The end of 2024 has been bid farewell and to help you through the January blues, DevonLive has compiled together some of the great events that will be taking place in Devon this year.
A packed calendar of gigs, festivals, family-friendly fun and popular events have already been confirmed with many more yet to be announced.
A huge line-up of stars will be descending on Devon throughout 2025 including Olly Murs, Snowpatrol, Duran Duran, Fatboy Slim, Jack Dee and Paddy McGuinness.
For theatre lovers, great shows will be arriving from the West End such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang starring Liam Fo and Charlie Brooks.
Devon will also be hosting its usual popular annual events from festivals to Devon County Show, as well as exciting sports events and exhibitions.
Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival
Gabrielle performs on stage as American Express present BST Hyde Park in Hyde Park on July 02, 2022
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 26
The festival kicks off on Friday, May 23, with British music collective Soul II Soul, followed by singer Gabrielle performing the following day. Jazz singer and saxophonist Curtis Stigers will headline on Sunday, May 25, and American blues legend Eric Bibb on the final day of the festival.
A packed programme of music can be enjoyed throughout the day and evening throughout the festival, with more exciting acts to be announced in the coming months.
For tickets and more information, visit www.sidmouthjazz.com
Electric Bay Festival
Fatboy Slim
(Image: BristolLive)
Torquay, July 12 to July 13
Legendary DJ Fatboy Slim has been announced as the first headliner for Electric Bay Festival held against the backdrop of Torre Abbey Meadows. Other acts who will be performing at Electric Bay Festival are yet to be announced.
Fatboy Slim will perform on the Saturday night with a crowd of 9,000 people expected to attend.
For more details, please click here.
Tunes in the Castle
McFly will be playing open-air shows across the country.
(Image: GETTY)
Powderham Castle, near Exeter, May 22 to 26
Not only amazing Tunes but a dynamic Medieval mashup coming to the castle with Medieval Jousting and battle reenactments, with the music from Mcfly, Dizzee Rascal, the Ibiza Symphonica Orchestra and more.
For details click here.
Duran Duran
Duran Duran are playing in Devon for Powderham Presents
(Image: Nefer Suvio/PR image)
Powderham Castle, near Exeter, July 3
Legendary British band Duran Duran will be performing a summer show with support act Nile Rodgers and CHIC.
For details click here.
Basement Jaxx
Basement Jaxx will be coming to Powderham Castle in 2025
(Image: Jean-Luc Brouard)
Powderham Castle, near Exeter, July 4
The electronic dance duo will be bringing an energy-filled live show to the historic venue. The capacity is for 10,000 people.
The capacity is for 10,000 people. For tickets click here.
Beautiful Days
(Image: Steve Elcocks)
Escot, Ottery St Mary, August 15 to 17
The line-up for the annual independent festival, founded by the Levellers, will be announced in the new year. Highlights of 2024 included Richard Ashcroft, The Saw Doctors, Levellers, Richard Hawley, Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Damned, Lottery Winners, Toyah & Robert, Fisherman’s Friends, Hard-Fi, Inspiral Carpets, Badly Drawn Boy, Utah Saints and more across six stages.
Adult and children’s weekend ticket prices for 2025 will remain the same price as in 2024. For more details click here.
Gone Wild Festival
Gone Wild Festival 2022
(Image: InkPixel/Gone Wild Festival)
Powderham Castle, near Exeter, August 21 to 24
Headlining the Bear Grylls festival in 2025 will be Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Classical Ministry of Sound and Clean Bandit, with more acts to be announced. The festival will include over 100 activities for all the family.
For more details click here.
Let’s Rock Exeter
Matt Goss will be performing at Let’s Rock Exeter 2025
(Image: Submitted)
Powderham Castle, Saturday, June 28
The annual ’80s themed event is back with another great line-up. Squeeze will be headlining with other acts including Matt Goss from Bros, pop singer Kim Wilde, Go West, Bad Manners, Then Jerico, T-Pau, Jennie Bellstar, Pat Sharp, Thereza Bazar’s Dollar and Owen Paul, plus more.
For more details, please click here.
Devon Truck Show
Devon Truck Show
(Image: Devon Truck Show)
Smeatharpe Airfield, Honiton, May 23 to 25
The biggest truck show in the south west is back offering live music on all three nights, stunt shows, monster truck rides, food stalls, on-site bar and much. Camping is also available.
For more details, click here.
Paddy McGuinness
Paddy McGuinness’s stand-up show is set to happen at the Princess Theatre
Princess Theatre, Torquay, March 9
Paddy McGuinness is a much-loved presence on British TV, from his legendary acting roles in Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy and The Keith and Paddy Picture Show to presenting primetime TV shows such as Take Me Out and BBC’s Top Gear, as well as having sold out hundreds of venues across the country on his stand-up tours.
For details click here.
Jack Dee
Jack Dee
(Image: alison peters pr)
Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple, January 31
Comedian Jack Dee’s Small World delves into the frustrations and absurdities of modern life, exploring everything from the quirks of technology to the madness of everyday routines. Delivered with his signature grumpy charm, Jack takes the stage to offer his uniquely hilarious take on the world we all inhabit.
For detail click here.
Devon County Show
Devon County Show 2024
Westpoint, Exeter, May 15 to 17
The very best agricultural, horticultural, canine, equine and small animal exhibitors from around the county, south west and beyond will once again gather to showcase their exhibits.
For more details click here.
English Riviera Airshow
Red Arrows at the English Riviera Airshow
(Image: DevonLive/Mary Stenson)
Paignton Green, Paignton, May 30, to June 1
English Riviera Airshow is set to return this year for another full weekend of action packed displays and great activities. The two day show takes place on Paignton Green with the Bay providing a stunning natural amphitheatre for viewing the air displays and the perfect location for a large coastal airshow event.
The RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon Display Team, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Grob Tutor will be flying across both days of the Airshow.
For more details visit www.englishrivieraairshow.co.uk/
Brixham Pirate Festival
Crowds enjoying Brixham Pirate Festival 2024
(Image: DevonLive)
Brixham Town Centre, Brixham, May 2 to May 4
The annual Brixham Pirate Festival, with a crew made up of first-time brigands and buccaneers, takes place over the early May bank holiday weekend, and is a swashbuckling mix of seaside shenanigans and pirate-themed fun for all the family.
It is a free to attend. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged!
British Firework Championships
Smart Pyrotechnics vivid display at the British Firework Championships on Plymouth Hoe
(Image: PlymouthLive/Katie Oborn)
Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth, August 13 and 14
Look to the skies above Plymouth Sound as six top pyrotechnic companies showcase their very best work and battle to be crowned the champion, each putting on an extra special ten-minute display guaranteed to leave you awestruck.
Find out more on the Visit Plymouth website.
English Riviera Walking Festival
Various locations throughout the English Riviera, Torquay, June 14 to 22
Whether you’re a regular hiker, or an infrequent stroller, this new family and dog friendly festival will appeal to walkers of all abilities who enjoy exploring the Great Outdoors.
Designed and hosted by an enthusiastic team of professional local guides and enthusiastic volunteers we have created an eclectic selection of half day and full day guided walks, set within the Naturally Inspiring English Riviera including Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham.
To receive full details of the English Riviera Walking Festival Programme please email enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk
Plymouth Summer Sessions
(Image: Daily Record)
Plymouth Hoe, June 12 to 15
A star-studded line up of acts will be performing in Plymouth tis summer
James with Razorlight, Jamie Webster and Tom A Smith kicks off the Summer Sessions, followed by Pendulum, then The Corrs with Natalie Imbruglia on June 14. The last night will see Snow Patrol take to the stage.
For details visit https://www.smmrsessions.com/locations/plymouth
Olly Murs
Olly Murs is coming to Plymouth
(Image: Mark Hayman)
Plymouth Pavilions, April 24
Fresh from his nationwide tour as special guest to Take That in 2024, Olly Murs has announced a massive UK Arena tour for spring 2025. Blue will be special guests on the 16 date Arena tour kicking off in Plymouth.
For details click here.
BetMGM Premier League Darts
Darts fans during the 2024 BetMGM Premier League Darts at Westpoint Area on February 29, 2024 in Exeter, Devon. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.
Westpoint, Exeter, February 27
The world’s best darts players will go head-to-head on the oche, battling for the prestigious title. Get ready for the ultimate sporting spectacle—roaring 180s, wild celebrations, iconic 180 cards, foam fingers, and an electrifying atmosphere. This thrilling night will showcase eight elite players competing for TV glory and a £1 million prize fund.
For more details click here.
Titanic Exhibition
The wreck of Titanic
(Image: Xavier Desmier/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Westpoint, Exeter, October 15 to 31.
Discover items from the Titanic, including:
- Playing cards and handkerchief owned by first class passenger Elsie Bowerman.
- Titanic Stoker William James Major pocket watch
- Items from the wreck site, including a small piece of the Titanic’s hull.
- Chinaware and silverware used by first class passengers.
- Items from the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where the Titanic was built.
See items from survivors and those who lost their life, and discover their story. For more details click here.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
(Image: Devonlive)
Theatre Royal, Plymouth
May 6 to 10
A brand-new production of this much-loved family favourite stars Ore Oduba (Pretty Woman, Strictly Come Dancing winner, The Rocky Horror Show) as Caractacus Potts, Liam Fox (Emmerdale) as Grandpa Potts and Charlie Brooks (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, EastEnders) as the Childcatcher.
For more details click here.
Radiohead by Candlelight
Exeter Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the ancient city
(Image: Getty)
Exeter Cathedral, May 17
Step into an evening of candlelit excitement with London Concertante, with some of the best tracks from Radiohead albums. With swooping arches and incredible acoustics, this is Radiohead as you’ve never experienced it before.
For details click here.