If you’re local to Sidmouth, you’ll already be aware of the ongoing building works at Port Royal, but for those returning for the first time this year, it may come as a bit of a surprise when you visit the eastern end of the Esplanade.

The South West seafood chain Rock Fish has purchased the old Drill Hall at that end of the Esplanade (many of our long-standing regulars will remember it fondly as a venue for ceilidhs, admin, and more!) and is currently redeveloping the site, with a planned opening later this year. The purchase also included the adjacent shelters and public toilet block, which have been removed and replaced with a couple of chargeable public toilets.

Do not worry, the Festival continues to provide the usual toilet facilities for audiences in the Ham Marquee, and additional temporary public facilities will be available in the Port Royal area.

At that same end of the Esplanade the Lifeboat Centre is also undergoing building works, which are ongoing during the Festival period. As a result, the left-hand footpath is closed within our road-closure section, and a section of the Port Royal pedestrianised area is unavailable.

Despite these changes, dancing will still take place at the Ham end of the Esplanade, and you can still expect a great atmosphere and warm welcome at the Ham bar and catering outlets.

Thank you for bearing with us through this year’s changes. We’re looking forward to seeing the improvements in place for 2026!