Big Devon Events

British Fireworks Championships — Plymouth's Spectacular Annual Display

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

Live Music Events & Festivals in Devon

Throughout the year, lots are 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 Escot Park, managed by the Levellers; and watch out for international artists performing at Exeter's Westpoint venue throughout the year.

Food & Drink Festivals in Devon

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

Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels — A Bonfire Night Like No Other

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 unique Devon spectacle.

Sports 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.

English Riviera Airshow — World-Class Aviation on the Devon Coast

Devon is home to one of the most spectacular free airshows in the United Kingdom. Held annually over the English Riviera, the English Riviera Airshow draws tens of thousands of visitors across two days of breathtaking displays set against the stunning backdrop of Torbay. The programme features the world-famous Red Arrows alongside a full lineup of military and civilian aircraft, with the sweeping bay and seafront promenade providing one of the most dramatic natural viewing areas in the country.

Entry is free, and with Torquay, Paignton and Brixham all within easy reach, there's no shortage of places to eat, drink and stay over the weekend. Accommodation on the English Riviera books up fast around airshow weekend — plan your stay in Devon well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Devon County Show — Three Days of Farming, Food & Fun in May

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. 

Literary Festivals in Devon — Authors, Culture & Ideas

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