at the heart of the town and the festival, peacock lawn is the place to be for children and families!
It’s a safe, secure and welcoming area where you can enjoy free daytime events and activities. Bring a picnic and stay for the day, or dip in and out of your favourite sessions. Expect music, theatre, dance, crafting, tried-and-tested favourites, and a sprinkling of magical surprises.
Tickets for Under 11s are FREE!
Whether you’re visiting for the day or here for the whole week, we’ve got you and your family covered. Check out our Families Guide for more hints & tips.
The 2027 programme will be out next year, however you can browse the Children’s Festival Programme from 2026 here, and get excited about summertime at the seaside!
Daytime Fun – Suitable for All the Family
All daytime activities and events are free of charge, though donations are welcome. Every penny helps us create a wonderful Children’s Festival each year. Daily Favourites for children, parents, grandparents and carers to enjoy together are all included in the packed programme.
Evening Family Fun
After a busy day, settle in as a family for brilliant evening theatre, music, storytelling or dance.
Evening shows are ticketed and season ticket families have priority. Child season tickets (0–11) are free. Tickets will be sold on the door where space allows. Children must be accompanied by ticket-holding adults.
Thank you
We would like to acknowledge our generous funders that helped keep the Children’s Festival free:
Keith Owen Fund, administered through the Sid Vale Association (2025) & Arts & Culture East Devon (2025, 2026).
If you’d like to support the Free Children’s Festival, please get in touch (Email Andy Griffiths, Local Sponsorship Co-ordinator)