Festivals play an important part across the South West in the last few months of the year. There continues to be a host of different events you can attend from food and drink and music and literary festivals to name a few. Some are free to attend while others require tickets. Why not combine driving a section of South West 660 with one of these listed below?
Don’t forget to check on the organisers’ websites to get the most up-to-date information and how to book.
Bridport Hat Festival: 2 September
A celebration of all things hat, including music and different competitions for all kinds of inventive headwear.
Dorset Country Show, near Dorchester: 2-3 September
A celebration of Dorset’s rural life. Expect cattle, pigs, sheep shearing, Shetland pony racing, food and drink area, crafters avenue, vintage tractors and the world’s largest monster trucks.
Swanage Folk Festival: 8-10 September
A weekend of fun featuring top folk artists performing all around the town and seafront. There’ll be concerts, workshops, craft fair and traditional dance displays.
SeaFeast, Weymouth: 9-10 September
Award-winning Dorset Seafood Festival SeaFeast offers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the superb seafood available to us just off our wonderful shores.
St Ives September Festival: 9-23 September
A 15-day festival of music and arts at various locations around St Ives. Listen to music, visit artists’ open studios, watch films, attend workshops, or take a guided walk.
Taste East Devon: 9-24 September
Taste East Devon showcases the best the region has to offer as renowned producers, chefs, restaurants and venues join forces in this celebration of culinary delights. Expect foodie tours and tastings, workshops aimed at all ages, food demonstrations and much, much more at venues all around East Devon.
Plymouth Sea Fest, Barbican & Sutton Harbour: 16-17 September
A celebration of the sustainably caught fish and seafood on offer in Plymouth. It will include trader stalls, tasty treats, refreshments and a cookery demonstration theatre.
Appledore Book Festival: 15-24 September
As one of the biggest cultural festivals in Devon, the Appledore Book Festival attracts world-class authors, speakers and performers. Its aim is to increase the enjoyment of reading and encourage creative writing through inspirational events.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival: 20-24 September
This five-day event features some of the most exciting writers, thinkers, experts, and opinion-formers. Expect a host of different writers to choose from, including fiction, biography, history, travel, nature writing, and science, with lively panel events and workshops for writers and crafters.