This weekend, the town will be buzzing with excitement as the Exmouth Festival returns to town.

Founded in 1997 by town councillors Eileen Wragg and Jean Mitchell, the festival started with a shoestring budget of a few hundred pounds. Since then, it has evolved through various phases and locations, but in 2023, it will take place its original home in Manor Gardens and the Strand, while also exploring new ground at Sideshore.

Festival organisers Exmouth Town Council will welcome people to the festival with a wide array of activities, ranging from music and dance to theatre and art. To plan your weekend, download the free festival app. It's the best way to stay up-to-date with the latest information, including any schedule changes, handy maps, links, and important alerts.

With such a large lineup of performances, choosing what to see might be a challenge. While many of you are familiar with our local headliners, such as Pattern Pusher and Sound of The Sirens, keep an eye out for some other local bands: The Old Time Sailors, The Dead Reds, Mellowmatic, and Brass Rascals. Don't miss out on the up-and-coming band The Kabins.

Take advantage of the free workshops and activities on offer to have a go at a craft or try something new.

All festival sites are licensed and will have festival bars run by local businesses. The organisers kindly request your support for the fantastic food and drink traders who play a crucial role in supporting the festival. In Manor Gardens, a small personal supply of alcohol is allowed to be brought in to keep the event accessible to all. Exmouth Town Council ask that everyone respects the rules in place – for more details, please check out the festival FAQs.

Lastly, safety is a top priority, especially in a family-oriented and community-driven event like ours. If you've been drinking, please stay out of the water and enjoy the festivities responsibly. Let's keep the atmosphere clean and serene for everyone's enjoyment!