Hatherleigh Festival returns with a week of music, arts and family fun
Hatherleigh Festival is set to return this July with a packed programme of live music, family entertainment, street food, workshops and community events, attracting visitors from across Devon and beyond
Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Hatherleigh next month as the town's annual festival returns with a packed programme of live music, family entertainment, workshops, food and community activities.
Running from 6 to 12 July, Hatherleigh Festival 2026 will transform the town centre into a vibrant celebration of arts, culture and creativity, with entertainment taking place across multiple venues.
Organisers say this year's festival offers something for all ages, from internationally acclaimed musicians and community performers to storytelling, crafts, street food, theatre and family activities.
The weekend's live music programme will see performances from a diverse line-up of artists. Afro-Brazilian percussion group Mocean will bring their high-energy rhythms to the Town Square, while Exeter Jazz Orchestra returns following a popular appearance at last year's event.
Festival-goers can also enjoy performances from Matt Tanner, Dave Holwill and six-piece band Diving for Pearls.
Headlining Saturday evening will be internationally renowned Jamaican reggae artist Da Fuchaman and his Fire Blaze Band. Known for music rooted in spirituality and positive messages, Da Fuchaman has built a reputation for energetic live performances and will close the main music programme before late-night sets from DJs Steve Attfield and Theo Fields.
Alongside the music, visitors can enjoy a wide range of family-friendly attractions.
The Felicity Footloose Show will bring acrobatics, juggling and comedy to the square, while the Puppet Roadshow Cabaret and a special Hatherleigh-themed Punch and Judy performance promise entertainment for younger audiences.
Storyteller Borage will present the Slavic folk tale The Frog Princess, while the travelling Museum of Roadside Magic will offer visitors a chance to explore the folklore of travel and transport through interactive exhibits and costumes.
The festival also celebrates local creativity and craftsmanship.
Street market stalls will showcase the work of local makers, jewellers, bakers, artists and vintage traders, while workshops will include silver pendant-making and children's textile activities.
Food remains a major attraction, with the return of "Hatherleigh Does Street Food", featuring a selection of pop-up kitchens serving dishes from around the world.
A festival barbecue on Sunday will round off the weekend, with all profits helping to support future festivals.
The programme also includes community events such as an open-air Churches Together service, an open mic session for local performers and visits from shire horses Harvey and Willow.
In addition to the main programme, the festival will host a special concert by internationally acclaimed pianist Tyler Hay on 15 July.
Described by International Piano magazine as "phenomenally good", Hay will perform a programme of ragtime rediscoveries and classical favourites by Chopin, Beethoven and Schubert at Hatherleigh Methodist Church.
Festival organisers say the event continues to be made possible through the support of volunteers, sponsors and local businesses.
While the majority of activities remain free to attend, organisers are encouraging visitors to purchase limited-edition festival wristbands, which act as the festival's primary fundraiser and help ensure the event can continue in future years.
Further information, booking details and the full programme are available at the festival website.