Sidmouth Sea Fest 2026 will be a community event celebrating the coast, beginning with a fundraising evening of music, food, and drink on Friday, 15 May 2026.
The festival will continue with a full day and evening of free activities on Saturday, 16 May 2026, at Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth.
This vibrant day for all ages features community activities such as choirs, bands, dance, art, and a wide range of Marine and Green activities organised by local groups.
- Interactive marine workshops for children, featuring hands-on marine biology experiments, educational games, and engaging activities designed to spark curiosity about the ocean.
- Sustainable craft stalls, where visitors can explore handmade goods created from recycled or natural materials and participate in eco-friendly craft demonstrations.
- Live music performances, DJ sets, and a variety of local food and drink options, ensuring a lively atmosphere with flavours and sounds from the Sidmouth community.
The 'Marine and Green' festival will spotlight marine and natural environments, building on its reputation as a grassroots, multigenerational event supported and celebrated by the local community.
Festival Focus and Purpose
The festival will celebrate the beauty and importance of marine ecosystems, aiming to raise awareness and promote sustainability within the community. Sidmouth Sea Fest Marine and Green will feature activities designed to foster a deeper connection to the sea and inspire positive environmental action for the future.
Core Elements of the Festival
- Community Engagement: The festival encourages attendees to actively connect with the sea and participate in initiatives for a better future.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The event will prioritise reducing plastic use, promoting the use of recyclable materials, and utilising local resources.
- Cultural Celebrations: Traditional celebrations and performances will honour the sea, enriching the festival’s programme.
- Art and Creativity: Local artists will lead Creativity on the Coast activities and community art installations using natural materials to highlight art’s connection to the environment.
Together, these elements will create a vibrant atmosphere, cultivating appreciation for the natural world and motivating festival goers to embrace environmental stewardship.
Responding to Community Feedback
The 'Marine and Green' theme has been developed in response to feedback from previous event attendees and local organisations, who regularly provide activities before and during the festival. The theme aims to address environmental challenges faced by the coastal community through participatory activities, including talks, dance, music, food, recycling initiatives, and creative projects.
Building Stronger Communities
Sidmouth Sea Fest Marine and Green will bring together people of all ages and abilities, enabling them to celebrate, connect with nature, and engage with civic groups working toward shared environmental goals. By highlighting the value of collective action and fostering understanding across the community, the festival will strengthen relationships and build resilience in Sidmouth.
Alignment with Sidmouth Town Council Environment Policy
Sidmouth Sea Fest Marine and Green aligns closely with Sidmouth Town Council’s Environment Policy, which envisions the Sid Valley as a clean, green, and prosperous place to live and work—a model for sustainable living within a thriving natural environment.
