What's on in Devon during May

13th May, 2023

HEADLINE ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2023 SIDMOUTH INTERNATIONAL JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL 26 – 29 MAY

Four World – Class headline acts have been announced and tickets are now on sale for the 2023 Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival which takes place from 26 to 29 May.

The 2023 programme includes four headline evening concerts and three days of wonderful free music on the festival’s dedicated outdoor stage at Blackmore Gardens.

The acclaimed and multi – award winning American singer, saxophonist and composer Curtis Stigers opens the festival on Friday 26 May, and you can expect to hear hit songs such as ‘I Wonder Why’ and  ‘Your All That Matters To Me’.

The British Acid Jazz giants, The Brand-New Heavies perform their unique blend of Jazz, Funk, and Soul on Saturday 27 May. The Heavies have lit up the UK music scene for well over two decades and have been responsible for some of the UK’s biggest R&B and Soul tracks with hits 'Never Stop, Don't Let It Go To Your Head’.

Blues heavyweight Chicago based Mud Morganfield performs on Sunday 28 May and is the son of the legendary Blues guitarist Muddy Waters who was brought up surrounded by many of the finest musicians. He is acclaimed and respected in his own right as a performer and singer by none other than the great Buddy Guy and Jools Holland.

Closing the festival on Monday 29 May, the legendary multi – award – winning British Jazz Saxophonist, OBE and CBE Courtney Pine performs his show ‘The House of Legends’ which is an exhilarating mix of Merengue, Ska, Jazz Fusion, Mento and Calypso music with Courtney's incredible band, quoted by The Telegraph as “Nothing short of breath-taking".

One of the festivals core commitments is to provide a wide and varied choice of free music which will take place in Blackmore Gardens from midday until late afternoon between 27 to 29 May.

The festival provides the platform for wonderful regional emerging and established music talent to perform to new audiences performing Jazz, Swing, Blues, Roots, Soul, Funk, Latin, and Cuban music.

Devon County Show - 18th - 20th May 2023

A great day out for all ages and its just down the road from Alpine Park Cottages at Exeter Westpoint. 

Enjoy the most mouthwatering food and drink the West Country has to offer at this year’s Show.  With an incredible array of food to snack on, food to take home, food to try and food to watch, foodies will not be disappointed.  Many of our food stands cater for vegetarians, vegans, gluten free diets. 

From Vintage Tractor Rally to the largest dog show in Devon.  You are sure to have a fun day out.  Further details can be found here