Big Devon Events

Did you know that some of the UK's biggest events take place in Devon? With airshows, firework championships and more, wherever you are in the county, there are fantastic events taking place every day. Whether you're into music, food, sport, culture or spectacular displays of fireworks and planes you'll find a big event to tempt you down to Devon (you can find accommodation here).

Take a look at our rundown of some of Devon's biggest events - then follow the links below to find many more.

British Firework Championships in Plymouth

Every year in August, Plymouth's waterfront is the scene of the jaw-dropping British Fireworks Championships. This spectacular two day programme of displays start at dusk, but from early evening there's also music, entertainment, stalls and a funfair at Plymouth Hoe.

Live music in Devon

Throughout the year there's lots going on for music fans across Devon - see our full rundown of music events here. But those that draw the biggest crowds include: Goldcoast Oceanfest (June) - three days of waterfront music and beach sports in Croyde; Beautiful Days (August) - a 16,500 capacity family-friendly weekend festival at Escort Park, managed by the Levellers; and watch out for international artists performing at Exeter's Westpoint venue throughout the year.

Food Festivals in Devon

Devon's a huge draw for foodies, so it's unsurprising that some of the UK's biggest and best annual food festivals happen here. 
See here for more Devon food events

Ottery St Mary's tar barrels

For reasons lost in antiquity, every year on November 5 huge flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary – and thousands turn out to see this quite uniquely Devon spectacle.

Spots events in Devon

Devon has a huge array of sports events throughout the year. Some of the biggest include regattas such as the Royal Dartmouth and Royal Torbay, national and international rugby fixtures at Sandy Park, home of Exeter Chiefs, and the Tour of Britain cycle race which draws huge crowds when it passes through Devon.

The Devon County Show 

The Devon County Show is of course a highlight of the calendar - it's three days of farming, food and fun in May. That's not the only agricultural show you can enjoy in the county, you'll also find the Honiton Show, the Mid Devon Show and the North Devon Show, where you can enjoy a host of family friendly entertainment and see local farmers showcase their produce and livestock. 

Book festivals in Devon

Look out for the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival and Appledore Book Festival, both of which welcome celebrated authors and personalities during September/October. Elsewhere there is the Agatha Christie Festival, which takes place around Christie's birthday in the English Riviera. You can also expect to find the Tavistock Book Festival and a host of other literary events throughout the year. 

Want to keep in budget? Find free events across Devon