Living in Exeter

Events and festivals

Exeter and the surrounding area throw several events and festivals throughout the year, the least of which are covered here. It’s worth keeping an eye on listings, as Exeter has a seemingly endless parade of events, especially in the summer months. There is so much to see and do during these festivals, and there is so much more to be said about these few that have been mentioned. Take a look at those below, and then go and discover these and others for yourself.

The Devon County Show

This 3-day event held yearly in May is a huge draw for people from across Devon and the country. Held at Westpoint Arena on the outskirts of the city, the show displays include animals, local food and drink, flowers and gardens, and arts and craft stalls.

Aside from this, a small arena shows a packed programme of entertaining country activities like ‘falconry on horseback’, or more daring exploits such as ‘flying motorbikes’ – and the list continues. The multitude of stalls help contribute to bringing the traditional and rural Devon to the modern city of Exeter.

Ottery St Mary

This is not to be missed. On Bonfire Night, people run through the streets of Ottery St Mary carrying flaming barrels of tar. A unique spectacle that attracts thousands of people, it’s a quirk of the local area. If someone suggested such an idea these days it wouldn’t get far, as you can imagine, so it’s a wonderful opportunity to see local heritage still being exercised.

The Students’ Guild and certain University societies normally run coaches on the day, so it’s easy to get to, even if you haven’t got a car. If you want to go under your own steam or not on bonfire night, then you can get bus no. 60 from Exeter city centre.

Balls

Throughout the year there are several balls, some on campus, some off-site, that grab student attention. Look out for these as they are usually fantastic occasions where everyone gets dressed up and lets loose.

The Freshers’ Ball, usually staged a couple of weeks after Welcome Week, is your first taste, closely followed in the Autumn Term by The Safer Sex Ball. Held to raise money for AIDS charities, the ball is legendary around Exeter, and around the country. The costumes based on a varying theme are often outrageous, and it’s a night that people never forget.

The Powderham Ball, held at Powderham Castle is another popular event for students. Held in May when the beautiful expansive grounds of the castle are carpeted with open bars, food stalls and fairground attractions, it’s the most stylish of all the balls.

After the exams you can attend the Summer Ball, an all-night affair that features a survivors photo at dawn the next day, or if it’s your last year, the Graduation Ball is your final chance to experience the Exeter party scene before you leave, but that’s a long way off yet...

Don’t forget your societies, who often throw their own balls towards the end of the year, and some University halls of residence do likewise.

Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink

Based in Northernhay Gardens and Exeter Castle, this annual festival held in April brings regional food and celebrity chefs to Exeter. It’s worth a visit for all the free samples on offer, and to see celebrity chefs go head to head in cooking challenges to produce the best dish.

On the Friday and Saturday evening there is also live music during the Blackthorn and Tribute Festival After Dark, and beer tents pour plenty of local ales and ciders. The food available throughout the weekend is superb, and includes hog roast, paella, pies, oysters, and vegetarian options.

Exeter festivals

Every year, Exeter hosts several festivals, the main one of which is Exeter Summer Festival, a fortnight in June devoted to a series of events including dance, music, theatre, exhibition, circus, comedy and poetry. The festival continues to grow with numerous venues across the city taking part, staging performances or acting as galleries. There's also the Autumn Festival, Respect Festival and Vibraphonic.

Animated Exeter

Running for a decade now, Animated Exeter is a festival of animated work from around the world, and encourages participation with professionals. The week-long event is a great opportunity to go and see some of the short films on offer or even to volunteer and be a part of the process. With events throughout every day during the week, it’s easy to pick and choose things that interest you, right in the centre of the city. There are screenings if you want to sit back and enjoy, or practical workshops if you want to get involved. Whether you’re interested in film or animation or not, the festival represents an enjoyable opportunity to get to the front of the Exeter arts scene.