Aug 2021to30 Sept 2021
Guided Tree Walk

Type

Type:

Nature Walk

Sidmouth

Fridays weekly.
Meet 10.30am for stroll through hidden paths and historic parkland. £2.50pp (under 16 free). c2hrs – fairly level walk on tarmac footpaths.

Dates

From:

27 Aug 2021to1 Oct 2021
Duplicate Bridge

Type

Type:

Community

Sidmouth

Mondays & Thursdays Weekly - 1pm for 1.30pm start Visitors welcome. Booking required: 01395 515524

Dates

From:

30 Aug 2021to7 Oct 2021
Whist Drive

Type

Type:

Community

Sidmouth

Mondays weekly - 2pm.
£3. All whist players welcome. Enquiries: 01395 514715.

Dates

From:

30 Aug 2021to4 Oct 2021
Rubber Bridge

Type

Type:

Community

Sidmouth

Tuesdays Weekly 1.30 for 1.45pm start. Visitors welcome. Enquiries : 01395 515524.

Dates

From:

31 Aug 2021to5 Oct 2021